Nicholas Brooklyn fights to keep doors open after 52 years in business
A neighborhood staple in Bed-Stuy that has served the community for more than five decades is now fighting to stay open.
A neighborhood staple that’s served the community for more than five decades is now fighting to stay open.
The owner of Nicholas Brooklyn in Bed-Stuy says rising costs and changing times have put them in a tough spot, so they’re turning to the community for help.
For 52 years, Nicholas Brooklyn has been more than just a place to shop. It’s been part of the neighborhood’s story.
“This is like a cultural hub,” said owner Monique Nicholas. “People come here for knowledge on different wellness products, and they also come here because we have amazing events that we do here weekly. We just had an amazing health and wellness expo this past Sunday.”
Monique Nicholas inherited the business from her father, who first started selling products from the trunk of his car back in 1974.
She says keeping the doors open hasn’t always been easy — but these days have been the hardest.
“Because of inflation, tariffs and rising rents, it’s been very overwhelming for us here at Nicholas,” she said. “I have competition nearby that has also been making it very difficult for us. Operating costs are at an all-time high. So as a single mother and small business owner, it’s been very stressful trying to make ends meet.”
Not to mention some of her usual foot traffic is now heading online to sites like Amazon for similar products.
A GoFundMe was recently created by Monique as she fights to keep the doors open. More than $17,000 has already been raised by the community, but loyal customers say their support won’t stop there.
For longtime customers like Mel, saving Nicholas isn’t just about nostalgia, it’s about protecting a piece of the neighborhood’s future. “Nicholas Brooklyn means everything to me, honestly,” says Mel. “It gave me a better sense of community. I come from a town that’s very Black-oriented, and over the years, that was kind of dispersed. By my support, we’re going to continue to have this here.”
“The legacy that I want to leave behind is supporting one another,” Monique Nicholas said. “If I eat, everybody else needs to eat as well.”
