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October 7, 2008

Streetlevel: New Boutique in South Slope

In the former Greenjeans spot, 449 7th Avenue, a new "ladies and girls'" boutique called Closet Couture is opening. A sign on the door promises a free gift for the first 30 customers who spend more than $50. Grand opening is November 1 at noon. We've seen a lot of businesses folding south of 9th Street. ~~Will this one fly?~~ We hope this one reverses the trend.

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Comments

I think it's very difficult to predict which businesses will be a hit.

Nor do I think it healthy to begin talking about such things before stores even open.

How about we try to be SUPPORTIVE of small businesses instead of wondering if a place will survive three weeks before it's grand opening.

Posted by: 11217 at October 7, 2008 2:07 PM

you're right--what we mean is: we wish them the best and we hope they do really well!

Posted by: lisa at October 7, 2008 2:12 PM

I hope so too!

Thanks Lisa.

Posted by: 11217 at October 7, 2008 2:14 PM

Speaking of, here's another new opening on 7th Avenue:

http://www.gowanuslounge.com/2008/10/07/park-slope-retail-report-eric-new-york-on-seventh-ave-is-open/

Posted by: 11217 at October 7, 2008 2:37 PM

I wish them well, and hope they did their homework.

Posted by: SnarkSlope at October 7, 2008 2:40 PM

While I agree we should be supportive, the trend is clear.

Landlords are charging too much in rent for the area. There just isn't the population density to support the kind of retail that can pay $50+/psf. When the Tea Lounge closed, I knew it was simple greed that was going to kill the street.

Anyway, is anyone else tired of all the chick boutiques in the neighborhood? I find myself only going to Razor. Every place else just isn't my style or is crazy expensive.

Posted by: Polemicist at October 7, 2008 3:04 PM

I wish there were more options for men's clothing/shoes in the neighborhood. I shop mostly at Beacon's Closet and Soula, but I do agree that there is an overabundance of options for the females...

Posted by: 11217 at October 7, 2008 3:16 PM

11217...don't you have enough shoes already???

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at October 7, 2008 3:41 PM

I actually own very few pairs of shoes, Dave.

I could really use another pair or two...

Posted by: 11217 at October 7, 2008 3:47 PM

What size?

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at October 7, 2008 3:54 PM

That's for me to know, and you to find out...

Posted by: 11217 at October 7, 2008 4:10 PM

Private Stock on Bergen b/w 5th and Flatbush is a very stylish men's boutique. They are the sister store to La Vedette, which is a popular women's boutique right around the corner.

Posted by: SlopeBuppie at October 7, 2008 4:16 PM

Yes, you're right SlopeBuppie. I forgot...I did buy my Converse at Private Stock. The rest of the merchandise isn't really my style, but it is a really great store. That whole strip is excellent, in fact.

Posted by: 11217 at October 7, 2008 4:22 PM

Yeah I shop a LOT (ex men's buyer for a dept store based in NYC) and Private Stock can compare to a lot of the stores I visit in SoHo. There are some GREAT boutiques popping up in the area (d.b.a. on Flatbush and Dean for the sneaker aficionados out there). Hope this new featured store follows suit. Since it's a women's store I'll let my girlfriend be the judge.

Posted by: SlopeBuppie at October 7, 2008 4:34 PM

I just wonder how d.b.a. and Private Stock do with their very urban merchandise in Park Slope...? Seems like an odd fit. Kinda like a Yarn Barn might not be so successful in Compton.

I never see a soul in Private Stock, nor can I imagine that most men in Park Slope want to wear those particular clothes. I wish they'd adapt a bit and carry at least some more funky NY style clothes. (SNL reference, in case you know it...)

I went into d.b.a and none of those shoes appeal to me. If they do well, more power to them, but I see both stores empty every time I walk by.

Posted by: 11217 at October 7, 2008 4:41 PM

See you on the 16th 11217?

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at October 7, 2008 4:54 PM

I see Private Stock as more urban chic. D.B.A. and Vinny's Styles, another urban-oriented shop close by, are more geared towards the core hip-hop community, IMO.

Why no more traditional men's boutiques for the "typical park slope male" you ask? I hate to paint in broad strokes, but the "Park Slope guy" simply doesn't have the passion, patience, or style that his female counterpart has. He loves his vintage tees, $200 jeans, and casual sneakers but he doesn't shop with the fury and frequency of the female. Naturally there will be less offered for him.

Secondly, clothing retail in general is in the sh*tter.

Posted by: SlopeBuppie at October 7, 2008 4:55 PM

Yup SlopeBuppie...the numbers came out a few hours ago..

"According to the Fed, total consumer borrowing dropped at a
4.3 percent annual rate in August, the most since January 1998, during the Asian financial crisis."

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at October 7, 2008 4:59 PM

Dave,

We have our annual co-op meeting on the 16th. Too bad...

SlopeBuppie,

I appreciate your assessment of the typical Park Slope male, and think you are pretty dead on, for the most part. Personally I am a little more of a shopper than most of my male counterparts, but I realize an entire neighborhood isn't go to change for a handful of us. I'm great with Beacons Closet for now...and even more thrilled that they are moving to a shop twice as large on November 1st!!

Posted by: 11217 at October 7, 2008 5:09 PM

"Secondly, clothing retail in general is in the sh*tter."

Agreed. They should open a gay bar here instead.

[ducks]

Posted by: SnarkSlope at October 7, 2008 5:10 PM

Call it "bluejeans"

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at October 7, 2008 5:13 PM

No one is shopping for clothes... period. I used to shop a ton more than I do now, as did most people. Now I'm saving the pennies I used to drop on $200 sneakers for business school, awaiting the day that my finance job ceases to exist. Mama didn't raise no fool!

Posted by: SlopeBuppie at October 7, 2008 5:19 PM

11217--blow off your co-op board meeting! Come to the End of the World Party!

Posted by: wasder at October 7, 2008 5:27 PM

I can't!! We are a very small co-op and truth be told...I love our meetings!!

But your party sounds fun too...

Posted by: 11217 at October 7, 2008 6:04 PM

I don't understand $200 jeans.

Posted by: Heather at October 8, 2008 2:39 PM