After the almost certain eviction of A-N-M Beauty Supply & Variety Store, the popular East Tremont store will continue to service Throggs Neck until 2011.
The store faced closure when the landlord and owners of World Beer and Soda Distributors, the sub-leaser, wanted to convert the store into office space, and had claimed Millie Stone, owner of A-N-M Beauty, located 3813 E. Tremont Avenue, had been late on payments.
The matter continued in court as Millie Stone and loyal customers fought to keep the location open, with assistance of some local elected officials.
“We went to court and it was ordered I stay open until the end of my lease in 2011,” said Stone, “but the landlord also raised my rent by $ 500 in addition to the previous $ 200 he added.”
Despite the spike in rent, it appears Stone will remain in place to provide beauty supplies and other various items to seniors and residents that depend on her.
“I am so glad it is still open because not only does she have excellent goods, she has things that are good for your soul,” said customer Joy Horton. “She always has a kind smile and a friendly face. If you are short a dime she lets it go. It is a family here.”
Despite the win, A-N-M continued the struggle according to Stone. For three weeks, Stone was hospitalized for health reasons, which prevented her from fully operating the store, placing the responsibility on her husband, Albert, and daughter, Carlene. During the extended period of Monday, December 8 thru Monday, December 22 Carlene Stone reported having no heat in the little shop, forcing the location to close several days and diminishing their sales for the month.
“I don’t want to give up my store, but there are certain things we need,” she said. “I am not making money to make money. The community loves it and they are very supportive of me. I was in shock to know how many people cared about this store and helped me.”
With summer approaching and weather conditions improving, Stone has reported no problems since December and even joined in celebrating the recent St. Patrick Day Parade with special items for guests who came to view the parade.
Millie attributes her victory remaining open to James Cronin, Councilman James Vacca and his staff, the Throggs Neck Merchants Association, Senator Jeff Klein, and the over 400 community members that signed a petition to keep the store running after a six-month struggle.
