A pet supply store that’s been a staple in Berlin for more than 140 years is closing its doors for good.
A.S. Labieniec is a small business that’s been around since the time of horse-drawn carriages on Connecticut streets. The owners say it was a difficult decision to close.
Stepping into the old barn that houses A.S. Labieniec is like stepping back in time.
“It’s been an icon in town,” said owner, John Connery. “It’s been here forever, literally. It’s an old feed store that’s changed over time to supplies. Probably over three-quarters of the business is pet supplies.”
Today a big white sign that reads “store closing” is posted outside. Connery said it was just too tough to keep up.
“Feed stores are just going away due to the big box stores,” he said. Internet sales are really doing a toll on small businesses.”
Connery bought the business from the Labieniec family four years ago. Owning it was a dream of his.
“I worked for the Labieniec family for a long time,” he said. “It was my first job, and I worked here right into being a young adult, and it’s how my wife and I met, she was actually a customer of mine.”
Customers we spoke with said they will miss the face to face experience of shopping in a store like Labieniec’s.
“The internet and all the great things you can do, but when it puts businesses like this out of business it’s unfortunate,” said A.J. Stewart from Southington.
“We want to thank our loyal customers who have supported us over time,” Connery said. “It was a tough decision to say goodbye, so we are going to miss everybody. We had a lot of great people come through here.”
The store will close for good on February 28.
