Friendship is free: The beloved surplus store saved by New Yorkers

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At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Henry Yao thought he would have to give up and shutter Army & Navy Bags, his tiny surplus store in New York City that he has run for about a decade. But little did Yao know that he was beloved by many New Yorkers for his kindness and friendliness, which was paid back in his most difficult time. People came in droves to support Yao after learning of his situation. On July 23, 2020, Yao said he sold out all of his merchandise. “I never expected that,” he said. “People care. New Yorkers are the best."
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[@Dragon228833]

This man is definitely not acting like that for the camera. Bought a bag from him yesterday and he’s this genuine 24/7

[@FishyBlopBlopOnWaterr]

It’s great to know that his business survived through the pandemic :D!

[@pen5183]

I've seen him in other people's videos! He is genuine.

[@theothertoday]

Beautiful

[@goldengirl1212]

Glad to know he still has his store

[@enderless6055]

Woah really he's so cool

[@xuphoyitezewt922]

This man keeps his store alive not for money, but for interacting with customers to hear many stories

[@condorX2]

Really down to earth guy

[@89474]

He keeps his store to make living, not to talk, but his open heart and compassion have made him survive chalenge. Hope u see difference in meaning.

[@face76]

No the guy keeps the store open for money. To make a living. He wouldn’t do a 2 hour commute each way and have his children think he doesn’t have time for them if he didn’t need the money. He is making the best of situation he is in. The store is how makes a living but the best part for him is the people. Basically he loves his job.

[@josefigueroa1043]

Yeah ok nd Santa Claus really do exist..

[@Zer0TheGhost]

Few seconds in and Im already crying because he looks so sweet 😭😭

[@thehuggernaut8425]

went into his store earlier today looking for a coat and ended up having a 40 minute conversation about baseball and life. henry is a very lovely person

[@skzk46]

sweet

[@Carltonwanks]

I bet he couldn't wait to get rid of you

[@yolooo5081]

@@Carltonwanks Man, interaction with you irl probably exhausting. Keep that up, I want you to maximize that miserableness everyday of your life. It will bring a smile to my face.

[@Mike-fd1lq]

@@Carltonwanks it's a pity your mother didn't swallow

[@Carltonwanks]

@@Mike-fd1lq your sisters are The expert's st that, Only, charge 3 dollars

[@mechadonia]

When I visited New York when I was 17 years old I bought a jacket from this store. It ended up getting stolen. This year I visited New York again at 21 years old. I went to this store to buy the same jacket again because it was the only one that had it in stock and that jacket was my favorite jacket. The second I walked in, Henry recognized me immediately from a 5 minute interaction I had with him 4 years ago. The man is not only nice and humble but extremely sharp. Love Henry and his store.

[@skyhappy]

Did he remember your name

[@mechadonia]

@@skyhappy no he just remembered the jacket I bought and brought me a new one I never told him my name

[@KAKASHl69]

What kind of jacket was it if yk

[@mechadonia]

@@KAKASHl69 German Flecktarn Jacket

[@KAKASHl69]

@@mechadonia interesting pattern. Enjoy it!

[@remixedv]

He's a therapist for the community. A kindhearted man. Lovely story.

[@somethingaboutbeaute]

I love how you can genuinely see how much this touched his heart. A truly beautiful story for sure!!! 🙂❤️

[@14bqdonk]

💯

[@fatseadoggo1017]

That's a business I wanna support. This absolute lad is there for everyone, not for profits and his customers/family are there for him.

[@noface6872]

I wish he had a website to buy his stuff.

