McGuinness Irish Gift Shop, a family operated business at 3609 Avenue S Brooklyn, NY., is planning to close its doors after 23 years.
Currently, There is no set date for when they plan to close their doors. However this will be their last holiday season. They are holding a 30% off sale in the meantime.
“We have no regrets, the community has been great” said John McGuninness. “I never knew how great of a location this was.”
When we asked John about the reasons for the closing. He explained that it’s mostly the economy, the parking situation and that it’s now just the time to go.
The parking is an interesting monster in that area. There is now a zero tolerance policy for double parking in that area of Avenue S. Violators are receiving fines in the range of $150. Although the parking enforcement is a good thing, McGuninness felt the hit, hard. John explained that people used to look for a spot for 25 minutes then would understandably “move on”, and this would happen more often than not.
McGuninness’ and their customers are one big family. Their customers would usually buy items a few times a year. They have a large base of customers in the Gerritsen Beach, Rockaway, and Marine Park area. Personally when I walked in they knew me and my whole family just by sight. That’s the kind of store McGuinness is.
Someone ven recently drove in from Pennsylvania, after hearing of the closing, to pick up a few items and to say thank you and goodbye.
The family still plans to be very much involved in the community. The family still lives in and around the community.
We will be writing more about McGuinness as the time draws near.
Parking is a pain there. I just go down to the end of Ave. S and hang into the parking lot for Marine Park. The walk isn’t bad for me and the price sure beats a parking ticket.
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Never was able to shop in there because of the parking. The scooter cop is right on ya, and I rode around some very long blocks trying to something, but couldn’t find anything. It’s not the walk, but I have kids with me so its a hassle. Anyway, best of luck and thank you for your service to the area residents.
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Great store. Bought my first crush a ring from there.
She dissed me, but I’m still sad to see the store go.
Sláinte!
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[...] up on our prior article of this topic, GerritsenBeach.net has interviewed the owner of McGuinness’ Irish Gift Shop, John McGuinness, who explains that [...]
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Never was able to shop in there because of the parking. The scooter cop is right on ya, and I rode around some very long blocks trying to something, but couldn’t find anything. It’s not the walk, but I have kids with me so its a hassle. Anyway, best of luck and thank you for your service to the area residents.
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Another example of how the small family businesses are being forced to close by the city!! They get no support, the rent is high , the taxes keep going up, and the price of tickets up! I lived over there and that cop is ruthless he comes from no where and tickets you immediately because once he makes his quota he is done and he can go to sleep somewhere. What a shame
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It’s sad to see this store say goodbye….It was a great place to buy my Irish friends and relatives a special gift along with the Step Dancing items for my girls. Thanks Noreen for all your help over the years. You will be greatly missed.. : (
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