ModernTots in Dumbo Closed

Whether or not you shop at some of the retail stores in Dumbo, it’s sad to see more than a few of them shut down in recent weeks. Small business owners take on risks to open up shops that they feel are needed in neighborhoods, and the Dumbo shops are no exception. Recently, ModernTots, Gallery qb, Indigo Handloom, and a few other retailers in Dumbo have closed in recent weeks. Journey Home (166 Water St.) is closing at the end of the month. They are having a storewide closeout sale until the end of February.

[Update: Indigo Handloom's wholesale business is still in business and has an office at 10 Jay. Contact them if you're interested in purchasing their scarves or clothing at a reduced price.]

Quincy, the owner of Gallery qb cited the lack of foot traffic and the lack of a street kiosk on the main strip and subway stations, directing traffic to lower profile shops throughout the neighborhood as reasons for the closure of his store. Pam at Journey Home agrees that it is the lack of foot traffic, especially after ABC Home and Carpet closed as the main reason for the lack of sales.

Despite the economic slowdown, we’ve found a few bright spots in Dumbo retail, one being the Brooklyn Flea in Dumbo. If you were around Dumbo this weekend, there were a lot of people in the neighborhood; many of them first timers to Dumbo. There were lots of people with cameras, foreigners who read about Dumbo in a magazine in their local countries, and Manhattanites who have never ventured into Brooklyn who said “Dumbo has everything I need”. The lines for the food vendors were 15-20+ minutes long during lunchtime and foot traffic seemed to venture to other stores (albeit probably mostly on Front and Washington Streets).

Bruce Marsh sold his half of ModernTots a year ago, but his company, Bruce Marsh Designs, who we interviewed just over a year ago is still seeing strong sales in his custom furniture business. He cited the high quality at reasonable prices, customization, and use of sustainable material. His flexibility with customers’ orders have won him continued business.

Cynthia at Dumbo Pet Care is reporting that her business is weathering the storm and doing well from repeat customers and positive word of mouth. While she is doing well, she understands how her customers may be facing job and bonus cuts, so she is offering 10-15% off grooming and having a storewide sale to help out neighbors.

And Mikey’s Hookup, open in Dumbo for 5 months hasn’t reported any loss of business. Mikey said to us “In my business, during bad economic conditions, customers feel that it might be better for them to repair their Apple computer than buy a new one. We provide both solutions in that case. Our Apple repair business has definitely seen an increase with the past few months. Mikey’s Hookup never has relied on foot traffic for business, but the Brooklyn Flea has been great exposure for us.”

Unemployment is at 7.6% and climbing, bonuses are being cut, and you’re unsure if your job is safe in these economic times. But stores can close at a moments notice. In a way, we in the community are the retailers’ economic stimulus. They have reached out to neighbors, given back to the community by holding events, and offer special deals for Dumbo residents. So although I’m not saying go spend your money on things you don’t need; next time you shop for something you need or for services, think about your neighborhood store and buy there. All of them are having sales so whatever you want/need, you’re getting a discount. They’ve been there for us, so let’s support them.

Crowds in Dumbo at the Brooklyn Flea (Feb 8, 2009)

(Dumbo retailers, we’d love to hear your thoughts and may have a follow up post in a few weeks. Contact us.)

Previously:
{Retailer Gift Ideas, 15Dec2008}
{Dumbo Retailer List, 26Sept2008}

The following are selected links from this past week on blogs and websites with discussion about Dumbo (and its neighboring areas):

• Drinks at Vinegar Hill House, 02Feb09, TONY
• It’s True: ModernTots Closed, 05Feb09, Minor Details
• Critical Shopper: Brooklyn Flea, 03Feb09, NY Times
• Vinegar Hill House Opens Private Dining Room, 05Feb09, NY Mag
• Training with David “Awesome” Lawrence, 04Feb09, Brooklyn Rail
• Protest to Save the B25 Bus, 05Feb09, Brooklyn Eagle
• BHB Readers: NO on Dock Street DUMBO, 03Feb09, BHB
• League Treatment Center School at 30 Washington to Close?, 06Feb09, NY Times
• BBPark ‘Largely on Track’, 04Feb09, Brooklyn Eagle
• Bklyn Designs 2009, May 8-10, 04Feb09, Dexigner
• Streetfilms Sets up in Dumbo, 03Feb09, Streetfilms
• NY Photo Festival, May 13-17, 01Feb09, brooklynartproject
• End of Financed Tax Credits for Film Industry in NYC?, 06Feb09, BHB