[@Alex-ih9lc]

@@xdraygul5169 who asked

[@JerseyJake98]

@@xdraygul5169 This store is still around I just checked they open at 10 am today

[@Mlbb_370-x6n]

I met this man in his store. One of the most amazing and humble people here in the city. He told me there once was a teenager that used to come in the store and was rude to him, bothered him because he was Asian. But he was still treated him with kindness, never yelled or cursed at him. A couple years later, he got a letter and a check from the teen who remembered him, now grown up, apologizing for being a bad kid saying he changed his life, and thanking him for being so kind to him regardless. He is beyond words. I've never felt so touched by a strangers words and stories. Please support his store if any of you get the chance. Buy anything, small or big, he will appreciate it

[@cody56011]

Thks for sharing. It's really heart touching🥲

[@jfaustin1742]

I’m crying

[@dabasil]

Imagine being so wholesome and kind you turn a brat into a gentleman, what a man of virtue

[@lasgio_]

@@dabasil Johnathan Joestar vibes

[@richardgrognard6394]

you need to know the name of the store

[@thulekovish8188]

He uses the large duffels as his day bed. It's so funny that his customers catch him resting on them. May his children appreciate what he does to provide for the family. He himself and his shop are one of New York's many characters.

[@darknightgaming6210]

I will tell you once you load them up with all the clothes and stuff you get in the army it do make a nice sleeping mat only in the army do they teach you how to sleep anywhere

[@Thisworldisagoner]

The way he consoled that veteran. Man if we meet even one person like him every week or every month who talks to us in such a loving way, we would all learn to be more kind and tolerant

[@Bunny11344]

there’s a retired Asian senior that came out of retirement to work as a mailman to the hospital to spread cheer and we love him so much. 🙏🏻

[@GaneshKumar-zd4mf]

idk y iam crying.. ♥♥♥

[@joshuariddle4420]

sadly that vet was a phony, he had cross rifles on his jacket, and MP cross pistols on his hat, so either a phony, or just homeless and wearing whatever he can,

[@parrotletsrunearth1173]

That really brought a tear to my eye.

[@lillylee3817]

That guy is correct. Interaction promotes closeness, understanding n acceptance.

[@angellosmalefakis1321]

As a veteran, I wish I was there back in NYC to support this store. YOU can tell he has a lot of LOVE for the veterans and his customers. BLESS YOU! WE veterans need more like YOU!

[@1916mookies]

Thank you for your service 🥰

[@alxRo]

Greetings from greece

[@Carltonwanks]

He's lazy and sleeps All Day!

[@abaddon2148]

@@Carltonwanks and successful! you mad?

[@Carltonwanks]

@@abaddon2148successful ? Did u watch the video?the Sleepyhead had to beg for money from stranger's

[@itswynette]

I just called Henry and told him I saw this video yesterday. I am from Toronto, Canada and a second-generation Canadian. This video made me realize just how much sacrifice and work my grandparents had to make to run their own store in the 80s and 90s. For the first time in 21 years, I started to learn Cantonese and now can communicate with my grandparents and thank them for all they have done. I told Henry this and thanked him for making me become closer to my culture and family. He was so kind and even told the other worker my story. He was clearly very touched and asked for my name. He said that he hopes I will visit the store. This is a very touching story, that I am sure many of us can relate to - from all backgrounds. I strive to find kindness and resilience like Henry. We even spoke a little Cantonese to each other!

[@RayMak]

He is such an approachable person...

[@Mapie]

]

[@TheTwh415]

When I see Ray Mak in the comments, I like immediately

[@koon7718]

Oh...hi Mak!

[@jinjer5042]

I see Ray in almost every important videos lol

[@justassimple8328]

I see you everywhere

[@chengyiq3066]

He is so sweet. I hope his business is able to get through the pandemic

[@ismaeltolentino4500]

there is probably a way to help him-e-commerce. i wonder if he can take online orders and he can ship to where you are.

[@Bunny11344]

Me too. He puts out such beautiful energy into the world..

[@davidhill1404]

@@ismaeltolentino4500 The store phone number is on the store awning. I'm gonna give him a call. I need some new 6 pocket combat pants for the woods. Hope he ships to Canada.

[@miketackabery7521]

@@davidhill1404 I just called him to order a big backpack. He said he doesn't do shipping and handling, but he will for me. WTH!? He's freaking awesome!

