For Local Retailers, Same-Sex Marriage Means Business As Usual

Though the passage of same-sex marriage legislation may mean a boost for the New York City wedding industry in general, many retailers in northeast Queens expect business as usual.

Cress Floral Decorators owner Lori Cress said she's arranged a number of same-sex weddings prior to the new bill. While she's sure there's a a thriving gay community in northeast Queens, she doubts the law will make an appreciable difference in sales.

“Would I would love every gay guy in Manhattan to come to me and I could do their wedding? Yeah, but I don’t know if it’s going to happen." she said.

Richers, who declined to give his last name, is the owner of in Little Neck. He said that though he wouldn't have any objection to catering a same-sex wedding, he said he doubts the opportunity will present itself.

“This is not the neighborhood for that," he said. "Maybe closer to Manhattan, but around here, there's no demand for those things.”

Claudia Hubbard, manager of the Douglaston Manor, said she is happy to host any wedding on the premises, regardless of sexual orientation.

"We’ve done gay weddings in the past," she said. "They weren’t regular weddings, but we’ve had celebrations here. We want everyone to get married here. We respect all weddings and won’t turn anyone away."

Still, there's plenty of room for optimism, said Ken Schneider, owner of Kenjoy Jewelers in Little Neck. He said that while he hasn't seen an uptick in business yet, it stands to reason that he will.

"More people can get married now!" Schneider said. "It will certainly help business. It will definitely improve the economy, without question.”