The Hoboken Girl Team 
After nearly 25 years in business, Giovanni’s Liquor Store at 501 9th Street in Hoboken will close. Owner Lucy Cortes confirmed the information, saying that changes in the building ownership, along with her lease not being renewed, were the reason for the closure. Read on for more about Lucy Cortes and what’s next for Giovanni’s.
About Lucy
Many Giovanni’s regulars and Hoboken neighbors will recognize Lucy Cortes, who greets patrons with a warm smile every time they pass by. Lucy emigrated to the US from Colombia and took over the store in 2000. “This business paid for the education of my three children,” she said. “I’m so grateful.”
Lucy said that despite successfully running the business for 25 years, changes in the building’s ownership meant that it was no longer feasible for her to continue on. “I’ve stopped getting new inventory, and I’ve sold my liquor license,” she said. “It’s not how I wanted it to end.”
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It’s unknown what will come of the space, though a medspa was rumored to be coming in. The owner of the building confirmed to HG that they are trying to sell, but no medspa had plans to come in. Giovanni’s ground-floor location meant it was a popular spot for neighborhood dogs on their walks, since Lucy always had a jar of treats for them at the ready.
Lucy said she’s not sure what’s next for her, either. The first thing she plans to do is get a long-delayed operation on her shoulder. The last date for Giovanni’s is still to be determined, but it will be around the end of the year.
About the Shop
Giovanni’s location at 9th and Madison meant it was the go-to spot for neighbors. It also meant it was just around the corner from the Hoboken ShopRite, which also sells alcohol.
Many residents have heard of the ‘500 foot rule’ in Hoboken, prohibiting liquor stores’ doors from being within 500’ of one another. “Well, it’s true,” Lucy said. “We went out there with tape measures and everything — and door to door to the front of ShopRite is 498 feet, so it passed.”
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The 500-foot rule is real: per the Hoboken City Code, there are several restrictions on what types of establishments can be located near one another. The back doors of the ShopRite have always been closed, and many residents ascribe this to the 500-foot rule. With Giovanni’s closing, perhaps we’ll see those doors opening.
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