From the Dumbo Improvement District, the HOB Connection comes to Dumbo starting this weekend:

The HOB Connection, a new FREE shuttle bringing cultural enthusiasts to central Brooklyn’s world-renowned institutions: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Public Library, Prospect Park and Prospect Park Zoo.

The shuttle is a FREE hop-on, hop-off ride featuring tour guides, coupon books offering discounts and special values at Brooklyn restaurants and shops, and maps and brochures from Brooklyn cultural attractions.

The HOB Connection to DUMBO runs from 12-6PM the first Saturday of every month, and from 10AM-6PM on the third Saturday of every month.

Locations for pickup:

• Intersection of Main St. and Water St.
• Fulton Ferry Landing
• New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge.

Interested riders should visit www.heartofbrooklyn.org

What: Art Show Opening @ Zakka: You and Neru
When: Saturday, February 7, 2009, 6-8pm
Where: Zakka NYC, 155 Plymouth Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

The young artist Jon Ocasio is an artist, illustrator, designer in Brooklyn, New York.

ZAKKA NYC is pleased to have the show of the art works with his internal emotion and feelings by some posters. He’s just released a 24 page self published booklet. Please join then for the opening event and meet the artist at this book signing event.

Phone: (718) 801-8037
www.zakkacorp.com

DUMBO 1st Thursday features area galleries, open from 5:30 to 8:30, on the first Thursday of each month. There is no admission fee – participating galleries are open to the public. Gallery receptions, neighborhood dining and bars, and live music add to the evening’s festivities:

February 5, 2009 First Thursday Participants include, but are not limited to the following list. Please check with each gallery to confirm that they will be open late on Thursday.

5+5 Gallery, 111 Front St., Suite 210
A.I.R. Gallery, 111 Front St., Suite 228
Amos Eno Gallery, 111 Front St., Suite 202
Aswoon Gallery, 14 Jay St.
Brooklyn Arts Council, 111 Front St., Suite 218
Byrd Hoffman Watermill Foundation, 111 Front St.
DUMBO Arts Center, 30 Washington St.
Gloria Kennedy Gallery, 111 Front St., Suite 222
Henry Gregg Gallery, 111 Front St., Suite 226
Klompching Gallery, 111 Front St.
Melville House, 145 Plymouth St.
Pochron Studios, 20 Jay St.
Powerhouse Books & Powerhouse Arena, 37 Main St.
Rabbithole Studio, 33 Washington St.
Robert Wilson/rw Work Ltd, 111 Front St.
Safe-T Gallery, 111 Front St., Suite 214
Smack Mellon, 93 Plymouth St. @ Washington Street
Spring, 126a Front St.
Umbrage Gallery, 111 Front St.
VII Photo, 28 Jay St.
Wessel + O-Connor Fine Art, 111 Front St., Suite 200

ACME + Line C3 FREE Concert

Press Play First Thursdays Series
at Smack Mellon Gallery in Dumbo
92 Plymouth Street, Brooklyn, NY

Thursday, February 5, at 7 pm (party starts at 6 pm)

FREE BEER TASTING, Sponsored by Kelso of Brooklyn

ACME audio / video online at acmemusic.org and myspace.com/acmenyc
Line C3 audio / video online at linec3.com and youtube.com/linec3percussion
Art by Kirsten Hassenfeld at bellwethergallery.com | Art by Jennie C. Jones at jenniecjones.com

More info after the jump.

