In recent years, the Deerfield convenience store has become an unassuming yet integral part of the Academy student experience. The store has undergone several significant shifts in function. Originally opened as an auto service station in 1991, the store provided gas for the local community; however, ten years after its opening, the store to shut down for several years due to a robbery. When the store reopened, the new owner rebranded it as a convenience store, recognizing that maintaining a car service station was no longer sustainable due to high maintenance costs and the need for technicians. This transformation allowed the store to thrive with new additions almost every month.

In response to the steady influx of Deerfield students, the store has seen a gradual expansion to its stock. While the store initially offered a few basic types of chips and drinks, it now offers a larger variety of products, reflecting student favorites. “Candy–all sorts of candy–is definitely the most popular among the students,” Store Manager Berin said, highlighting how the store’s selections have been reshaped by student preferences (the manager only shared his first name with the author of the article). The store frequently tests new products they find fit with the trends of purchases of the students, and the students are often the first to sample them. “Sometimes we give out free stuff to promote our new items,” he said.

Recently, the store made another addition to its offerings: an ice cream sundae station. Berin
credits his brother-in-law for the idea. “Everyone loves ice cream,” he said. Another recent addition, the sandwich station by the counter, has also been well-received.

The store’s proximity to Deerfield Academy and other local schools means that students have a substantial impact on the store’s business. “On this side of the town, there’s not a lot of residents, because it’s all private schools,” Berin explained, “the school buildings, most of the houses are owned by the school.” The surrounding community is small and has limited traffic, making the Deerfield students both important customers and valued friends.

Berin recounted how students typically come by after classes at around six in the evening or during weekends. He spoke warmly of the students, noting that “all of them are nice behaving, creates a welcoming community. I talk to them all the time, just like family. Some of the parents know us well too, over these years,” he said. Students, too, appreciate this friendly rapport; the manager’s familiar face and friendly mile makes this place a comforting extension to the campus.

The manager explained that maintaining the business has been difficult. However, he credits Deerfield’s students for helping keep the store open as they remain a constant source of income. Looking ahead, Biren has already developed plans for future enhancements that are already underway, with the addition of electric vehicle charging stations as a potential next step.