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There never was a Richard York. And soon there will no longer be a Richard York of Patchogue.
The 97-year-old shoe store — an institution in downtown Patchogue started by David Siegel and now owned by his grandson Richard Siegel — is closing down for good.
In a farewell note of sorts that announced one last blowout sale, Richard Siegel bid farewell to customers.
“After 97 years of being a part of this wonderful community, it is with mixed emotions that we announce our retirement,” Siegel wrote. “We want to thank all of our loyal customers and friends for your support and friendship throughout the years.”
Regarding the name of the store, Siegel said his grandfather probably just picked it because it sounded good to him.
“I think my grandfather liked some of the department stores that had names of people and I think he picked something he liked the sound of,” Siegel told Newsday earlier this year.
Siegel took over the shoe store — located a stone’s throw from Main Street at 14 South Ocean Ave. — from his father in 1975. His son, David Siegel, is a political science professor at St. Joseph’s University, New York and is not involved in the business.
Will be ‘Sorely missed’
“Richard York has been a Patchogue legacy business for close to a century and will be sorely missed,” said David Kennedy, executive director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber is extremely grateful for their tremendous commitment to Patchogue over the decade. They helped define Patchogue as one of Long Island’s most important retail districts. We only wish Richard Siegel and the Richard York family all the best in the future endeavors.”
Richard Siegel said in his letter that with his “retirement sale,” he intends to liquidate “every single item of merchandise” in the shop. That includes all men’s, women’s and children’s shoes.
The sale features such popular brands as Rockport, Florsheim, Easy Spirit, New Balance and Stride Rite.
Initially, the sale is only open to “valued local customers and friends,” according to Siegel’s letter. These customers can go to the store from Thursday, Aug. 29, to Wednesday Sept. 4, to for early access to the sale. The store will begin advertising the promotion one week later.
“This exclusive event is by invitation only, but you are welcome to bring a friend or relative who did not receive an invitation,” Siegel said in the letter. “You will have the first opportunity to shop and save on our entire inventory before many items are sold out.”
Top photo: Google Photos
