'I Tried To Bring Some Fun': Buster Moon Of Farmingdale Closing, Shifting To Online Model

FARMINGDALE, NY — Buster Moon, a novelty gift shop in Farmingdale, is expected to close around Columbus Day Weekend — near its one-year anniversary — as owner MC Martin plans to shift the store to an online-only model.

Everything must go at the shop, even the furniture. Most items are half off at 336 Main Street as Martin plans to move her remaining stock into her home's basement.

The closure, Martin said, is not because she out-priced herself.

"I do think I am extremely reasonable and I’ve been that way," Martin told Patch. "I think a store on its own without things like attractions, food or wine or whatever, isn’t as enticing."

Martin pointed to the success of Back In Time, a family-owned shop that also features Elise's Niece's Cafe. In its courtyard, the family houses a bar, hosts farmers markets and runs live entertainment.

Martin wanted to focus on doing a gift shop.

"I’m not sure this is the audience [in Farmingdale]," she said. "I think a lot of people appreciate coming to eat here. But I don’t know if it’s the right vibe for most. If I were in Huntington, I think it would be different. People come to Main Street to eat. One of the reasons I [opened] is because I’m one of those people who feels people should have something to do if they want to walk around. People don’t look at this area as a place to shop, obviously, because we only have three stores that are retail stores. People have dinner here, they get in their car and go someplace else. I don’t think people are in the mindset that this is an area to shop in. It’s very kitschy and a little unique."

Buster Moon will still sell knickknacks online, as Martin wants to stay in the business without the expensive overhead attached to a Main Street shop.

"I really love this and think there’s an audience," she said.

Martin said she offers from wholesalers that don't sell to Amazon and tries to find unique trinkets to sell. She hopes to keep some type of physical presence in Farmingdale, whether she sells goods at farmers markets or does pop-ups with local businesses. She has worked with Necromantic Brew Co. in the past, for example.

Martin wanted to thank her loyal customers who supported her over the past year.

"The customers who like it here are solid customers, they make me feel like this was a good decision and that there’s an audience out there. I’ll try to be back in some capacity as soon as possible. But I tried to bring some fun to it."

When Buster Moon opened, it took over SOLO Fashion New York, a clothing boutique. Martin said she would like to see her successor open a business where people can have fun before or after dinner on Main Street, which is renowned for its food and bar scene. She believes "The Culinary Quarter" could benefit from activities that complement its eateries.

"I fear that we’re not being strategic enough about the future of Main Street," Martin said. "I think we’re in a good place, but what’s it going to be like three years from now if we don’t start adding more than restaurants here?"

Martin suggested a comedy place or theater.

For those looking to pick up toys or other humorous household items, they may want to capitalize on the Buster Moon closing sale.