Rumors about Fishs Eddy going out of business have a way of popping up almost every year. Maybe you’ve seen chatter on social media or overheard someone in line at their Union Square store mention it. It’s understandable after all, in New York City, stores can open and close at lightning speed. But is Fishs Eddy really closing up shop? Actually, they’re doing the opposite.
Expansion, Not Closure: Fishs Eddy Grows With New DUMBO Location
Let’s start with what’s happening right now. In October 2025, Fishs Eddy opened its second retail spot a sleek 3,800-square-foot store at 81 Front Street in DUMBO, Brooklyn. That’s a big move for a business that’s always been known for its cozy, packed space in Manhattan. The new Brooklyn location comes with a 10-year lease, which doesn’t sound like the kind of plan a company makes if it’s thinking about calling it quits.
The new shop adds to their reach and lets them tap into the growing number of Brooklynites who’ve been wishing for a closer option than taking the subway into Manhattan. With two brick-and-mortar spaces, Fishs Eddy is betting on more foot traffic and a broader audience rather than scaling back.
Staying Power: How Fishs Eddy Outlasted Some Tough Years
So why all the speculation about closure? Maybe it’s New Yorkers getting cautious after seeing so many favorite institutions disappear, especially during the last couple of decades. The early 2000s recession hit lots of stores hard, and then along came the COVID-19 pandemic, which shuttered many other icons. Fishs Eddy, though, made it through both.
They didn’t get here without scars. Their Brooklyn Heights spot did close back in 2007, mostly because rent got too high to sustain a second store at that time. But that was almost 20 years ago and it’s not unusual for New York stores to adapt (or even retreat temporarily) when rent surges. Since then, Fishs Eddy has leaned into their Union Square flagship while planning for smarter growth.
The pandemic was brutal for retail in New York. But Fishs Eddy managed to weather the storm. They kept a tight crew and offered pickup and shipping options to loyal fans, helping keep revenue coming in during citywide lockdowns.
What’s Happening Now in Union Square?
The Union Square store is still at 889 Broadway, right where it’s been for decades. If you walk by during business hours, you’ll usually see a mix of locals looking for unique dishes and tourists picking up that perfect NYC-themed souvenir. The store is operating on a pretty full schedule: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you’re planning to stop by on a holiday, check their site they sometimes change up the hours, like opening a bit later on New Year’s Day.
There’s no empty-shelf syndrome here. In fact, if you stop in around the holidays, you’ll probably have to squeeze past a line of shoppers there for last-minute gifts.
What Kind of Stuff Does Fishs Eddy Sell?
Here’s where Fishs Eddy stands out. Instead of trying to follow trends or go the “high design” route, they’ve always focused on quirky housewares: things with a little character, humor, and nods to classic designs. Their plates, cups, and kitchen oddities have a distinctly vintage vibe think polka dots, faux hotel-ware, or dinner plates with New York bridges and old subway graphics.
Some of their bestsellers are actually inspired by the city itself. The NYC skyline plates, bridge-themed mugs, and custom dish sets meant to mimic the old-school diners have all become souvenirs for locals as much as tourists. There isn’t really another NYC home goods store doing quite the same thing.
Fishs Eddy also loves a creative collab. Over the years, they’ve designed collections with a mix of artists, famous chefs, and (occasionally) celebrities who just happen to love dinnerware.
The Community Around Fishs Eddy
Longtime New Yorkers often talk about Fishs Eddy in the same way they talk about Zabar’s or Economy Candy a place that feels both classic and a little goofy. If you grew up in the city, it’s likely you’ve bought a gift there at least once, or maybe tagged along on a school trip.
The numbers back it up: Fishs Eddy says they’ve served over 1.2 million tourists since they opened in 1986, often seeing return visitors from three generations within the same family. Their in-store tours let people learn about the history of American dinnerware and glassware (surprisingly interesting once you see some of the old patterns and manufacturing quirks). Fans also mention the approachable, knowledgeable staff, who are quick with recommendations but not pushy useful when you’re hunting for a wedding gift or starting a new apartment.
Fishs Eddy has also built up goodwill by embracing their regulars, sometimes setting aside product runs for locals or launching social media contests. This sort of community-first approach goes a long way in a city where “neighborhood” stores can disappear overnight.
Staying Financially Healthy (and Why That Matters)
If you start digging through business news or local reporting, there really aren’t any red flags for Fishs Eddy. No talk of bankruptcy, unpaid bills, or big layoffs. No stories about “last-chance” sales or a tearful goodbye from the founders. In fact, most of the 2025 coverage focuses on their expansion.
They’ve made a big investment in their 10-year DUMBO lease, and the company is actively hiring for both locations. None of these moves make sense for a struggling business. That doesn’t mean they’re immune to New York’s high rents or retail headaches, but it’s clear Fishs Eddy is still in the “growing” category, not winding down.
Community support also gives them a buffer when times get weird. When you’ve got three generations of fans and steady tourist interest, you’re less dependent on the flash-in-the-pan sales that make other stores so vulnerable.
Lessons from a Store That’s Stuck Around
There’s something comforting about a business that isn’t interested in reinventing itself every five years. Fishs Eddy’s approach caring about product quality, giving people an experience instead of a hard sell, and making the shop feel like a New York original seems to work in their favor.
Their story is also a good reminder for other shop owners: find your niche, talk to your customers, and ride out the cycles instead of going for quick fixes. Anyone interested in what makes a retail brand survive decades can check out tips and stories from stores like this on Epic Business Tips.
If you’re planning on opening a business or just want reassurance that the little shops you love can make it, Fishs Eddy remains a solid case study.
The Latest on Fishs Eddy: No Signs of Slowing Down
Every now and then, you’ll hear “Did you see that Fishs Eddy’s closing?” circulating again. For now, put that rumor to rest. They’re fully open in Union Square, up and running at their new Brooklyn spot, and showcasing an even wider array of their funky, vintage-inspired housewares.
You can pop into either location, browse their website for hours and new products, or sign up for a tour. The founders, Julie Gaines and David Lenovitz, are still actively involved in the business which keeps the feel consistent, even as they adapt to more locations and changing city rhythms.
Fishs Eddy continues to balance being a tourist destination with being a steadfast favorite for locals. And for now, all signs point to them staying that way.
So if you hear that Fishs Eddy is going out of business, now you know: they’re not. In fact, the only real risk is running out of shelf space for your new favorite mug.
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