Continuing my ongoing typological investigation into the corner store phenomenon, I now take you to the Northern Kentucky towns of Newport and Covington, their many corners showcasing conveniently located corner stores. Ahh, this is what I miss living in Over-the-Rhine!
There’s an emphasis on beer, phone cards, lottery tickets, and some mentions of “snacks,” whatever those might be. Some stores tout the availability of groceries but don’t mention specifics and have no produce stands outside. None of the NKY corner stores that I saw mentioned being open 24/7; many seem to be closed on Sundays as well.
In terms of urban life, NYC is, of course, my standard bearer. Look! Halal meats and Pakistani groceries anytime of day or night:
For comparison, here’s a sample ghost corner store in Over-the-Rhine:
And this one, which could perhaps reopen as a corner store:
One more point in favor of Northern Kentucky — entrepreneurial innovation! Behold the combo corner store/tanning parlor:
Department of Everyday Visualingual 
No replies? What?!?
Nice series, and it really highlights a lot of the charm that can’t be found in many urban areas anymore.
Do you ever get up to Norwood? They have a TON of these old buildings that had corner stores, though none of them are operating anymore.
Thanks, Kevin! Corner stores have become a bit of an obsession with me because, although they’re sort of mundane amenities, they really are convenient. If you run out toilet paper or have a sudden hankering for ice cream, corner stores fill those needs.
I’ve been to Norwood but never noticed empty corner stores; I’ll have to look more closely the next time I’m out there.
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