Legendary Hoboken Storefront To Be Replaced With Restaurant And Salon

HOBOKEN, NJ — United Decorating, founded in Hoboken in 1899, provided decorations and costumes for Hoboken parades and celebrations for more than a century.

The store, originally owned by German-born decorator Robert Kirchgessner, finally closed in 2015. Robert's grandson George, who was still providing decorations to the public through the end of the 1900s, passed away in 2001.

The family still sold items for a while after that. "St. Paddy's Day is getting near," they posted on social media in 2013. "Come by and see our supply of beads, t-shirts, and accessories."

"This year we will celebrate our 114th year in business in Hoboken," the store wrote later that year. "We are the oldest family owned business in Hoboken."

The storefronts at 421 and 423 Washington St. remained relatively stagnant since closing in 2015, but recently got new signage telling of new businesses to come.

Permits at 423 Washington St. indicate that the space is being transformed into a "retail coffee shop." Codes on the signs lead to Julietta Gelato Cafe, which has locations in Manhattan.

Right next door, signs at 421 Washington St. indicate that Luv Kuts is coming. These kuts are for pups — the business is a dog grooming facility. They offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off services for clients.

The company had been a vendor at Hoboken's Art and Music Festival. They announced in September that they'd be opening soon.

The new businesses are among at least five that recently placed signage on Washington Street to open. Read about another business coming to the main street, and replacing a former dry cleaners, here.

Do you know of a restaurant or business opening or closing in the Hoboken area? Let Patch know so we can write about it.