STEVE'S SUNDRIES: THE CHARMS OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD SHOP

Steve’s Books and Magazines—also known as Steve's Sundries—is nestled in the middle of a shopping center right where the Broken Arrow Expressway crosses over Harvard. It's the type of place that’s going out of style.

Corporate chains like Barnes & Noble—spacious, bright, and predictable—have taken a big place in our consumer consciousness. But there's a certain comforting charm in this little neighborhood shop that I’ve never found in a sterile chain store.

Under the same ownership for 59 years, Steve’s offers what seems like every magazine imaginable, along with paperbacks, candy, puzzles, posters, and other knickknacks. Cramped aisles are packed with goodies, the merchandise seeming to spill out, overwhelming the senses.

During my first visit, the air smelled heavily of dill pickles.

A soda fountain in the back, serving sandwiches, breakfast, sodas and shakes, attracts young and old alike, and allows for Steve’s catch phrase: “Whether you’re looking for shakes or Shakespeare, Steve’s is your place!”

I met the owner, Steve, by chance on my first trip, and he was more than eager to talk, shuffling to a corner to set down his cup of coffee and have a chat. He was quite proud of the fact that his store was the first of its kind to sell both books and magazines under the same roof.

Surprisingly, his relationship with bigger stores like Barnes & Noble is amicable, and he feels like more of a teacher than anything.

“I used to joke that we taught Barnes & Noble how to run a store,” he said with a chuckle.

Steve’s daughter-in-law, Joanie, currently owns half the store, and attributes its good business to regular customers.

“We have a very, very loyal clientele,” she remarked, telling me about the many women who come in daily to see what’s new. “It’s like Cheers without alcohol.”

Steve’s isn’t strong on designer atmosphere, but it has an old-fashioned feel that makes you feel good about supporting a local business. As long as they keep carrying The Onion, they can certainly count on my return.

--Caroline Richardson