It’s time to say goodbye to the place to go for hellos.
Overtures — a tiny card shop in Brooklyn Heights — is closing after 30 years, devastating locals who counted on its owners for friendly company as much as quirky greetings.
Michael Davidson, 66, who owns the Hicks Street store with partner Gerry Morin, 70, will leave the neighborhood for good on Jan. 15.
But don’t ask the Opera-loving couple for a teary Hallmark-style goodbye. They can’t wait to retire, visit the world’s opera houses and finally get married.
“I don’t have any regrets,” said Davidson. “This is the right time, I made my decision, and my astrologer confirmed it!”
Since opening near Montague Street in 1981, Overtures has reflected its owners’ eccletic tastes, stocking jewelry, Broadway scores, Brooklyn Gum hauled back from Italian vacations, handmade pillows and a healthy helping of Verdi — alongside annversary cards and get-well-soons.
“I read and picked every single card,” Davidson said. “Most stores just want to fill racks. That’s not the case with me.”
Loyal customers say that Overtures represented what the Montague Street shopping district used to be — a line of boutiques with personality, free of Starbucks or other humdrum chains.
“Today shops come and go, but there’s not a lot left that have a real following,” said Peggy Ricciardi, who ordered her holiday cards and invitations at Overtures for 20 years. “Even if I didn’t need anything, I would stop and find something because it was Michael and Gerry.”
Morin and Davidson don’t have a wedding date, but this summer they plan to jet to London for the Olympics and visit Italy to explore where Verdi spent most of his life.
“We’ve watched kids grow up, we’ve done their wedding and baby announcements,” Davidson said. “Now my gift to myself is to retire and jump start the creative part of my being.”
Reach Kate Briquelet at [email protected] or by calling her at (718) 260-2511.
