3 days ago
Beloved family-run record store in Brooklyn to close its doors amid financial challenges
BENSONHURST, Brooklyn (PIX11) — A beloved Brooklyn record shop that's been part of the Bensonhurst community for nearly 60 years is preparing to close its doors.
Silvana Conte's parents opened SAS Italian Records in 1967, driven by a dream to bring Italian-Americans a taste of home.
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'I grew up here and I raised my son in here on top of everything else,' said Conte. 'We would do homework in the back together while we took care of the customers. This was the place for everybody to come to, to buy things that were Italian.'
What started as a record store selling cassettes and CDs has evolved over the years, offering everything from beauty products and household items to Italian novelties — bringing a touch of Italy to Brooklyn.
The shop has become a neighborhood staple, but following the recent passing of Conte's mother, it will soon close its doors for good. Conte says she kept the store open to preserve her mother's legacy, but with mounting financial challenges, the family has made the painful decision to let it go.
'She used to come down here and say, 'This is my goal store. This is what I created.' And I said, 'Don't worry, it's going to be here.' And now she's not here and I can't — I did what I could,' she said, holding back tears.
News of the closure has hit longtime customers hard. Paul Ingrisano stopped by for one of his last visits, hoping to hold on to a few memories.
'Always playing Italian music in the summertime and in the streets walking by it just reminds me of my childhood and growing up in the area,' said Ingrisano.
He added, 'I came to support, buy a coffee maker and a keychain. Buy something before it closes.'
Salvatore Fuda has been coming to the shop for years and said its closing brings a wave of nostalgia.
'I feel bad 'cause it's good memories that's all. Memories old fashioned, old times. Good memories,' said Fuda.
Conte doesn't have an exact closing date yet, but she's hoping the store's legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone it touched.
'I want people to remember the good things, you know. All the beautiful memories that we've had here and how we all supported each other,' she said.
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