Saying Goodbye: SAS Italian Records Closes After 60 Years in Bensonhurst
SAS Italian Records, a long-standing Italian-language record store in Bensonhurst, is closing its doors after nearly 60 years in business. Owner-operator Silvana Conte tearfully confirmed the closure, citing declining sales, pandemic-related struggles, and family disagreements as reasons for the decision. The store, founded by Conte's parents in 1967, has been a significant part of her family's history and identity, but the passing of her mother led to the final decision to close.
Despite efforts to keep the store open in honor of her mother's legacy, Conte faced challenges as her siblings did not share the same sentiment. The store, named after the original owners' children, was once a bustling hub for Italian music CDs, DVDs, magazines, and accessories. However, changing demographics in the neighborhood and a decline in Italian-American residents contributed to the store's struggles in recent years.
The closure of SAS Italian Records follows the trend of other longstanding establishments in the area, such as Bari Pork Store, shutting down due to similar challenges. The changing landscape of the neighborhood and the loss of cultural identity have been lamented by Conte and longtime customers who have fond memories of the store. Despite the outpouring of support from the community, Conte acknowledged that the store's closure was inevitable.
As SAS Italian Records prepares to sell off its remaining inventory and close its doors for good, the neighborhood bids farewell to a cherished landmark that has been a part of its fabric for decades. The store's closure marks the end of an era for Bensonhurst and serves as a reminder of the changing times and challenges faced by small businesses in evolving communities.