What's next for the former smoke shop next to Ray's Candy Store on Avenue A?

Green World Convenience has been closed in recent months next to Ray's Candy Store on Avenue A between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. 

We got some closure, so to speak, last week: The Marshal paid a visit on Oct. 1, and the landlord is now in legal possession of the space.

The unlicensed shop opened last fall, and was pretty promotional with sidewalk boards advertising flowers, edibles and pre-rolls. 

The business was, until May 2023, known as East Village New Deli. Then, in June 2023, it returned without the deli counter... only to close again and reopen as another exotic snack shop/weed shop. 

We have no idea what might be next... how about: Bring back Alphabets!

Everything's gone Green

We are behind in noting all (and there are a lot) the recent comings and goings with smoke shops, like which ones closed, which ones closed and reopened, and which ones closed and reopened under a new name.

The smoke shop opened up next to Ray's Candy Store on Avenue A near Seventh Street nearly a month ago, though the signage for Green World only just arrived.

The sidewalk board (pic from Oct. 31, before the new signage but with festive balloonage) shows items for sale including flowers, edibles and pre-rolls...

The business was, until May, known as East Village New Deli ... then they returned in June without the deli counter... only to close again and reopen as another exotic snack shop/weed shop. 

The East Village New Deli returns without the deli

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

After nearly a two-week closure, the East Village New Deli has reopened at 115 Avenue A between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.

The space has been renovated, and the deli counter is no more. (Counter staff Joe and Munch are now working a few doors to the north at Avenue A Deli and Grill.) 

The focus now is on the usual quick-stop market items like water, soda, beer, snacks, etc.

Management also mentioned that they have three years left on the lease for the storefront.