By Matthew Monks
“A lot of department stores don't cater to the middle-aged customer, the mature customer,” Roberts said from his business. “That's why we have a loyal following of customers and still do.” Come April, that following will have to shop elsewhere for classic Vanity Fair longline bras and Robert Dunner slacks. The landmark fixture at 69-19 Fresh Pond Rd. is closing after 90 years in the neighborhood. Roberts, 59, and his wife Patricia, 54, who purchased the store about 30 years ago, have decided to retire and move to Florida. “We've been crying for a week,” Fred Roberts said. “We have very mixed emotions about what we're doing but we're going to do it.” The neighborhood is sad to see them go as well, said state Sen. Serphin Maltese (R-Glendale). “They're friends,” Maltese said. “The store will be missed. My wife and my daughter are regular customers there. (They have) beautiful clothes at reasonable prices.” And since Jan. 29 its women's clothes have gotten even more reasonable- the shop slashed prices by 50 percent for a final clearance sale. “For over 90 years the Jay Rose shop has been considered the best ladies' shop in Queens and it still is,” read a full-page newspaper ad announcing the sale. “But all good things must end and it is time to say 'thank you for the memories.'” Roberts said he decided to close a year ago after his father-in-law John Celesete, founder of the Fresh Pond Road Chamber of Commerce, died. The 85-year-old and his wife spent most of their time at the shop. Things have been different since his death, Roberts said, making him realize it was time to move on. “I think we're going down to Florida,” Roberts said. He and his wife both have master's degrees in education. They figure they might teach at a college part time. In the meantime, they are looking for someone to move into the 3,000-square-foot space in the building they own. Reach reporter Matthew Monks by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-29-0300, Ext. 156.
