UKRAINIAN VILLAGE — After 14 years and two locations within the same Chicago Avenue block, Packaging and Shipping Specialists, known as PASS, has lost its lease and will close on Friday, its owner said Wednesday.
"I tried to relocate, but to find a reasonable space and still be able to make a profit is a thing of the past in Ukrainian Village, Wicker Park and the surrounding area," said Jesus Barragan, owner of the franchise shop at 2044 W. Chicago Ave., just west of Damen and across from Mariano's.
PASS offered mailbox rentals, mailing and shipping supplies and until recently was able to ship items through the U.S. Postal Service and FedEx.
Mailbox holders can pick up their mail at the nearby Dollar Market, 1949 W. Chicago Ave., Barragan said.
The 1,450-square-foot retail/commercial condo, listed for $259,000, is under contract to a new buyer, according to Barragan, who had been renting out the spot since 2012 after relocating from a different space a few doors east.
Barragan said he has scouted the area and there is nothing available in his rent range so at least for now, he has closed for good.
"I will definitely miss the area and the people after 14 years on this block," he said.
A Ricoh copy machine is for sale as well a 96-inches by 48-inches slate board, made of compressed particle board. Anyone interested can email Barragan to see the items.
News of the closure was digested by customers, who were seen walking up to the store and then staring around helplessly, as the doors were locked despite an "Open" sign Wednesday morning.
Tatyana Goinyak was carrying a broom that she had hoped to find a box for, she said.
"They stopped shipping stuff a few days ago but I need to find a box," said Goinyak, who explained that her mom, who has arthritis, needs an adjustable broom like the kind she can find here in the United States but not in Ukraine.
Goinyak said it was sad that the store, which she shopped at a few times a year, was closing.
"The area keeps changing, people keep demolishing and rebuilding," Goinyak said.
Tatyana Goinyak was hoping to buy a box to mail a broom to her mom in Ukraine. [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
Portion of the 96x48 compressed particle board for hanging stuff on walls, for sale [Jesus Barragan]
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