Manhattan Still Home to Independent Retailers
The tradition of small, independent retailers on Manhattan's Lower east side is apparently thriving in spite of the recession. Unlike pop-up shops, The New York Times explains these niche retailers intend to become permanent fixtures. The determined entrepreneurs cited have experience supplying larger retailers but decided that supplying themselves would be more interesting and satisfying. Each has a passion for what they sell and to whom; quality for both is a priority.
Andrew Chen of Self Edge sells replicas of vintage American clothes from Japanese designers and says the recession hasn't hurt business. "It helps to carry a product that nobody else has, and it helps to be knowledgeable about it." He has a ten-year lease on Orchard Street.
Katie King of JF & Son echoed his sentiments, selling clothes made by a studio she and partners own in India. According to the newspaper, the studio was a result of "frustration with the demands of middlemen, including buyers and showroom owners."
"Once we started the studio, it made a world of difference," Ms. King explained. "We were able to make things we'd never be able to do in New York. ... I've forgotten about the recession."
Their neighbors are a mixed bunch but with a certain common theme. Victor Osborne, whose hat store was rented for "only slightly more" than his Brooklyn workroom, said "the recession has changed his approach to design" and enabled him to merchandise his designs the way he wants to rather than "designing for what the department stores wanted."
Denise Carbonell transferred her knowledge and experience in the fashion industry to a new business, Metal and Thread, that specializes in "jewelry and wood and metal objects, like forged baskets and beautiful old jackknives." She doesn't expect to make a great deal of money, she said. Customers tend to be "people who are drawn to this kind of thing and love the feeling of it, but it's not the majority."
Similarly, Jake Mueser of Against Nature doesn't know the size of the market for his clothes. He knows "it's limited to privileged people who want something a little different. ... Right now any amount of money that keeps this place open and keeps me fed and living is more than enough money to make what I do worthwhile." His partner, Amber Doyle, agrees, describing the business as "so much fun."
"There are no boundaries to these things," said Ms. Doyle.
Discussion Questions: What is the opportunity for hip independent stores in the current market in New York City and other places around the country? Are independents benefitting from the problems at major high-end stores? What are they offering that consumers can't find anywhere else?