"It's been a hard week", a chipper AJ Pacheco stated as many Astoria, Queens residents picked through piles and piles of vinyl today at Hifi Records on Steinway Street. It was a bittersweet way to give back to the community who has supported the local record shop for the past 8 years.

As with quite a few spots in the neighborhood, Hifi's lease is up. Unfortunately they've been priced out and were forced to find a new home. It's not fun, but that's life in New York City.

The popular coffee shop and record store which first opened in 2015 was filled to the brim on this sunny and crisp Saturday. Customers lined up well before the 12pm opening to say goodbye (for now) and get their hands on posters, records, and equipment. A lucky patron even left with the store's doormat. 

The pay-what-you-want event at the original 23-19 Steinway Street location was a great way to relive some memories, see old friends, and listen to some jams with the incredible staff. According to Pacheco, the search is already on for a new location in Astoria. It's unknown when or where a reopening would take place, but he and owner Javi Velázquez hope to have a new home by March of this year.

So as not to get too emotional here, I'll just pull this one out of storage and say, it's not goodbye. It's see you later.