NEW YORK - It's the end of an era on the Lower East Side.

After nearly 80 years in business, the old Essex Street Market has shut its doors for good as it prepares to move into a new space across the street.

The market between Delancey and Rivington Streets was the city's oldest public market.

It was built in 1940 under mayor Fiorello LaGuardia as a way to get pushcarts off the streets.

It's moving to a brand-new building called "Essex Crossing" which includes office and other retail space.

But shoppers we spoke with on the old market's final day say the move is bittersweet.

“I’m gonna miss it. I feel like the whole Lower East Side is changing like crazy and every week that I come, it’s like something is gone. Something new is up. This is one of the things I used to do with my family growing up," said one neighborhood resident.

The new Essex Street Market is set to open on May 18.