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Following in the footsteps of Bleecker Bob's Records, Jeremiah's Vanishing New York brings us the news that Rockit Scientist Records on St. Mark's is also closing its doors. The store announced that it will be forced to shutter by the end of February, because the rent over in that part of town is just too damn high.
Rockit's owner John Kioussis explains, "My lease is ending and I don't want to renew at the current rate. I asked for a rent reduction and was turned down. While business wasn't great, it just isn't worth paying $8,500 a month." Kioussis will attempt to keep the company alive after the closure with a mail-order business, and hopes to reopen in the summer if he finds something cheaper. There's no word yet on who will be moving in, though Jeremiah's Vanishing New York suggests that "maybe the Rockit Scientist space will get a Subway—or a Starbucks." Both, now, seem pretty likely.
· Rockit Scientist Records [Jeremiah's Vanishing New York]
· Classic Record Store Bleecker Bob's Might Become a Starbucks [Racked NY]