After ten years of affordably accessorizing the Upper East Side, fashion jewelry shop Mix New York will be shutting its doors. Owner Wendy Cohen has made the difficult decision to close the shop after continuing construction on the block has made keeping the business running impossible.
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Cohen opened Mix New York in 2014 along with her husband, Noam. Wendy came from the fashion world, while Noam worked in fine jewelry, and they combined their backgrounds to open Mix in their home neighborhood. Located at 1458 Third Ave (at 83rd Street), Mix offers an array of “unique, affordable jewelry,” along with a personal touch and maybe a visit with the owners’ Sharpeis. Mix was so popular that the Cohens opened a second store in the neighborhood two years ago focusing on luxury jewelry. Eighteen Fine Jewelry is located at 1184 Lexington Avenue (between 81st and 82nd streets) and will remain open.
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While Mix thrived, even through the pandemic, they couldn’t compete with the disruption from the demolition of the apartment building next door to make way for a new 39-story luxury residential high rise. Both that building and the one that houses Mix were purchased in 2022, but only the building on the southern half of the block is being torn down. Demolition began in April on the Douglaston Development project, which brought with it large green barriers along the block, redirecting pedestrians around the sidewalk. Currently, the bike lane and sidewalk are covered by an assembly of fencing, concrete and orange plastic barriers, and green and black mesh.
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Wendy Cohen told East Side Feed that this has led to almost “zero foot traffic” for the store and that “even regulars get lost” having to call to ask if they are still open. It’s hard to see from the street, even with signage for the operating businesses up on the barriers. Cohen found that the loss of business from the construction was just something they couldn’t compete with, saying “it’s been a long year.”
Mix is holding a closing sale with all inventory 50% off. Cohen wanted to hold the sale ahead of the holidays to provide gift shopping opportunities for customers. They will remain open until the end of the month, or until supplies run out. You can stop in or check out the Mix Instagram stories for a look at what’s available. You can find offerings at Eighteen Fine Jewelry on Instagram as well.
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