Angels on A has closed

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

After 18 months at 66 Avenue A, Angels on A has closed. 

On Sunday, I came across a sales rack of clothing outside the partially shuttered storefront between Fourth Street and Fifth Street...

Inside, the store was nearly empty ...

Owner Angel Ramirez, who launched the business as Downtown Threads in the fall of 2023, said that they decided to call it quits. 

"With rising rent and real estate taxes so high, it didn't make sense to continue to operate," he said.

Still, Ramirez hopes to find a more affordable storefront somewhere downtown. 

"We are looking at a new space to potentially relocate, looking at spaces on the Lower East Side," he said. "I'm a lifelong resident of the area, and it hurts to have to close." 

He said people can follow the shop's Instagram account for relocation updates. 

"Thank you to the community for the continued support," Ramirez said. "In the last few days, we've received tons of really sweet messages of love and support. Appreciate everyone: Big hugs."

This was the third business Ramirez closed in this stretch of storefronts in the block-long building that sold in the fall of 2023. He was also behind Angels Boutique and Café Social 68/Viva! Café, which went dark in January. 

Three businesses remain on the once-livelier block — Mast Books, March Gallery and the liquor store, which changed hands earlier this year.