[@weeniehutjr9977]

it did! he’s still open :)

[@Drarjunmenon]

A man like him may not end up being the richest or famous, but he'll be loved by thousands that were touched by his humanity and kindness. Not many rich and famous can boast about that. Absolute legend❤️

[@buildingdreams2279]

EHSHUA IS YOUR MESSIAH EHSHUA IS YOUR MASHIACH PRAY TO EHSHUA HAMELECH YUHOODAH YOU KNOW YOU KNOW

[@Drarjunmenon]

@@buildingdreams2279 Nope, I've a thing for Satan, EHSHUA sounds like mad lunatic

[@kirubashankar7249]

@@Drarjunmenon 🤣🤣

[@kdude1000]

Sounds pretty rich to me ❤

[@tammygant4216]

@@kdude1000 EXACTLY!! Money is not the only way to measure wealth....in the end, it may not even be the most important way.

[@OMGitsJESSElawlz]

I first met Henry around 13 years ago, and went to his store somewhat frequently back then. Didn't go back for maybe 8 or 9 years and he immediately recognized me and we spent an hour or so catching up. Such an amazing soul and wonderful human to have here.

[@stevenliew2507]

He showed there there is humanity even in New Yorkers.

[@heartsDmise]

New Yorkers are very sweet and friendly people. Oftentimes we just keep to ourselves to prevent danger, and most just wanna go about getting things done in their day. There’s a lot of kind people here, Ive grown up meeting them everywhere :)

[@alexandrareyes9237]

@@heartsDmise true, I see very often acts of kindness here but it’s mostly the negative or the misunderstood things that are publicized.

[@ImNotaRussianBot]

What do you mean "even in New Yorkers"?

[@franciscob.2547]

@@ImNotaRussianBot prob never been to New York or know anyone from there

[@heisenberg744]

@@alexandrareyes9237 just like us...

[@bryx170]

"New York looks out for New York." That's pure. ❤️

[@johnnymcblaze]

It's also super racist. Look how new york is trying to kick out those poor, poor migrants

[@bryx170]

@@johnnymcblaze yes, I agree, too. Because some Asians, even tourists are getting attacked.

[@geordiehousemafia]

@@johnnymcblaze tbf a lot of Chinese businesses buy up and kick out the locals

[@Lupita311]

@@johnnymcblaze where?? I'm from NYC. NY is the greatest. It is true NY is for the real people. It would chew you up and spit you out. if you make it here you'd make it anywhere. But it is also true we take care of our own. You mess with 1 of us, you mess with all of us. It is a NY thing.

[@doransshield9176]

@@geordiehousemafia at what point do the Chinese become the locals then? you go back in time and will hear the rhetoric regardless of their background

[@TheeGaoSter]

Heart of gold. May he live for 100 more years.

[@Carltonwanks]

He has alcoholism, that's why he's always sleeping, and also why he's talkative

[@javier235]

I was at Henry's store this summer. When I walked in, he was sleeping exactly as seen in the video. I met him, and his voice, his great kindness and his affectionate greeting to my family was like in the video too. I bought some small items, and he gave me something precious, not because of its price but because of its importance. Perhaps Henry may not become a millionaire from his store, but he sure is a real rich man.

[@alimfuzzy]

I know what a 4 hour commute is like, but with those hours is tough. That means at the least leave home at 6am work to 8pm, get home at midnight. Never see your kids and do it all over again.

[@fajarkurniawan9434]

I was about to comment the same, 4 hours of commute, Wow

[@killasam1951]

Such is life😢

[@alexJohnson9119]

4 hours round trip!

[@alimfuzzy]

@@alexJohnson9119 thought it was 8 hours... 4 each way. That's what I do too.

[@ci310]

That's right sigh..... Breaks my heart.

[@pheebsdazon3469]

I feel that people like him are rare but not really appreciated until there are no more. The world doesnt really see value in people like him but I do. For me, he is an example of the best sales people in the world. I work in retail and we"re told that you need to sell w/in 2 mins of talking to a customer..

[@guerillabros1154]

you wouldn't want to do that in your own shop only in big retail

[@1x1HealthyEnergybyAndrew]

The female dominated narcissistic social media is quickly ending the need for genuine human interaction.

[@pheebsdazon3469]

@@1x1HealthyEnergybyAndrew That's unfair and ignorant. Lack of empathy has no gender.. FYI Most of my bosses who demand more sales and less interaction, are men.

[@JohnnyGification]

@@pheebsdazon3469 you were on a roll and correct until your last sentence. I don't agree with that.

