ABC Variety Stores at 45-20 Greenpoint Ave. The store reopened after four months of renovation and expansion work. (Photo: Nathaly Pesantez)
Dec. 14, 2018 By Nathaly Pesantez
While Sunnyside continues to cope with the aftermath of a large fire that took multiple businesses down yesterday, a neighborhood staple has re-emerged and some new businesses have opened in the area.
ABC, the longtime variety store at 45-20 Greenpoint Avenue, held its grand re-opening yesterday after closing for four months of renovation and expansion work.
The bargain store now features an almost entirely white and bright interior with new paneling, lighting, and furniture. The large store is also roomier due to its expansion into the small adjacent shop, formerly Jane’s Gifts, which closed in July after a near 30-year run.
Steve Sasson, president of ABC Super Stores, told the Sunnyside Post at the time that the store hadn’t been touched since 1978, when it first opened.
Some work, however, remains to be done outside of the store, although a timeline for full completion is unclear.
Inside the renovated ABC. (Photo: Nathaly Pesantez)
The variety store’s temporary closure came about a week before South Pole, another staple bargain store in the neighborhood, announced it would close its Queens Boulevard location after decades in operations.
News of the simultaneous bargain store closures stunned many who frequently visited and depended on the shops for everyday goods.
At ABC today, shoppers rejoiced in the store’s reopening and were impressed with the new look.
“I live in the vicinity, and it’s a go-to for the area,” said Sheryl W., a 28-year resident. “This is something that’s necessary in the neighborhood…everyone uses this store.”
She quipped, however, that the renovations may mean changes for customers’ pockets, too.
“I’m happy for the remake but you can see some of the things went up,” she said.
Elsewhere in the area, at least two new businesses have opened.
Prime Pharmacy held its grand opening on Dec. 3 at 45-15 Greenpoint Ave., a site across from ABC and previously home to Bing’s Hallmark before closing nearly a year ago.
Prime Pharmacy at 45-15 Greenpoint Ave. (Photo: Nathaly Pesantez)
Work began on the independent pharmacy, which joins several big-box brands in the area, some time in June.
About two blocks away, meanwhile, Miss Laser, a chic laser hair removal shop, also held its grand opening yesterday.
The corner site at 47-02 47th Ave. marks the third location for Frida and Manny A., a Fresh Meadows-based couple who started the business in 2016.
Treatment is often done in multiple sessions by certified laser technicians, with sessions priced between $35 and $240 depending on the body area. Packages and combos are also offered, along with memberships.
The new shop, at a site that saw a bodega for decades until at least 2017, comes after the entire property was renovated under a new landlord.
Miss Laser at 47-02 47th Ave. (Photo: Nathaly Pesantez)
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16 Comments
3 years at least until this gets rebuilt
ABC has improved floor surfaces and made them safer to walk around, but merchandise remains low-grade and limited in selection. Many of the staff speak no English. I thought that was a legal requirement for employment.
I thought the same ,why another Pharmacy?! but I happen to walk into it the other day and they do carry a lot of different products that most pharmacies in the area dont!im pretty impressed and they actually still have a card section like hallmark
The staff is super friendly, helpful. I had a very nice experience.
Don’t be such a snooty. For many, this is indeed a go-to to store. So, be nice while you still have a job that pays you enough to not to have to go to discount stores for your needs. Karma can be a bitch.
No, there is nothing anybody “needs” in those places.
Why so many pharmacies? Does it have anything to do with oxy abuse in the country, or is it a statement on how healthcare industry has a stranglehold on society?
Would have been good location for a new sidetracks
It will take years for the neighborhood to recover from that fire. A laser store and another pharmacy doesn’t come close to making up for the loss that we suffered last week. Good to see ABC back.
One has nothing to do with another! Good luck to the new businesses!
A go to? Necessity? Seriously? These places are junk shops.
I’ve
never set foot in ABC.
Agreed
If you never set foot in there, how would you know?
Good luck Prime Pharmacy! The place looks good, a nice addition to sunnyside! Great service, super helpful personnel! I was so happy to see Isabell works there, she is the best!
Pharmacy? Wow, another pharmacy?
Welcome back ABC, we missed you, and your security guards at the door making sure nobody steals $2 slippers. Sidewalks are already crowded, hopefully they stop using half of the sidewalk with this expansion.
Looks Like Rite Aid has some new competition