Closing the Door on Ouvrez La Porte
A reader informed us that the Boerum Hill boutique Ouvrez La Porte, located at 105 Bond Street between Atlantic and Pacific, is shuttering its doors, making the name a little ironic. But small business seems to be relatively healthy on the block itself. Our tipster reports that two upscale clothing boutiques have opened in the…
A reader informed us that the Boerum Hill boutique Ouvrez La Porte, located at 105 Bond Street between Atlantic and Pacific, is shuttering its doors, making the name a little ironic. But small business seems to be relatively healthy on the block itself. Our tipster reports that two upscale clothing boutiques have opened in the last year, Paper Doll and And Then Some, and we reported on Wednesday that a new restaurant called Building on Bond opened this week on the corner of Pacific. Do you think we’ll be seeing more and more retail spill-over from Atlantic Avenue, or does Ouvrez La Porte’s fate spell bad news for the area?
Retro Reno for Boerum Hill Restaurant [Brownstoner]
Photo by Lumpasaurus
The combination of Islamic candle and bookstores next to the $150 t-shirt and $5,000 wedding gown shops makes my head spin. What this neighborhood needs- desperately- imo is more functional shopping: for example a grocery store or a gourmet food store would be wonderful- a place where I could get a decent eyebrow wax or buy a bagel would be even better. OR- a playground where homeless men aren’t sleeping on the benches would be amazing. This neighborhood has its benefits but I’m constantly hoofing it to cobble hill or park slope for the things I actually Need!
I’m a relative newcomer to the neighborhood, having been here only about 5 years, but I have mixed feelings about some of the changes. Some of the newer businesses around here are terrific, but there seem to be a LOT of empty storefronts on Smith, Court, and Atlantic, with more to come. Some of the new businesses seem destined for failure–does anyone actually buy anything at the women’s clothing store on the west side of Bond St, between Atlantic and Pacific? (Some of the worse merchandising I’ve ever seen, and I don’t know what the prices are like, but everything sure is being made to LOOK cheap, whether that’s on purpose or not…) And, at the same time, a lot of the area’s personality and charm is slipping away as more and more old, established businesses are closing. (And I KNOW this is NOT news in this area…) I just feel like the creeping elitism of NYC is just moving more and more into other boroughs, and it makes me sad.
BK One, no blowback from me. I think people need to understand the goal of some boutiques. Some are setting up shop not so much to sell items, but to have a place to show their stuff. Think of it as a “gallery-tique”. They show off their wares, make a name, and then maybe become a designer for someone bigger in the business. It dosn’t matter if they make a profit; often times the plan is to spend money to rent and entertain designers and others and leave when the goal is reached or the money is gone. Not justifying $150 t-shirts that are questionably better than stuff from the Salvation Army down the block, but still.
Also, I have two words for Boerum Hill folks who have watched boutiques come and go: Johnny Roo. How long has that storefront stayed closed after that boutique opened and closed in the blink of an eye? Do pigeons in the awning pay rent?
Have to agree with BK One. Tees and scarves- I jsut would rather put money into something better than that. But then again, I don’t have a lot of disposable income but one of the things a lot of these little shops forget is that people don’t assume something is wonderful simply because they slap a high price tag on it. In the 90’s I worked in SoHo at 2 very unique hi end shops. Their look was unique, their quality was high and they offered great customer service. You walked out of those places not looking like everyone else and in clothing no one could copy. so while you may pay 150$ for a tee shirt because you know it’s made with hand rolled edges and special organically grown and processed hemp, your customer can easily find something of good quality that looks like that tee for far less.
Of course if you’ve got a “name” (all in caps of course) you can sell pretty much anything. Just look at Hermes scarves- ugly ugly ugly.
I think Boerum Hill hasn’t gotten the very trendy set as yet and as sad as it is when any small business goes under, boutique businesses need to be more realistic if they want to survive.
I will be “commenting” solely upon the incorrect use of quotation marks.
In Williamsburg, yes, apparently, BKOne, but I agree with you.
I know I’m going to get a lot of blowback for this but—
I live in B. Hill. And, the pricey boutiques are almost all doomed to fail. The expensive t-shirt shop next door to Ouvrez La Porte is always empty! Always! I walk by probably a half dozen times a day and have never once seen anyone in there. And why should I? T-shirts for $150? This ‘hood doesn’t need any more boutiques. No one cam afford it and if they can, they shop in the city. I know I’m gonna be labeled a hater but honestly, people, do you think you can open a store, put $200 scarves on a rack and they’ll fly out the door?
I always appreciated her distinctive aesthetic. It looked to be exceptionally well crafted and the expression of an authentic point of view about fashion. I hope she finds a more prosperous venture, personally and financially, equal to her prodigious talents.
Good Luck!
‘I’m grateful to have been able to set up shop in one of Brooklyn’s nicest neighborhoods. I’ve met so many wonderful people here. It would have been nicer and more wonderful if you’d spent more money here. I am the weakest link, goodbye!’