Coaster Photo
Malcolm Navias is preparing to close his business, Heaven on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park.
By ED SALVAS
Malcolm Navias has been in business at 721 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park since 2006 when there wasn’t much reason to visit the city’s downtown business district. He opened Heaven Gallery, a small boutique selling women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry that he bought on frequent trips overseas.
But, after 18 years, he is closing the business.
He said the possible sale of the two-story building was a prime motivator for his decision to close.
“At 80-years old It seemed like a good time to retire.” He wants to travel to places he hasn’t been, including Scandinavia, South America and Alaska (in the summer.) For 18 years, Navias has made four to five trips a year to far away places like Morocco, Turkey and India looking for items to sell in the shop, he says “things you won’t find in the malls, and at affordable prices.” Many items are hand made, or embroidered and out of the ordinary.
When Heaven Gallery opened in 2006, downtown Asbury Park was still struggling. “It wasn’t safe here day or night,” Navias said. Today it’s a completely different picture. The building he rents has been renovated with a new facade and windows. He also had an art gallery on the second floor which has a full kitchen and two bathrooms.
Born in South Africa, Navias found his way to New York City 45 years ago and worked in the fashion industry and also as a psychotherapist. That’s also where he met Tom Pivinski, now his partner of 31 years. They moved to Asbury Park 24 years ago where Pivinski has became involved in the Environmental and Shade Tree Commission. He has been instrumental in establishing several gardens throughout the city,
Heaven Gallery may be closing, but Navias and Pivinski have no plans to leave Asbury Park. Navias is holding a liquidation sale at Heaven Gallery and anything he doesn’t sell will be donated to a thrift shop.