[@maggiechan33]

@@pheebsdazon3469 Completely agree with you; from YOUR experiences, the demanding ones are males. Like you, I appreciate gentle, kind souls like Mr Yao; I much prefer humble people over loquacious ones.

[@MakeItUp19]

I met this wonderful man the other day. I went in with my husband as there were a few customers he was working with he thanked us 1000x for our patience and I came with a patch of my previous command and he hugged me and told me he was proud of me. I almost cried and he pinched my cheeks. What a sweet humble soul.

[@tbt1222]

As a Vietnamese - younger generation, I just wanted to say to that Vietnam War veteran: we forgive you, or at least, I forgive you. I think you should feel honored for you fought for a cause. Both side hurt, really a lot, but what we have now is peace, and hopefully, forever peace. We would never forget, but we forgive. I almost burst out into tears when seeing him and hearing his heartbreaking voice under that mask.

[@unpopularopinion9831]

Bless you for your kind words, no offense meant if your religious beliefs are different, I hope you know what I truly meant to say to you

[@simsgazytech2013]

SEA people are the easiest people to forgive , we think holding grudge is never the best way in our live. Such as Japan. i wonder why SEAan not holding grudge like Chinese and Korean, we were equaly treated badly( like animal) by japanese during WWII. we are upset when japanese decided to erase their " Sin" by not tell their younger generation about their cruelty. as Indonesian we are suprise that the king of Netherland apologized about their occupation for 3 decades. at least netherland admitted about their Sin. My grandfather and and Grandparents always told us that Japanese cruelty 100x crazier that dutch. they basically evil during WWII.

[@tbt1222]

@@simsgazytech2013 I totally agreed with you. We are laid-back, more forgiving. In Vietnamese, we have a word for it called "hiền", which means meek, accepting, calm, peaceful. I can't find a perfect translation for it. But you get what I mean.

[@user-nk7bz4bw4s]

Bro, you can only represent yourself

[@thomasgricezodiac]

As an American who just spent a long trip in Vietnam, I was so blessed by the Vietnamese people! They are amazing.

[@Trident_V]

As a Vietnamese, I would like to tell the Vietnam Vet that he did not do anything wrong, everything was passed away, lets move on, Vietnamese do love and appreciate American people to visit my country not just a tourist but as a friend. Trust me, leave that away, if he want to travel to Vietnam someday, I am sure no one would blame him because he was a vet, trust me every Vietnamese former army soldiers do invite and make friend with a lot of American Vietnam vet.

[@catladynikki2024]

That’s a lot of love 😸😻

[@syn_2529]

Of course you're a Nguyen lol Respect btw

[@Potato_n_Tomato]

Has it changed in the North? I faced tons of harassment and stuff being a Vietnamese American when I went there, granted its been a long time.

[@catladynikki2024]

@@Potato_n_Tomato are you ok?

[@FreshNFitBoys]

@@Potato_n_Tomato That kinda depends on who you meet in the North though. If you're going around talking about controversial political topics or sensitive historical topics like the war should have ended differently for America, then you will probably get a lot of hate. Just don't say anything to them and you're gonna be fine...

[@Hunzh647]

This just put a smile on my face the whole time.

[@alfiueun1472]

Same❤️

[@Bunny11344]

Me too🥲

[@mikeknuckey]

My wife and I went to Henry's store a few years back, we talked for like an hour about life... he's a truly humble person. I'm so happy he's still running the store, we'll be back.

[@locomotiveproductions]

Mate this makes my Aussie eyes tear up with joy for this man here. So much hard work and grit to be able to run a store like this, and the city has his back. That's community

[@Carltonwanks]

Shame Aussies can't be like that 90 percent of Aussies I've known have been very rude And just low intelligence

[@locomotiveproductions]

@@Carltonwanks Well maybe you got unlucky and met some low life drongos. There's nice people wherever you go, just gotta find them man. I live in the USA currently and a lot of people are rude to me and don't understand me and also mock me but I've found some people that are nice

[@LVXMagick]

Aww bless this man. And the people in the community helping to keep him in business. That's no small feat in NYC. Wish him all the best!

