Michelle’s Hair Salon in Jersey City has closed after 45 years. Located at 3700 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City, the salon was owned by Michelle Derito, who stated the COVID-19 pandemic is to blame for its closure. Read on to learn more about this Jersey City salon’s story.
Michelle’s was a local salon known for both men’s and women’s hairstyling since opening in July 1975. At Michelle’s, a wash and would cost as low as $13 while getting colored highlights was as low as $35. The owner, who was practically running the salon by herself by the time it closed, has had many customers who felt like “family” to her. The official closing of the business took place on January 31st, which was a few months after it had reopened in June 2020. It had previously shut down for a few weeks when the pandemic first hit mid-March.
{Photo credit: Google Maps}
Regulars were hesitant to visit in-person, Derito mentioned, which lead to Michelle’s not making enough money to cover rent and business costs.
“I couldn’t keep up with the bills … I tried to hold on as long as I could,” Derito told The Jersey Journal shortly after closing its doors. “I know some people closed right away near the beginning of the [lockdown], but I held on. I tried. It wasn’t easy.”
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Back in April, Jersey City announced that it will be issuing small business grants for businesses in the city that were facing financial hardships due to the coronavirus. Mayor Steve Fulop said at the time that small businesses and non-profits that have a storefront can receive between $1,000 to $5,000, which was available through Community Development Block Grant funds. Derito said she received $1,000, but even that wasn’t enough.
“I just can’t keep up with my payments … I had to close before it got worse,” she said. “I would’ve definitely stayed open if it wasn’t for such financial issues.”
Derito will be working nearby at Salon St. John, located at 3023 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, moving forward.
Other Local Closures
Michelle’s Salon joins the list of other local businesses that have closed during the pandemic. Just recently, Pavana Yoga in Hoboken announced its closure after only being in business for roughly five years. After nearly 50 years in business, Filipino grocery store FilStop in Jersey City announced it had closed its doors as of February 2020. In addition, Washington Liquors in Hoboken has shut down in November 2020 after 27 years of service.
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In December, it was reported that about one-third of New Jersey’s small businesses have permanently closed due to COVID-19. While it is upsetting to hear about these closings, Hoboken Girl is happy to share news of businesses that have opened, such as Pure Barre Jersey City, Prato Bakery, Hilsa Grocery, JAG-ONE Physical Therapy, and EFES Mediterranean Grill among many others.
Hear about a business shutting down or a business opening? Be sure to email us at hello@hobokengirl.com.
