On Friday, May 30th, two bands will play a benefit show at Replicant Beer & Wine to support the new NE Glisan bodega-style convenience store, How Convenient. The show features the performers Wedding Singer and Friends with Salad, who will play from 6 to 8 p.m. within the bar at 7033 NE Glisan Street. In addition to hearing the live performances, attendees will receive one raffle ticket for every $5 they donate, with prizes provided by local businesses to support the new neighborhood general store.
How Convenient opened at 6016 NE Glisan Street in October 2024, just before the “slow time for retail,” as owner Nathan Carter recalled. Centered in the 1911-era storefront, the location appealed to Carter as a way to move on from a lifelong food service career into a rewarding community-serving business within walking distance of home. The shop is across the street from a gas station with its own market. However, Carter’s storefront offers a variety of products not seen in chain stores, better meeting area residents’ needs for walkable retail options. “I wanted all the things you expect; alcohol and nicotine are top sellers in stores like this. I’ll have those items and snacks and candy. But I also really love books, nail polish, greeting cards, and vintage clothes. So, I liked the idea of having a store that encapsulated all of that. It’s easy to pivot or add and subtract. The books aren’t money-makers, but people seem excited. I wasn’t sure if people would be excited by the sort of random stuff like books or makeup or tarot cards or whatever. They seem to like it, saying, ‘Oh, my God, you have everything.’ it feels validating,” explained Carter.
Initially, Nathan Carter found it challenging to find vendors that would work with an independent convenience store, but that has led to some unique brands. “Reaching out to some places, you know, they wouldn’t even respond,” Carter said. However, he used his connections in the food service industry to find supportive suppliers, reached out to other less-carried products with their own following, and found companies that were receptive to expanding distribution. “I have some odd chip flavors that people seem to really gravitate towards, like the Gudetama Salted Egg Yolk Potato Chips, which I keep having to rebuy because they go so fast. The Canadian chip flavors have been popular. People have told me that they come here to find stuff that you can’t get at a gas station or Plaid Pantry,” Carter explained.
The sub-900-square-foot shop already has a decent assortment, but there is plenty more space where products could fit. “I really want to just pack this place full of things so there’s not an empty wall or an empty spot on a shelf, which is part of the bodega vision,” Carter said. The only inhibitor to buying more products is building up a larger customer base. He tried stocking perishable items but found insufficient demand to avoid spoilage, cutting into the operating budget. The early slower sales and Carter’s desire to grow the business prompted people to support the shop in other ways during the challenging retail establishment phase. “It was a bit of a struggle. So my two best friends wanted to help and started a GoFundMe,” recalled Carter. Now, his supporters are looking to help more with the May 30th benefit show.
For Carter, community support has been one of the most encouraging parts of the seven-month journey of building a convenience store. “One of my favorite parts so far has been connecting with the immediate neighborhood and community. I already have beloved regulars, which is really sweet. Honestly, even just the general customer populace that comes in here is really sweet, which makes me feel like I’m in the right spot,” remarked Carter.
With the Friday show and GoFundMe, people can help support this young, queer-owned business to ensure it remains in the neighborhood. However, shopping there is the best way to help How Convenient grow into the community-supporting store its owner envisions. Carter is currently the only person working at the shop, which is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. He welcomes requests for new items and wants to provide people living and working in the area with a welcoming shop full of gifts and necessities that enhance their lives.