[@ususshjd1994]

He is a true american patriot 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@mahender.psinghbudgurjar709]

☮

[@kennyz8981]

Until someone went and robbed his store.

[@ZENSIBLE]

@@kennyz8981 🤦🏿‍♂️ 🤦🏿‍♂️ 🤦🏿‍♂️ Your comment is a little out of place

[@rey7014]

He's an American through and through, and yet, anti-asians would probably still go and harass him. It's honestly a weird, weird world

[@justicewillprevail1106]

@@ZENSIBLE i think Kenny z is trying to say is that it is very rare for any ny store owner to have NOT gone through the experience of being robbed.

[@chelseystrange99]

Currently sporting a jacket from this man's shop. I urge anyone in the city to stop by. Great man. Great deals.

[@KodiakAlpha]

This is so cool!!. I just visited NY a couple of weeks ago and realized the small bag I was using to carry my camera was too small and clumsy. I happened to be walking by this surplus store and saw backpackers inside. The prices were great and the store owner was so nice and soft spoken. To my surprise this video popped up today and it made me so excited to see. I have always heard the people of NY are rude and callous but I had a totally different experience. Everyone we came across was very helpful when we needed help with the subways and through all our interactions. The main difference I noticed was that New Yorkers are in a hurry to where ever they are going and move at a much faster pace while getting from point A to B then when they get there they slow down quite a bit LOL. I loved NY and would recommend to anyone that hasn’t been 😊

[@zah_ate7170]

His english may not be the best but he always sends his emotions and thoughts across when he talks. That's what makes him such an asset to the community

[@kingraplhmativo5178]

Who cares about his language, when he speaks from his pure heart.🥰

[@lalo80adams71]

Are you hard of hearing?.. i understand his "English" perfectly ...

[@screwyyoui4120]

lel "english", its just english

[@teebo5298]

It’s his second language what matters is it’s perfectly understandable

[@RasPutintheGreat]

Reason for that is he knows other language/s, how about you?

[@tikauknow]

Kids, never ever say bad things to your parents, you will regret it when they gone forever!!!! My dad pass away in 2019 and I'm still crying whenever see story like this.. thank you for sharing this 🙏🏻😭😭😭

[@hypegamer2362]

Some parents deserve it.

[@nocturnally879]

You are right. You will carry this karma to the grave if you do not show any regret...

[@senyum0]

Mine in 2015. Still thinks he alive sometimes then i realise he was gone

[@tikauknow]

@@senyum0 my condolences 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@senyum0]

@@tikauknow tq. You too

[@Cynnabuns]

I'm not in any way into the things he sells just because i dont wear them nor am I a vet. But man if I saw this man I'd go in just to say hello and buy anything if i could. I love people like him. I get a smile seeing how over joyed he is. I'm glad society hasn't taken this man's spirit.

[@zackcarl7861]

His voice is zen 🙂, no rush , no clutter ,no push to be productive just pure calmness and maturity

[@supremacy2040]

This story is great, no politics, just old fashioned human to human interaction and the strength of the human spirit in hard times.

[@ernestinehannon3383]

So rare to find someone passionate about his customers… Bless you!!!

[@timpriestley8997]

His physcial body opens this store, his personality is what keep it open.......

[@JohnnyFD]

Wow, thats an amazing story. His family needs to move closer to the city though

[@charlesyuen5376]

I'm sure they have considered that, but the cost of living in the city might be super high and I don't think the business brings him enough business to live in the city.

[@JohnnyFD]

​@@charlesyuen5376 whatever he's making there, he can surely afford a place closer that isn't a 4 hour commute. They can move to New Jersey and cut that time in half. It must be for some other reason they don't want to move.

[@Mlbb_370-x6n]

I think so too. Maybe when his kids are older and off to college, he can move. Maybe his wife and kids are too close to their school and friends there

[@shaun8253]

i just called Henry here on the east coast time & told him about how inspirational his story is & about this video uploaded here. he was not aware. said i made his day! ♥️

[@nocknock4832]

🙏

[@tiffanyzheng5811]

Wow what a lovely video. It’s crazy how I’ve walked pass that store so many times, but didn’t go in because I’m not in the military. But now I’ll for sure try to stop by and support. Hella respect to this man!❤️

[@sko1beer]

Pop in and buy some winter gloves

[@stee8345]

Surplus stores always sell really cool bags and stuff tho im sure you can find something you need or like

[@kingyehudha]

Where is this store exact location? Might come in to support myself if I have the opportunity.

