Madonna shooting a scene for the film “Desperately Seeking Susan,”
in 1984, at Gem Spa, at St. Mark’s Place and Second Ave. The photographer
Godlis recently sold autographed prints of the shot to help raise
money for the cash-strapped corner store.
‘Desperately Seeking’ funds for Gem Spa
BY BOB KRASNER
Gem Spa’s got problems, but local
support is not one of them. The
classic East Village corner store
is facing an existential fi nancial crisis, as
this paper reported last month.
In response, store manager Parul Patel
has found a new stream of income selling
store-related merchandise. The instantly
recognizable Gem Spa logo is only on Tshirts
PHOTO BY GODLIS
now, but they have proved to be
so popular that Patel is branching out:
Hats, tote bags, coffee mugs, sweatpants,
hoodies, egg cream glasses and more will
be available in the coming weeks.
In addition, artists are stepping up, as
well. Noted East Village photographer
Godlis pitched in recently by donating
prints of Madonna pictured in front of
the iconic bodega in 1984 fi lming “Desperately
Seeking Susan.”
Godlis signing his photo of Madonna taken in front of the Gem Spa in
the ’80s. All profits from sale of the prints goes to the struggling East
Village business. Prints of the photo are still available for sale at Gem
Spa.
He spent a couple of hours signing
prints and regaling happy customers
with tales of the neighborhood back in
the day, when he was hanging out at
CBGB shooting the images that are now
collected in his monograph “History Is
Made at Night.”
Though, at the moment, the shop
is not selling cigarettes or lottery tickets
— formerly steady revenue streams
— you can still (and should) get an
PHOTO BY BOB KRASNER
egg cream. The traditional vanilla and
chocolate are available, as well as newer
fl avors, such as mango, creamsicle, nutella
and blueberry, to name a few. And
if you’re a vegan, they are happy to make
yours with almond milk.
The store’s new Web site is not up yet,
but you can look for announcements on
their Instagram, @besteggcream, and on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/gemspabesteggcream/.
Schneps Media TVG September 12, 2019 19
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