No, not the band. That fabulous piece of Jerseyana on Rt. 46 the band is named for.
When we read this morning on NJ.com that Fountains of Wayne was closed on Friday, fueling rumors it might be closing, we sent our Queen of Kitsch, photographer Fran Liscio, to take a look. She came back with pictures and a report that the store was locked tight. There's also no answer on the phone.
The Bergen Record quotes Fountains owner Don Winters, whose family has operated the store for more than 40 years, as saying the situation is evolving. But it also reported that employers were told on Thursday that the emporium of backyard statuary and outdoor furniture would have a big clearance sale and close.
Damn recession, now you're messing with our memories. And come to think of it, with Fortunoff in bankruptcy, where will we get our plasticized wicker? Something tells me we might have to start doing like city folks and tying it down.
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Comments (27)
Their website is down.
Oh snap. This news sucks.
I mean, not this news sucks, but this news sucks. You know what I mean? Where am I supposed to get my lawn gnome now?
I hear NY Waterway may also be going down. Curses, I may have to start taking PATH again.
Great. How the hell do I find the DMV now? It used to be, turn right at Fountains of Wayne.
Now that's a shame.
Recessions suck.
Recessions are bad.
But so are poorly run businesses with "customers" who trade on memory rather than spending real money. (And then go to Target because the price is better......)
And don't forget that wonderful entity known as the state with all its burdens (taxes, fees, etc.).
It's a wonder anyone stays in business.
Regardless of business acumen (or lack thereof), prof, there is a certain sadness in the loss of long-time local landmark businesses. It just seems to be one more nail in the coffin of unique local identity, replaced instead by the generic standardization of national chains and strip malls.
Plus, just another thing to make many of us feel older as we drive past and say, "I remember when that used to be....".
(It's very disconcerting how often I do that these days when I'm down the shore, where I grew up.)
What's gonna happen to Stacey's Mom?
Usually the Baristas, uh, "borrow" copiously from the Star-Ledger and the Montclair Times (and, seemingly, from press releases direct from the busy desk of Steve Adubato Jr.) for their inspiration. Now the Record has also been added to this exclusive list? Cutbacks within the economy work in such strange ways.
But nobody on staff can make their own phone calls?
I know exactly how you feel, Pork Roll.
Agreed, Mr. Roll...
But I don't get sad. Things change and I tend to roll with it.
As for the usual hem and haw of "generic standardization of national chains and strip malls" that's an argument that every generation uses to convince itself that its ways were and are better than what's coming.
I bet somewhere, someone screamed at that horrible Fountains of Wayne when it first opened.
Folks don't like change.
(Unless its got a great smile and says it a lot....)
More to the point, what's gonna happen next time we need a "Miracle on the Hudson"?
By the way (this topic brought it to my mind)...DCH Acura is definately OPEN for business. I past there the other day and they are full of cars.
Ditto DeCozen Chrysler, Dodge & Jeep diagonally across the street. WOW, I stopped there, they have a 40 car indoor showroom. Like a College Basketball court ! "Gigantic" - almost does not fit!
I HATE seeing a business go out. Unless the owner is retiring after a long stay. Otherwise it's bad for people, our economy and and and nothing good can come of it.
Sandy, nothing? Really?
I guess you guys were all tears when Rt. 46 was built in the first place--- all those farms paved over... And Grove St.? Used to really have, you know, Groves on it....
C'mon, it's sad, but like everything else-- times change and what's old goes away, only to be replaced by something new that will be something old to someone, someday....
It's the circle of life, you know.
(But enough with the hyperbole!)
isn't the biggest question in this whole story going to be: what will happen to the cheesy free christmas display on the 2nd floor???
Somebody should grab that "Fountains of Wayne" directional sign, it will probably be quite the collectors item. Although it looks to be bolted on pretty securely.
Say it ain't so...
I really hope Fountains of Wayne haven't closed their doors for good. They have every color of Christmas light known to man!
if every barista buys one great thing from there next time the doors open...come ON! AIG flourishes and Fountains of Wayne's in TROUBLE??
If they are open and in trouble, I agree with thisside, if you're going to buy something they sell, go there.
The place is eclectically unique, and things are pricy, but because they are quality. The Fortunoffs housewares store sold crap (the father rolling in his grave) for not much less until people caught on and then sales galore.
(and always took kids to Christmas display)
When Anthony Wayne Charcoal Ovens closed, you knew it was just a matter of time. Boy I miss that place. I still pull into the parking lot there sometimes and get out of the car just to smell the grease.
Fountains of Wayne should play a benefit concert at Fountains of Wayne....
Anthony Wayne brings back memories. I went there with my Dad to celebrate after I got my driver's license.
That's a fine idea, ROC.
Good idea ROC but the band doesn't owe the store anything. The store did not make the band famous. Stacy's mom did. How about finally having a benefit at her house! Poor lady must get pranked all the time!
Here's some irony. The sign that holds Fountains of Wayne, PC Richards and Sons, and Ethan Allen will all go out of business. And all for the same reason. TARGET. THE GREATLAND