[@Dragon228833]

@@kingyehudha it’s called army and navy bags. It’s in lower east side

[@buildingdreams2279]

EHSHUA IS YOUR MESSIAH EHSHUA IS YOUR MASHIACH PRAY TO EHSHUA HAMELECH YUHOODAH YOU KNOW

[@Ausaini17]

I remember going here years ago with my partner at the time and the one thing I remembered was that he was probably one of the friendliest and most engaging store owners I had ever met. I worked about 4 blocks from there for about 4 years, I kinda wanna visit him now.

[@TedNemeth]

Yesssssss! I have been going to this shop for over 30 years! I’m an artist/videographer living in New York City my whole life. I always stop here for clothing & small bags. It is such a part of the fabric of my experience living in this city. I love that its a Chinese guy owning/running the shop. Totally authentic to the NYC. I always support him.

[@sk_thevillain]

Where

[@ethankli]

@@sk_thevillain 177 e houston st

[@vivianfoster702]

Shopping plus some therapy - just having someone to talk to today is hard for a lot of people, especially veterans.

[@marsagent21972]

I've actually been in this shop. It's tiny but a great place to find surplus military bags. Everything is in great condition.

[@adv3nturehq517]

Best of the best store that sells all navy clothes and bags even charms!

[@kurtknispelii3771]

i live in nyc , where is this place

[@aguilayserpiente]

What is the name of the shop? I would like to buy via mail order or internet.

[@marsagent21972]

@@aguilayserpiente It's a little mom and pop store. No internet sales.

[@aguilayserpiente]

@@marsagent21972 What are the name and address of the shop?

[@loverofstarz]

I wish he had an online store!

[@oakohcan]

Underrated. Wish is was top comment, or would reach him. Most of the internet doesn’t live in New York

[@ztdz]

Agree. Let's try to push it up

[@sebgro]

I disagree, as he would lose a significant part of what he enjoys while doing business. Maybe an online showcase, or where you at least have to pick it up in-store.

[@thediner8929]

He would make a killing.

[@N3therWolf]

@@sebgro Did you know you could hire people to do that for you? Wow!

[@tw_judy]

I got to meet this guy a few days ago, he was so nice! We talked for a bit, he actually commutes from upstate NY for hours everyday. Respect the hustle

[@Owlkisses88]

This story show compassion when the world need it most .....people are valuable

[@user-xi5zm3hr9l]

4 hours drive from upstate NY to NYC and back 4 Hours. Damm. Hard working and strong men.

[@yananneteoh9818]

I hope Xi Jin Ping will walk over the US ASPI's defamation of China and push aside the warmongers cold war propaganda and reach out a hand to help Biden build a HS train for NY and NYC. These two grandpas must realiseby the time we gettothose final years that the best things in our life is to love and to give, esp between China and America.

[@MrGong55]

@@yananneteoh9818 Peace ✌️

[@allaboutjapan237]

This is how hollywood movies and the how American dream is created. Someone who comes from a humble background, (and in this specific case an immigrant who came here because of a dream and better life) learned the language, flew straight, treated his fellow man with kindness, working tirelessly to put food on the table for his family. Real American dreams, people helping people. Not a one way.

[@tankgojet2468]

I am really moved by how much community support a Chinese immigrant got from the NYC community especially in the background of asian hate that's going on fueled by the pandemic. Tears in my eyes. We all need ti be compassionate and supportive of each other, and not hate each other.

[@supertrouper]

Of all of the businesses that were considered essential, the bag stores should have been considered essential for people to have access to buying bags as they are very important and things do happen to them where people need to have access to buying a replacement and especially for essential workers that were coming out every single day and use their bags to place their important items and if something happens, they need access to buying them. I am glad this man is getting a lot of support for his business.

[@imnotsurewhy]

I love this man, I've been stoping by his store since 2016 and remembers almost everyone he interacts with.

