""Thank you so much. Thank you. Oh my God," Henry said as customers stepped inside."
""Sometimes I fall asleep because nobody walking," Henry said. "And then what happens?" Garguilo asked. "New York Nico. He says, 'Henry, I think I can help you.' A picture. Just a picture.""
""Because of him, I survived," Henry said."
""I saw it on TikTok," one visitor said. "I came in and thought, this is really New York. Like, we know each other here.""
Army & Navy Bags occupies less than 200 square feet on East Houston Street and centers on owner Henry Yao, known for his sandals, vest, T-shirt and warm smile. Customers come to shop and to greet Henry, who thanks each visitor and lights up when regulars arrive. A single photo posted by New York Nico helped revitalize the shop during pandemic hardship and brought steady foot traffic, gifts and even lunches. Visitors traveling from Germany and Australia say they found a genuine New York experience, with some comparing Henry to an oracle. Henry credits the viral attention with helping him survive. Henry grew up in China.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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