Retail Roundup: Judaica Shop to Close

This year's Passover will be the last for The Aesthetic Sense in Mount Kisco, In business since 1997, the seller of Judaica items and Israeli art is going out of business.

Karen Akst Schecter, the store's owner, said the closure was not for economic reasons. Instead, she said that it's time “to take on new and different challenges.”

Schecter, who has lived in Mount Kisco for more than three decades and once served on the Bedford Central school board, expects that the closure will come in a few weeks.

Schecter was asked by Patch about the role of her shop and if there will be a void.

“I would like to think that this store was a really special place for a lot of people, and based on what my clients have been telling me over these last couple of weeks, they agree, and I think it's going to leave a void," she said in response.

All items are now on sale at lower prices. In addition, there will be a customer appreciation raffle at the store, which is located at 198 E. Main St. The raffle will be for an iPad Mini, people can enter it every time they vist the store and the drawing will be on March 24.

Schecter also put out a statement on the closure, saying: “This was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I have really enjoyed growing my business, working with wonderful, creative artists and building friendships with my customers. I love my customers and will truly miss them. But now is the time in my life to pursue new and different challenges. Even though I am experiencing many mixed emotions, it is a very positive move forward for me.”

Heller's to Consolidate Pleasantville Store with Mount Kisco Site

Heller's Shoes is closing its store in Pleasantville and will consolidate the remaining inventory with its Mount Kisco location.

Bob Walsh, general manager for the Mount Kisco store, confirmed the change. Both stores are offering 60-percent mark downs for items as part of the merger. it is not known yet when the Pleasantville location will close.

Barbershop Owner Moves Business to Brother's Storefront

The left half of the former Cornell carpeting site, at 145 E. Main St., is now occupied again. Carmelo's, a hairstyling store, opened at its new location on Tuesday. The barbershop has been in business for about 25 years and was previously located elsewhere in Mount Kisco, at 177 Lexington Avenue.

Barbershop owner Carmelo Fidele, a Somers resident, is the brother of Joe Fidele, the downtown building's owner. He appreciates the new digs, calling the spot "nice and bright." Additionally, Fidele reported that foot traffic is higher than at his old spot.

The Cornell site, which became vacant after the carpet shop moved earlier this year to Bedford Hills, has since been subdividedl; the right half of the building has for rent signage displayed.

'Mother Earth' Comes to Mount Kisco

A new store has moved into 119 E. Main St., the third in less than two years. Mother Earth specializes in property work, including cleaning services and with decorative materials such as granite and tiles.

The storefront was briefly occupied last year by a pet supplies shop, and before that it was the home of outdoor clothing store Acadia on Main.

Blackstones, New Seafood and Steak Restaurant, Opens

Mount Kisco's newest restaraunt is Blackstones, which is now open. Owner Nick Ahmetaj said that it opened two weeks ago. The restaurant is located at 213 E. Main St., a site whose previous eateries included Enzo's and The Fish Cellar. The Mount Kisco location is the second for Blackstones—in addition to its existing site in Norwalk, CT. A location in Greenwich is also planned.

RECAP: Borders Site Landlord Sued, Foreclosure Sought

As we reported last week, the landlord of the former Borders Books & Music site in Mount Kisco is being sued by a company linked to the servicer of an outstanding loan. The suit claims that the landlord, Mt. Kisco Associates, LP, defaulted on the $6.3 million mortgage loan and foreclosure of the property - it includes a sale of the site - is being sought. Click here for our story to learn more.