Closings reflect challenges for small business owners

By Amy Bochner and Francesca DiMartino Blanco

Inside the Moviehouse Mews on Warburton Avenue, a permanent “closed” sign hangs on the door of Wild Culture Waffles. To the north, Taiim Falafel Shack is locked and empty. To the south, the windows of Hudson Line, a home décor shop, are covered with brown paper signs proclaiming “Moving Out,” “Moving Sale,” and “Closing”. On Spring Street, a flier posted at Vanishing Ink Books announces its final day as July 3. 

With these four businesses closed, or on the cusp of closing, merchants described the challenges they experience in Hastings, along with potential ways to make the environment more viable for them.