A happy retirement to Jane and Billy, closing Katinka after 45 years in the East Village

Photo last week by Stacie Joy 

Time is running out to stop by one of the most unique shops in the East Village. 

As reported in late July, Katinka will close at the end of this month after 45 years in business. Jane Williams and Billy Lyles, partners in Katinka and in life, will be enjoying retirement very soon. 

The two opened their closet-sized shop in 1979 at 303 E. Ninth St. just east of Second Avenue... offering hand-made pieces — including shirts, vests, quilts and rugs — all made and imported from India. 

Jane told us that either tomorrow or Friday will be their closing day. (Hours: 5-8 p.m.) 

Despite the store closing, you'll see them in the neighborhood. 

"We live on Ninth Street, so we will be around," Jane said. "The East Village is our home."