Silence at Old Smithtown Hardware Spot [Empty in Smithtown]
Empty storefront still vacant in shopping center where Mandee still operates.
Nearly a year ago, Smithtown Hardware owners packed up shop at 54 W. Main Street in favor of its new home in the far newer and more vibrant Village Commons Shopping Center.
At the time, owner Michael Costello, who rebranded his shop Costello’s Ace Hardware, told Patch it was about space and exposure.
"Where we are right now, it’s a little bit hidden from traffic. The new place is in a nice shopping center with a lot of exposure,” he said in a January 2011 interview.
But that hidden spot hasn't found any new luck since he left, having been listed for rent now nearly a year.
That's left the Mandee clothing shop the only tenant in the building, though according to recent reports the future for the discount fashion retailer could be in peril. Bloomberg news reported in January that Mandee parent Big M may seek bankruptcy protection, which could result in store closings.
Though the company hasn't confirmed reports, or signaled which stores could close, there's no arguing that a Smithtown exit for Mandee would leave a another big hole on Main street, especially with the former hardware store still empty.
There's been a few movements on Main Street recently. A masonry supply store is planned for next to the Smithtown Center for Performing Arts and L.A. Fitness is taking over Waldbaums. But plenty of vacancies remain unfilled.
What do you think would be a good fit for the former hardware store, or the entire shopping center if Mandee leaves town?
Bill Beren
6:58 pm on Monday, February 13, 2012
Mandees has posted a 'final days' sign...so looks like the whole building will be vacant soon.
With the old Quiznos also vacant, that corner center needs some vital help.
CJ M.
9:34 pm on Monday, February 13, 2012
LA Fitness should have waited for Mandee to leave and took over this building instead of the old Waldbaums. A supermarket should have went into Waldbaums.
Bill Miller
4:46 pm on Monday, February 27, 2012
Whole Foods should open up at the Waldbaums location, they would be a hit. Lake Grove is a drive, but worth it.
jimbo
11:05 pm on Monday, February 13, 2012
Sad to see so many vacancies in smithtown
Joel Blitzer
7:07 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
It is the perfect spot for a Traders Joe's!
CJ M.
9:33 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Trader Joes is a horrible choice for Smithtown. If we want organic, Whole Foods is a better choice. Now that Mandee is also closing, this could be a good spot for a supermarket that is nice and cheap or like I said earlier, LA Fitness to build here instead since they didn't do that much yet. A supermarket would be even better in that old Waldbaums.
Joel Blitzer
9:52 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Who mentioned organic? LA Fitness is taking over a 100,000 sq ft location. How would they possibly fit into a 10-20,000 sq ft footprint? I would have prefered a Fairway in the supermarket location.
Bill Miller
4:45 pm on Monday, February 27, 2012
Heard the DICKS SPORTING GOODS will be moving into the old Pathmark in Commack. Too bad we cannot attract some new stores to Main St.
BillLongisland
6:09 pm on Monday, February 27, 2012
How about another tattoo parlor ?
They seem to be popular in Smithtown these days !
E Baum
8:43 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
TJ Max! We need a clothing store in town that has clothing for both men and women. Combine the two stores and put in TJ Max.
Jacqueline Grover
9:10 am on Sunday, April 15, 2012
T J Max Would be perfect. Smithtown does not have many clothing stores. There once was a Marshall's where AC Moore is. Does anyone remember?