The year 2012 was a big one for change. Some landmark stores saw the end of many decades, and some large chain stores shut their doors due to pressures from a changing market. Here are some stores that closed around the area this year:
Bad Dawgs: Serving gourmet hot dogs and knishes in Huntington Village, Bad Dawgs closed in July. A takeaway spot called "The Chicken Coop" is reportedly going to open in its place from the same owners as Fado. They will serve rotisserie chicken and family-style sides.
Mangiamo: This Huntington Village Italian eatery on New Street closed in the beginning of year and recently became La Notte.
Dragon Gate: One of two Huntington locations, Dragon Gate on Main Street closed and was replaced by Daisho Ramen. Dragon Gate has moved around the corner to a takeout-only location.
Gemport: Northport's Gemport jewelry and rare gem store closed its doors in May after 43 years as a Northport mainstay.
Waldbaum's: Waldbaum's Huntington Station location closed in March. It was one of six Long Island stores described by its parent company as underperforming. It was replaced with a Best Market in May.
Blockbuster: Blockbuster closed hundreds of stores nationwide over the past few years in a move from brick and mortar to online business. The Huntington Station location closed in February, the Northport location closed last year.
Toys 'R' Us: Toy's 'R' Us in Huntintgon Station closed in January and became Nordstrom Rack a few months later. The closure followed on the heels of Barnes and Noble Books in Huntington Station a month earlier.
The Northport Tasting Room and Wine Cellar: This local wine-lovers destination closed abruptly in the spring and became The Wine Cellar on Main in June under new ownership.
