After 86 years, Sukon’s is set to become a casualty of the economy.
The community mainstay, at 135-21 Cross Bay Boulevard in Ozone Park, has been owned by Scott Hausser for the past 21 years.
But he has a much longer history with the store, as do many of its customers.
At only 15, he began as a stock boy at the original location, on Liberty Avenue in Richmond Hill, which closed 11 years ago.
Thirty-three years later, he and wife Lori are set to bid a final farewell to the new location – and to the generations that Sukon’s has served.
“We held on as long as we could,” said Lori, who noted that the shop, which sells everything from baby trinkets and gifts to heirloom-quality furniture for kids and teens, will shut its doors permanently at the end of October. Their teen department has taken the biggest hit, with sales decreasing from 30 to 40 percent in the past year, she said.
“It’s going to be a sad day,” she said. “Everyone’s caring and kindness is amazing.”
She told The Courier that every customer has a story, and that the staff literally knows generations of families.
In fact, she said, her own great-grandmother bought furniture at Sukon’s, as did her parents 47 years ago.
In the meantime, the store is offering between 20 and 50 percent off everything.
“The stuff has been flying out of here,” said Lori.
Of the eight long-time employees, however, only one has another job lined up.
“We are working for the greatest guy in the world [Scott],” said Carol Aufiero sadly.
If you’d like to take advantage of the deep discounts before Sukon’s closes, visit them, at 135-21 Cross Bay Boulevard in Ozone Park Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 to 7; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call 718-641-2828.
