It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know $8,500 a month is steep rent.
That is, steep enough to make Rockit Scientist Records of St. Mark's Place close its doors by the end of February, according to Racked.
"My lease is ending and I don't want to renew at the current rate," owner John Kioussis told Racked. "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 said he will attempt to shift the company to a mail-order business. If he finds a cheaper location, plans to reopen this summer are in the works.
Rockit Scientist is the second record store to announce its shutter recently. Bleecker Bob's Records has also decided to close its doors and is on the lookout for a new space in the East Village. It was rumored that Starbucks was taking over the space, but Starbucks has denied it.
For more information on this story, visit Racked.
Rockit Scientist Records: 33 St. Mark's Place, bet. 5th and 6th Aves.
