Streetlevel: Atlantic Ave Yoga Shop Saying Goodbye
Omala, the yoga boutique that opened on Atlantic Avenue in 2007, is calling it quits in late February. The store’s merchandise will be on sale until then. Its owner says she’s closing because she didn’t get enough foot traffic; the store’s goods will still be available via mail-order through Omala’s website after the shop closes….
Omala, the yoga boutique that opened on Atlantic Avenue in 2007, is calling it quits in late February. The store’s merchandise will be on sale until then. Its owner says she’s closing because she didn’t get enough foot traffic; the store’s goods will still be available via mail-order through Omala’s website after the shop closes. GMAP
Actually, “shopping local” means buying locally produced goods, not some overpriced exercise clothes made in LA. The reason this store failed is that not enough people want to spend $100 for some “fashionable” pants in which to exercise. I do yoga, and I wear crappy old bike shorts & t-shirts I get at stoop sales. Yes, there are plenty of 20-something yoga chicks who wear couture yoga clothes, but I guess once they get one set they don’t need another (except those who teach yoga and need a new outfit for each day!)
I had a store that I had to close due to the economic downturn. I am certain that all of you would have hated my store and would have said something really nasty about it.
I have both wholesale and retail experience, so from the wholesale side, I know that there are many people who open a store with their spouse’s funds or their inherited funds just to have fun. Then there are others who have the background, education, experience, and the entrepreneurial sprit to open their own place. Retail is a really tough business. I think that many of you who have posted here have no idea – because you’ve never worked in retail whether as a part-time job during school or as profession.
I find these comments really mean-spirited, sad and quite hypocritical. I think that most of you feel that big box stores and chain mall stores are not very welcome and goes against the brownstoner ethos. Yes, those big stores can manufacture and sell at a much lower price than most indies. These independents must sell better quality (and i can already hear some of you sharpening their laptops) merchandise because there is no way to compete against these vertical stores. There are consumers who do want what the indies offer. There should be variety of stores – with different price points and different points of view.
But if you insist that lower price is always what you want (and true, right now, we are in the economic state which lower price is what most of us choose), then we are driving mom and pop shops out. Soon all we will have is manufacturer-retailer with no distinguishable point of view. It will be all horrible national chains and designer stores with their flagship stores.
I’m not so sure that that is what most of you wish for.
Finally, shopping local does not mean that you shop in your neighborhood. It means you shop in stores that are owned by independents. Target in your neighborhood does not mean that you are “shopping local”. It really excludes the national chain stores. Yes, if you shop at your local Target, you are helping those employees in your neighborhood. But that’s really not the goal of shop local, first and foremost.
Stop by AREA Yoga at 320 Court St. in Carroll gardens for $10 classes or $7.50 a class if you buy a 10 class card.
They also have great fart pants on sale, I mean yoga pants for 25%-50% off!
AREA YOGA has the best classes at the most affordable prices!
There is NOTHING local about shopping at Target. Things are cheap there for a reason, and it’s called China.
That said, I think the problem lies in the fact that yogis don’t need to repeatedly buy things. It’s not a gear-intensive sport and I’m sure most people in the neighborhood are well equipped already. I have been doing yoga 2x a week for several years and I still wear my exercise pants from 1998. I also don’t own a mat, although I should probably get on that. Now I know where to go.
(PS: Omala, maybe try opening a yoga studio in Williamsburg? The classes there are jampacked.)
NO! 70-100 bux are not accetable for what are basically just FART PANTS! that’s what yoga pants are btw. they trap farts in them and dont let them breathe. that is just gross!
*rob*
Whenever I pass a place like this I cannot help but recall ‘accounting 101’ & breakeven cost analysis. How many stretchy pants & tank tops does one need to sell to break even (cover all expenses)? For rents & city taxes I am guessing lots. Oh & the yoga pants on Rodeo would be no less than 300.00 or 400.00 so 70-100 is reasonable by comparison. OK – back to my ‘downward dog.’
and maybe im crazy, but isnt one of the reasons we love brooklyn is cuz it aint Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills? that’s why i have no sympathy for places like this.
*rob*
wow, 11217 could you be any more of a snob? you wonder why someone might need (or holy forbid need to) shop in a less expensive store for what is essentially the same product? i mean, yeah, maybe some yoga classes are a flashback to high school where chicks (and gay guys) are seeing who is wearing the most expensive clothes, but c’mon, please. leave your pretention at the door. i think id rather patronize target and modells in the atlantic mall than these types of stores anyway cuz they actually employ people who need the jobs versus a bunch of brats/girlfriends of people who makes ton of money/trustfund. i know i know the stereotype is tired, but clearly it’s not when places like this close down. so you go boy, you go buy your 100 dollar stretchy yoga pants :-/
*rob*
The yoga market (both studios and stores) is very over-saturated in this part of Brooklyn. I personally don’t agree that you can “just do it at home” without any initial competent instruction, btw. But with probably about 20 (or maybe even 30?) studios in the Heights/Slope/Boerum Hill/Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill area something has to give when money is tight. And yes, you can find good buys on yoga duds at the discounters.