Musical Chairs: A Home Design Shop Closes, Another Is Moving

amaran 2Sasha von Oldershausen

While one home furnishings shop prepares to move into a larger space, another is closing.

Cafiero Select, the design firm and antique shop that was replaced by the Panda Diplomacy pop-up, is set to reopen on Second Avenue.

The new location at 39 Second Avenue, at East Second Street, is around the corner from Cafiero Lussier, an event design and catering business also co-owned by David Cafiero. The catering offices will share the space with Mr. Cafiero’s shop when doors open to the public in February.

Meanwhile, after nearly 14 years of business on Avenue B, Amaran is closing.

cafieroSarah Darville Cafiero’s old location.

“The rent got too high so we’re moving somewhere else,” said Sonia Tonkin, one of the two owners of the clothing and furniture store that sells a colorful assortment of items purchased from Southeast Asia.

Ms. Tonkin said business had been slow, and the 12 days they were closed post-Sandy didn’t help. She suspects they’ll move the store farther west, but plans to stay in the downtown area.

Still, she is sad to leave. “I knew a lot of the people who came through,” she said.

The owners have until the end of January to occupy the storefront at 109 Avenue B, at East Seventh Street. Until that time, all items in the store are at clearance prices.