‘More Than Merchandise’: Freeport Gift Shop Announces Closure After 35 Years

FREEPORT, NY — After 35 years on the Nautical Mile, the Sea Horse Gift Shop announced this summer would be its last.

The managers of the store — Mike, Millie and Lisa Kaland — announced the closure with a letter to the community, thanking Freeport residents for bringing a smile into the shop regardless of what they bought or didn’t buy.

“The Sea Horse has been built on more than merchandise sales — it was built on relationships,” The family wrote. “The familiar faces, the conversations at the counter, the laughter, the stories, the hugs, the visits, and the customers who became friends — and, over the years, became like family.”

While the management thanked the community for the good days, the announcement that the Sea Horse would be closing was also an opportunity to reflect on the not-so-good, like the days after Hurricane Sandy, when business owners across the south shore were left wondering what their future held.

In their note to the community, the Sea Horse team said the time after Sandy was an uncertain one, but one of many times that their store was backed up by the community around it.

“There were moments where we wondered what the future would hold. But every time, this community reminded us why we stayed,” the family wrote. “You helped us rebuild and supported us when things were difficult. You came back through our doors. You told your friends about us. You stopped in just to say hello. And in ways you may never fully realize, you gave us the strength to keep going. That is what makes saying goodbye so incredibly difficult.”

For south shore residents looking to pay one last visit to the Sea Horse, there is some hope: Lisa Kaland told Patch Tuesday that she and her parents have not set a closing day yet, but said that they’re prepared to be in the store into — if not through — September. As part of the closing proceedings, Kaland said much of the store’s merchandise, with some exceptions, are on sale for 40 percent off.