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After a Community Board 2 committee voted on January 7 to oppose a liquor license for a proposed Italian restaurant at 7 Old Fulton Street, CB2 reversed their decision, reports Zeke Faux of The Brooklyn Paper. According to the article, CB2 took a closer look after Borough President Markowitz made a “behind-the-scenes” push for a more liberal liquor policy, and listened to the restaurant owner Dema Baledemic’s lawyer, who credited Baledemic for his 25 years of restaurant experience with no complaints. However, the residents who complained about construction crews have emailed us that the crew has not addressed the residents continuing concerns. CB2 is not responsible for handling the construction complaints, but Mr. Baledemic is still on the hook to appeal to residents if he is going to win their business. Mr. Baledemic is quoted in the article “I can’t wait to grill some veal chops, open a nice Chianti and show how good this restaurant will be for the neighborhood.” Sounds positive. We’re hoping for a neighborhood restaurant with good food and vibe. He is planning on opening in the spring. Two questions:

1. Does this mean the State Liquor Authority has approved the license?
2. What is this “behind-the-scenes” push by Marty Markowitz?

Inquiring minds want to know. Comments below?

Previously:
{7 Old Fulton Street Residents: No Liquor For Restaurant, 02Jan2009}
{CB2 Votes No to Liquor License for 7 Old Fulton Street, 08Jan2009}

Jewish National Fund of Greater New York
Presents, A Movie and Dinner Night with Ken Sutak in Dumbo

Nationally recognized author, exhibit producer and speaker showing and speaking about the 1948 film “The Illegals” about the Underground Railroad from post-war Europe to pre-state Israel.

To benefit the JNF Sderot Indoor Playground.
February, 7th 2009, 7:00 pm

Vegetarian/Dairy Supper
Suggested Contribution $100/pp

RSVP by calling 212-879-9305 x 501 or email jbrody@jnf.org

More info about Ken Sutak after the jump.
Read the rest of this entry »

The Vinegar Hill Neighborhood Association and the Watchtower Society requested that Jay Street, between York and Prospect Street in Dumbo (shown above) be made into two way traffic, according to Community Board 2 District Manager Robert Perris. Currently, for Dumbo residents, Washington and Pearl Streets are the major streets out of Dumbo towards downtown Brooklyn and Gold Street for Vinegar Hill drivers. Changing the one block stretch on Jay Street to two way will allow another point of entry and exit for traffic for more direct access towards Tillary Street and downtown Brooklyn. This also potentially reduces traffic on the Belgian Blocked Pearl Street going towards the Brooklyn Bridge entrance (shown below).

According to an article in the print edition of the Brooklyn Heights Courier by Stephen Witt, “Once a community board makes a street change request, the DOT takes a look at it including how the street circulates in the area and the cost and logistics of making the change.” There is no specific timeline on this. One drawback may be that the bicycle lane will be squeezed if Jay were to become two way. However, starting on York Street, Jay Street is already two way traffic. Are there any reasons not to make this a two way street? Comments?

Brownstoner’s Brooklyn Flea in Dumbo opened their second location at 81 Front Street as posted last week. Aside from the additional 6100 sq.ft. of space, which featured 35 additional vendors of clothing, jewelry, art, and handmade crafts, there were several food vendors. The second space (which is across the street from the first location), seemed to be more open and have more non-antique items. The custom silkscreen t-shirts and new merchandise, along with a DJ from Dumbo record shop Halcyon gave the second location more of a younger vibe.

Our favorite were the food offerings. If you haven’t had a chance to try Red Hook vendor Rafael Soler’s pupusas, this is your chance to try them in Dumbo during the weekends (during the winter flea). We got the sampler platter, which is a deal at $10 (includes 1 pupusa, 1 tamale, 1 chorizo, (curtido, homemade tomato sauce, Salvadorean cream), and rice and beans). We also tried Kumquat Cupcakery’s red velvet cupcakes. We’re still craving the authentic pupusas and cupcakes. Next week, we’ll try the Kings County BBQ truck. Any other feedback from anyone who went to the Brooklyn Flea?

Previously:
{Brownstoner’s Brooklyn Flea Winter Coming to Dumbo, 08Dec2008}
{Brooklyn Flea Winter Antiques Opens, 12Jan2009}
{Brooklyn Flea Dumbo Expands, 23Jan2009}