Rash of East Side store closings

East Villagers are concerned by a recent spate of closings of stores, some of which have been around quite a while.

Among the recent closings and stores reportedly to close soon: Pet’s Garden pet store, over 12 years in business at 239 E. Fifth St; K A Seventh Street Corp./East Mountain Health Foods, 116 2nd Ave.; Universal Mart, nearly 10 years at 91 Second Ave.; Christopher Banner Hair, 217 E. Fifth St.; and Habib’s Palace falafel, 130 St. Mark’s Pl.