[@buildingdreams2279]

EHSHUA IS YOUR MESSIAH EHSHUA IS YOUR MASHIACH PRAY TO EHSHUA HAMELECH YUHOODAH YOU KNOW

[@aguilayserpiente]

What is the name of the store?

[@gabos7892]

i was always mad at my dad for being away for work while I grew up, I remember in high school how mad I felt that he couldn't make my basketball games (as I drove home in my new car that he bought me...) As I got older I learned to appreciate all his hard work and dedication. He paved the road for me to skip on.

[@tylerkinley268]

It's cool to see folks who are content. Rare these days. Dude seems genuinely happy just to interact with people, and not in a stalkerish way.

[@stephanieyee9784]

What a lovely, humble man. He really deserves respect and support and I am so glad so many people continue to support him and his business. I hope he has many more years in his store. If I ever get back to NYC I will seek him out and buy something from him. It's sad though that he has such a long commute which means less time with his family.

[@AndrewHahaLee]

You know what's rare these days? Love for people. Because it can only be cultivated through real life interactions. Something that's going endangered in a society were everybody and every tech corporation wants you to go fully virtual. This guy exemplifies what it means to be human. I wish him all the best.

[@tintran301]

As a Vietnamese, I feel sorry for all the veterans no matter which side you were on. My grandmother who even though lost almost every loved one because of the war, loves it when I told her about my life overseas and not even once I see the hatred in her words or her eyes.

[@HalConick]

Blessings to you and your grandma my friend.

[@Kdelossantos2]

I just went to his store today and he's the exact same as he is in this video. The kindest soul I think I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.

[@Robinson_Crusoe]

I don't know what it is about him that i find so heart warming, but i really want go to New York and shop in his store now.

[@chorlauheung4920]

Awesome! I hope his shop continues to thrive for another 50+ years. More New Yorkers and online customers should support his shop, as well as others like his.

[@buildingdreams2279]

EHSHUA IS YOUR MESSIAH EHSHUA IS YOUR MASHIACH PRAY TO EHSHUA HAMELECH YUHOODAH YOU KNOW YOU KNOW

[@sepangs3565]

He should really sort out a way of us to buy his products online

[@beelzemobabbity]

He seems to really enjoy the interaction though, you can’t do that online

[@Itsunclegabby]

@@beelzemobabbity He can still have his daily interaction at the store. This video was seen by thousands, and like many, I went to search for an online shop as a way to support but could not find one-

[@beelzemobabbity]

@@Itsunclegabby of course, im just saying he probably doesn’t feel much incentive to

[@robertcholmondeley113]

I stumbled across this shop when I was visiting Russ & Daughters. Did not know he was this famous! A genuinely nice and honest man.

[@mysteriouslyca]

What a beautiful story. Everyone should support the small businesses in your community. They are the fabric that binds us.

[@DylanDkoh]

Props this guy for giving the respect to veterans that they deserve

[@XdriftfreakX]

One little small store can tell an uncountable amount of stories

[@buildingdreams2279]

EHSHUA IS YOUR MESSIAH EHSHUA IS YOUR MASHIACH PRAY TO EHSHUA HAMELECH YUHOODAH YOU KNOW

[@emdee4889]

It hits hard the words "daddy make some money for family". Fatherhood really knows no bounds💕

[@min-chengliu3191]

Live in US? Never been robbed? This dude must've been friends with everybody, everybody!

[@freemind1229]

He is so sweet and his customers care is beyond something dude. My his customers are also way too sweet.

[@Mayu_Listen_to_my_Song]

I hope that he gets to spend time with his kids and family, and I hope they can go on a well deserved vacation.

[@theokphotos]

That's my favorite guy right here, I see him every time im in the area he's like my second dad ong

[@a902l9]

Patriotic store owner. It's nice to see how his customers are like family.

[@NotoriousBroadcasts]

This man is not just providing the service of supplies, he is acting as a community therapist for many people who would not otherwise be able to talk to anyone. He can give them the sense of forgiveness and understanding from the atrocities of war that a therapist actually can’t. These are the kinds of businesses that we need to keep alive in this new future.

