It’s a new year, there are new possibilities, and there’s new enthusiasm. That’s the feeling around the city as another harsh winter drew to a close last week, and, like spring itself, Bayonne’s retailers see a rejuvenation in the offing.
Many shop owners have been here for years, or decades, and built reputations that keep their customers coming back. Others are newer to town, but making names for themselves.
But all those interviewed have an optimism that things are going well and that they will continue to get better.
At Hudacko’s Pharmacy, at 945 Broadway, staying ahead of the curve and being a multi-purpose pharmacy has been the idea to bring in more business. This was done by offering even more services than prescription filling. In recent years, Hudacko’s has expanded its business by offering vaccinations for influenza, pneumonia, shingles, and measles, mumps, and rubella.
The pharmacy has gone further helping its prescription customers, working with health insurance companies on benefits and billing, and being patient advocates.
For owner and pharmacist Peter Halecky and partner Brian Host, it is also making sure their 30 employees are up to date on everything they need to know business-wise.
Another way they have attracted business is enlarging one of the draws to their business, by broadening their gifts section. In the front of the store, they sell a range of gift items, including Yankee candles, Crabtree and Evelyn products, jewelry, greeting cards, purses, wrapping supplies, balloons, and toys.
“I’m happy with the way the business is going,” Halecky said.
The 22nd Street Meat Market on Avenue C is another longtime Bayonne business whose business is improving by smart management.
Co-owners Lou Pelliccia and Mark Margagliano have seen their profits rise because of watching and understanding trends. With the addition of the Light Rail and other transportation options, the two decided to cater to young urban professionals on the move, introducing homemade soups and ready-to-cook pre-made foods for shoppers on the go.
And they know that increasing the bottom line means going above and beyond for customers.
“If I don’t have something here, I can get it for you,” Pelliccia said.
Pelliccia has seen a lot of new faces, which is good for business.
“2015’s going to be great,” he said. “Bayonne has a lot of new people and I’m an optimist about the future of Bayonne.”
At Hendrickson’s Corner, at Broadway and 31st Street, they are seeing profits rise as a result of not only business practices but also community involvement.
New owners—Bob O’Neill, Lou Gambino, Stephanie O’Neill, and Tom O’Neill—came aboard last year and brought with them a sincere interest in the community. Fundraisers have been and will be held for veterans and specific causes such as Alzheimer’s or autism. The new owners are giving back to the community with art shows and benefits
The group also knew that to bring in new customers, they had to shake things up a bit. So they did, trying some new things, like hosting “specialty dinners,” including an Irish whiskey dinner and microbrewery tastings, and soon, a bourbon dinner.
“I’m happy with the way the business is going.” – Peter Halecky
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And the owners believe they are seeing new interest in their eatery because they are putting
money back into the business, doing renovations and upgrading the bar area and the kitchen.
“Anything that we’re getting out of the business right now, we’re putting right back into the building, the infrastructure of the place,” O’Neill said.
Harry’s Wine Cellar, 297 Broadway, has seen a double digit-percent uptick in business the last year, according to Bobby Metro, one of three partners, along with Eddie Durak and Jamie Fienan.
“Our sales are up month to month from last year, about 10 percent,” Metro said. “This year’s looking brighter. We’re excited.”
Harry’s offers a wide selection of beer, wine, spirits, and soda, as well as custom gift baskets and free delivery throughout Bayonne.
But Metro attributes better sales to broader reasons, one of them being employees’ hospitality.
Our success has really been due to our friendly staff, competitive prices, and a good location,” Metro said. “We’re a friendly oriented store. People want to come back.”
S.E. Fabrics & Alterations, 945 Broadway, sees things looking up because of an emphasis switch. Formerly more of a fabric-selling store, owners Juana and George Flores have moved to selling casual and formal dresses and the accessories that complement them.
“It is all about dressing you up and making you feel good about yourself,” Juana Flores said.
They have also highlighted their alteration services to a good end result. Dress sales are picking up and the Floreses are high on their business, their location, and their city.
At Carlo’s Hairspot at Broadway and 51st Street, owners Roman Cogliati and his father, Juan Carlos, are not only celebrating their shop’s first anniversary on May 12, but also a 40-percent increase in business since their ribbon cutting.
Cogliati and his father have a long history of cutting hair in Bayonne, and decided to go on their own – to a very successful degree.
But being more than just a haircutting place – they also provide barbering, shaving, and all professional services for men – the two have established their niche in Bayonne and look forward to even greater business.
“We love the town, we know the people, and our clients are from Bayonne,” Cogliati said. “It’s been good, thank God. Business has definitely grown.”
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.To comment on this story online visit www.hudsonreporter.com.