(Photo: Google Maps)
Aug. 15, 2018 By Tara Law
A Jackson Heights pet store that has been located on Roosevelt Avenue for the past 48 years is closing later this month, a store co-owner confirmed today.
Anna Paul, who owns Coral Aquarium and Pet Center, said the store’s income had declined in recent years and that it was time to close.
Paul said that she believes customers are increasingly shopping online and at big box stores.
“It’s time for us to retire,” said Paul, who owns the 75-03 Roosevelt Ave. store with her ex-husband. “We just can’t make enough money to pay all the bills.”
Paul said that she feels that the Department of Transportation’s Clear Curbs program, which prohibits cars from parking on Roosevelt Avenue during certain hours on weekdays, finally finished off the business. The restrictions made it almost impossible for customers to find parking, Paul said.
Just yesterday, she said, she watched as two or three cars were towed.
Paul said that she learned today that the DOT plans to end the program by the end of the week, but she claims it won’t make a difference for her store.
“It’s too late for us,” Paul said.
