Could the Empty Newsstand at 2nd Avenue F Station Become Vending Machine?

The newsstand nestled on the mezzanine level of the 2nd Avenue F station is dark. Shutters are drawn, as the last operator apparently went out of business months ago.

Now, the MTA seeks another newsstand vendor to helm the spot, situated on the Allen Street entrance of the subway stop. A torn poster advertises “retail space available.”

However, if this retail spot reactivates, perhaps it’ll instead be automated. It just seems like a prime contender for the city’s recently announced initiative to replace physical newsstands with vending machines.

Much like at the airport, these will probably sell lifestyle goods such as travel-sized toiletries and on-the-go snacks. This shift away from real human interaction is reportedly the result of changing consumer habits – including falling demand for newspapers, magazines, and candy. Of course, the city can then sell advertising on the sides.

So, if this happens in the 2nd Avenue subway station, our guess is that these machines will be broken more often than not.