An essential Lower East Side market, which counted Chinese immigrants from the Fujian region among its customers, has closed, according to Bowery Boogie. The five-story building at 146 Henry Street that houses the market was listed for $5.8 million in September, the listing noting the New Fuzhou Supermarket at ground level, and eight apartment units above.
It was not immediately clear if the building was still for sale, however — the previous listing broker, B6 Real Estate Advisors, said they aren't representing the property anymore.
The market now has a "for rent" sign splashed across its bold yellow signage. Calls to the building's owner Yuens Realty Corp, as well as to the number on the awning, were not immediately returned. A representative for Kinyu Realty, which is handling the rental, declined to comment.
Councilmember Margaret Chin said the closure was emblematic of the community losing its affordable, cultural businesses.
“For years, the New Fuzhou supermarket has served as an anchor in the Two Bridges/Chinatown community – especially for new Fujianese immigrants. Grocery stores like them make up the character and soul of our immigrant communities, and its closure speaks to the affordability crisis that impacts mom and pops, as well as the residents who patronize them who have to move out in search of more affordable rents," Chin said in an emailed statement. "That’s why I introduced legislation to help save affordable grocery stores by exempting them from having to pay the Commercial Rent Tax, which only impacts certain businesses in Manhattan. We need the City to intervene with policies that allow these establishments to thrive.”
The market has been touted as the source for scoring bulk bags of star anise at deeply discounted prices, the stumping grounds for various politicians, and where Sally dumped Jemaine and it rained on his face in the very first episode of Flight of the Conchords.
Aside from the supermarket itself, the sidewalk outside was home to the secondary market of vendors who rented space to sell their wares to the Fujianese community — generations of families who worked and shopped there, and kept their connections to home a little stronger.
