Kevin Smith’s scrappy black-and-white debut about a day in the life of two store clerks was filmed for next to nothing in New Jersey – at the very convenience store and video shop where Smith actually worked.
Where was Clerks filmed?
Clerks was filmed in Leonardo, New Jersey – the real Quick Stop convenience store and the video shop next door.
Every Clerks location, explained
1
The Quick Stop – Leonardo
The film’s convenience store is the real Quick Stop Groceries in Leonardo, New Jersey, where Kevin Smith worked.
2
RST Video
The neighbouring video store used the real shop next to the Quick Stop.
3
The New Jersey towns
Other scenes used Atlantic Highlands and Middletown, New Jersey.
4
The night shoot
The film was shot at night in the real store, after hours.
Planning a visit
The Quick Stop in Leonardo, New Jersey – the real store from the film – still stands and remains a pilgrimage site for fans.
Clerks Fun Facts
1
The real Quick Stop The film used the actual convenience store where Kevin Smith worked.
2
Shot at night It was filmed at night, after the store closed, to keep costs down.
3
A tiny budget Smith made the film for a famously small sum, partly on credit cards.
4
Shot in black and white The scrappy debut was filmed in black and white.
5
A Sundance breakout The film launched Kevin Smith’s career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Clerks filmed?
In Leonardo, New Jersey – the real Quick Stop convenience store and the video shop next door.
Is the Quick Stop real?
Yes – it’s the real store in Leonardo, New Jersey, where Kevin Smith worked.
Can you visit the location?
Yes – the Quick Stop still stands and draws fans.
Who directed Clerks?
Kevin Smith.
When was it released?
1994.