[@camille-7671]

This melted my heart. I hope people like him will live longer to encourage and inspire others to spread love and positivity in this rude world we live in.

[@aBc-123-XyZ]

Treat people with kindness and respect and it will come back to you........😎🙏✌

[@markymaarty]

Very true! This made me cry. Great respect

[@jackherer519]

Such a beautiful personality, I wish we had more people like this in the world

[@beelzeboo]

Being kind and being social saved this man’s life and business!

[@scribblewme]

He's so lovely. I love this store, and whenever I have friends visiting NYC and they need a bag, I take them here. My Navy friend still talks about the awesome duffel bag he got here. What an awesome guy!!

[@superamazingworld3770]

Amazing man. He sees human relationships more valuable than money. Very rare these days.

[@mihaelakinna2344]

I'm so glad that people like him exist. I mean, everyone is or can be like him -in terms of human interaction-, but at the end of the day, it depends on -in which way- you will show it to the world

[@jordanm5149]

He such a beautiful soul

[@newbie_productions]

This is the most affable man ever. This brought me to tears, and my parents had a similar story of moving to the US. It’s beautiful.

[@AERSKALFA_]

This guy sounds like a pastor Definitely a diamond hiding in the town

[@Special_Agent_NSB]

He is a Buddhist.

[@fiyahspinnah]

Respect that man for owning his mistakes. The truth is our veterans have been used and discarded by our vicious criminal for profit war machine.

[@shanasakai2238]

I love this man now I don't know anything about him and his store until I saw this video I would gladly visit his store if I have the money to go to U.S. He is gives father vibes and wholesomeness.

[@holagallia1418]

Il faudrait beaucoup plus de personne comme cet homme dans le monde. On vous souhaite beaucoup de bonnes choses et on vous envoie beaucoup de bonnes vibrations de la Nouvelle-Calédonie !!!

[@danieltayhh]

A retailer with heart. Very rare in this world

[@MegaSickcat]

This man is genuine and that matters a lot. The people of NYC, the REAL New Yorkers are always willing to help out.

[@iCuboy]

I love his attitude and the way he carries himself, great example for everyone.

[@sorrowhill9269]

A very positive and heart warming video. Always heard New Yorkers are rude and arrogant but glad to know there are some kind folks there.

[@alexandrareyes9237]

Yes, there are many! I live here and I’ve seen many acts of kindness in this city but it’s always the negative things that are publicized.

[@riychu070]

What I have found is the truly rude ppl are the transplants. Born & bred New Yorkers are not rude without cause. Sometimes because we have no time we drop formalities & do not filter our thoughts so it seems rude but its just us being open & honest to get to the point quicker. We can be the nicest people & will help a stranger out with no hesitation & without expectations.

[@maximusrandomness8738]

I love how this channel shows positive stories. We live in such a negative world right now. It gives me hope that someday everything will be okay. Thanks.

[@NameHerePlease..]

I would go to this guy’s shop in the morning if I was there. I can only hope to attain such kindness, gratitude, and thankfulness when I am his age. People like him give definition to the search for meaning.

[@joshuamcnab9605]

Stories like this bring me so much joy.

[@e_mautrey463]

Bless this man so much....his soul is so precious. He has empathy and that isn't common...this is far beyond customer service...he is a 100% representation of human love for others, selflessness, understanding,empathy,care, forgiveness, simplicity , grace,graditude, HARD WORK, dedication,and represents why people want to come to America& how important LEGAL immigration is & what LEGAL immigrants mean to America..I TRUELY love him..his soul is beautiful

[@jasoncelleros8739]

a bit of my faith in humanity is restored by watching this.

[@davidmcfaul7595]

I went there the other day and semi-rudely walked to the back of the store and then back to the front and then left but before i got out of the door that guy patted me on the shoulder and said "so handsome!"

[@tic857]

Now this is a true example of a person's love, compassion, patience, humbleness and gratitude from someone. The value of human connection is so valuable that its value is immeasurable. 4 hour commute tho.

[@Bunny11344]

True.. In a world where it’s too chaotic, fast and self serving this really makes you slow down and appreciate

[@LeeMW007]

What a humble and gentle soul. Much respect.

[@futebolofficial6685]

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