SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — If business is the soul of a community, then Dee Jays, a clothing boutique owned by Deborah and Jack Ohana in Southampton, might as well be part of the heart of the village.
Despite nearly 48 years, the Ohanas recently faced some bad news.
“This spring, all good things at 11 Main Street come to an abrupt end,” the owners wrote on Instagram. “Dee Jays has been forced to close its doors after nearly 48 years of supporting and serving the Village of Southampton.”
As with many small, locally-owned and operated businesses in the Hamptons, the Ohanas said, “We were faced with renewing our lease with an exorbitant rent increase that we simply could not justify.”
The building's owners could not immediately be reached for comment.
Southampton Village Mayor Jesse Warren lamented the impending closing of Dee Jays, which he called a longtime clothing store on Southampton Village Main Street, a business and a community outpost.
“Dee Jays has been a true gem of Southampton Village and Main St. for nearly five decades. Debbie is a small business that has always loved the village and it's a shame she won't be able to renew her lease.”
Warren called on D.J.'s owner to renegotiate negotiations so the village could keep its beloved store.
“At the end of the day, homeowners want to maximize the value of their property, but it's also important for them to consider what some of the local businesses mean to the community. Debbie and Dee Jays have made the village special — and that it's a real loss for the village,” he said.
Customers and friends expressed their grief on Instagram.
“I'm so incredibly sad to hear this and so sorry for you and all your hard work,” one woman wrote. He added that it's a shame the owner won't reconsider, “and allow you to remain as you always have been. Thank you for always dressing us as perfectly as ever.”
“Southampton will never be the same without Dee Jays,” wrote another.
Another customer added: “Say it ain't so! My all time favorite store. I've bought some of my most loved and fabulous clothes here over the years. Debbie is just the best. So sorry to see you up close. A real loss for Southampton and me.”
The boutique, whose long-standing mantra is “Fashion fades, style is eternal,” offers a veritable treasure trove of chic and casual wear for sunny days by the beach.
Deborah's niece, Alexis Rae, spoke to Patch about the closing: “Dee Jays was like a summer home for me, right in the heart of Southampton Village. My first real job was there at age 15, working there with consistency in my early years. 20s,” he said. “I still help to this day. Most (if not all) of my work ethic comes from working with my aunt at Dee Jays. When you work for a small business, especially a family business, you take it personally. To me, it was a place of learning, helping, socializing, creating and even disciplining.”
She added: “I watched as my aunt ran the store tighter than Bergdorf Goodman! Every garment that went on the floor she steamed and ironed, often into the wee hours of the night. She was the buyer, the seller, the maintenance person and She made every show. She was the heartbeat of this store and became your personal shopper with the amazing ability to dress any body type! Main Street in Southampton is losing a very special place to greed. Plain and simple.”
He also, he said, comes from a family of small business owners.
“My grandma, mom, and aunt owned and operated thriving businesses here on Long Island starting in the late 70's. It was always hard work but so rewarding, and I saw it firsthand. I myself work as local photographer with a focus on small business as well as family and event photography,” he said. “Small businesses, mom-and-pop shops, make our Long Island the place we love to call home. May we never lose this.”
Warren also rallied to save longtime Schmidt's Market, which was forced out of its longtime Southampton location due to rising rents. However, a new day is dawning for the Schmidt family as son Daniel prepares to open Schmidt's Country Market in Quogue.
As for the Ohanas, Deborah said: “We will continue to post and keep you all updated. Thank you for the outpouring of love and support you have received so far. We consider ourselves so blessed to have such loyal friends and customers.”
Long-term customers can continue to follow the store on IG @deejays_southampton for upcoming details on the store's official closing date and “sale information,” he said. Emails can also be sent to deejaysouthampton@icloud.com.
