A souvenir shop that paid homage to the Gowanus Canal is shutting down.

Ute Zimmerman, owner of the Gowanus Souvenir Shop, says the aim of the store was to bring together items from local artists that played on the area's history.

“We started it basically as a bit of a spoof because the area had become so popular, but it is still a toxic waste site. And so, we thought it would be fun to make a souvenir shop for a toxic waste site,” says Zimmerman.

Zimmerman says she never imagined how successful the store would become. She says it was meant to be a four-month project, but its popularity let the store go on for four years.

This month, the project is leaving its storefront and will primarily focus on offering products on the internet.

Zimmerman says getting rid of the storefront will allow more time for her to curate more whimsical products and art to sell online.

The Gowanus Souvenir Shop is expected to close its doors on Jan. 31.