Despite the fact that foot traffic has decreased in the store, Garcia, relentlessly upbeat, said he still holds on to contracts with local superintendents — his largest customer base.
Garcia is reluctant to talk about his financial struggle. He lives with his parents, sister, and brother in a Washington Heights four-bedroom apartment that his family rents with the store’s profits for $1,000 per month. He also conceded that he cut back on spending in his personal life to stay within the bounds of a decreased budget. He socializes less and only goes out to bars or restaurants once a month. He said he doesn’t buy new clothing or drink alcohol anymore.
Kaia requires a lot of financial support. While she lives mostly with her mother, Garcia said he is responsible for 80 percent of Kaia’s living expenses. Her mother contributes the remaining 20 percent.
A New York minute
I struggled to hold Garcia’s attention. The Manhattan Valley hardware store owner stood behind the cluttered counter while I interviewed him for the first time. His right hand was operating the register, ringing up a customer who bought cleaning supplies. His left hand held the store’s phone to his ear as he shouted into the receiver between brief answers to my questions. Simultaneously, the single dad kept at least one eye on Kaia, who sat on the countertop, mischievously tugging on her father’s shirt. She placed stamps from behind the register into her back pocket.
“No Kaia, Daddy needs those!” Kelly shouted.
I decided to wait for the madness to die down before continuing. But he looked at me expectantly, almost angrily, and yelled: “What’s the matter, that’s all you got?”
Three avenues, three faces
Broadway is a never-ending stretch of chain stores, restaurants and banks. Rushing to and from the subway, commuters pop into Starbucks, Duane Reade and Citibank. Broadway pedestrians are going places, and fast.
Amsterdam is full of mothers with strollers and groups of boisterous teens. Upscale restaurants neighbor grimy delis, kosher supermarkets and housing projects. The Amsterdam crowds are diverse.
Columbus has a Spanish accent. Signs on the many mom-and-pop stores are in Spanish. Women get their hair done, men get a shave, and pets get groomed at all of the 24 hour salons. Parked cars blast salsa music throughout the night.
Three avenues cut the tiny neighborhood of Manhattan Valley into distinctive thirds.
—Becky Fried
Kaia goes to Head Start, a pre-school program for low-income families located next door to the hardware store. Every day Garcia picks her up and brings her to the store until someone can take over babysitting duties. For several hours he runs the shop and watches Kaia at the same time.
Garcia said he welcomes the responsibility of caring for Kaia. He said he loves her and that his life changed for the better after she was born. He admitted that Kaia is an added financial stress, but said he can’t put a price tag on family.
Despite avoiding thoughts of his own future, Garcia said he hopes Kaia will go to college some day and he even started a small fund for her education. He said family members occasionally contribute $5 or $10 on birthdays and holidays.
While Kelly Garcia’s parents, the original owners of the store, help out occasionally, he has taken over full responsibility of running the business. He has become an anchor for his whole family. His brother and long-time friends rely on him for part-time work and odd jobs. He often lends money to friends in need and supports Kaia at the same time.
Garcia said his store has been hit by economic hardships before and has survived. He is convinced this time is no different.
“I don’t cry about it,” he said. “If you think negative, negative things will happen.”
