Closure of Last Print Magazine Shop on Upper East Side

The last remaining print magazine shop on the Upper East Side is set to close. The owner, Zofar Ahmed, has announced that the shop will shut its doors at the end of June due to the building’s landlord planning a conversion to luxury condos.

A principal figure in the neighborhood for 28 years, Ahmed expressed his sadness, stating, “I feel like I’m alone.” His store, International News and Magazines Inc., has been a fixture since it began operations in 1997, offering cigarettes, candy, magazines, and more. However, changes began in 2020.

Ahmed revealed that his long-term landlord sold the building, and the new owner intends to demolish it. He claims that his new landlord ended his lease more than two years ago, asserting that the shop’s insurance was inadequate, even though his former landlord had been content with it.

Local Pakistani immigrants have been scouting for new storefront locations, some expressing interest in bringing Ahmed to their spaces. However, city laws complicate these efforts, preventing the transfer of certain licenses between locations and capping the number of permits within the district.

With 12 licenses already in effect in District 5, there’s little chance for new openings, which feels like a setback for Ahmed’s hopes of restarting his business.

Most of Ahmed’s profits come from tobacco sales, making it challenging to seek a new location without a valid license. “I’m in limbo,” he expressed, highlighting the plight of his employees and his connections to the community. “These are my family, my community… It’s painful,” he added, holding back tears.

While Ahmed does not profit from magazine sales, he continues to sell them for his customers’ satisfaction. A large petition with over 12,000 signatures has been submitted to the city, urging officials to aid local businesses like his.

Council member Julie Menin is advocating for legislative changes to make licensing laws more lenient, allowing existing permits to be transferred within the community. “We need to fix these bureaucratic issues,” Menin stated.

Customers flock to Ahmed’s shop, which boasts a diverse array of magazines, from fashion to pop culture, including X-rated options. “It’s a loss for the community. I’m disappointed,” voiced Eddie, a loyal customer. Another, Ingrid, noted that the shop’s closing reflects shifting dynamics in the neighborhood, lamenting the push for profit over community ties.

Ahmed’s dedication to his clients stands out, as he often offered home deliveries during tough times like the pandemic. “I was here for my people, and they are with me now,” he remarked, though he feels the government isn’t on their side.

As the closure approaches, the community grapples with the implications of losing such a unique local anchor. The story of Ahmed’s shop encapsulates broader struggles faced by small businesses amid urban development.