Some Dumbo Retailers Holding Strong Despite Economy

ModernTots Closed

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.]

Journey Home Moving Sale

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}

42 Comment

  • There are simply not enough people in this neighborhood to sustain local businesses. The activity on this blog is somewhat indicative of that. All those empty warehouses east of the Manhattan Bridge will be “warehoused” until the owners can plead hardship cases and demolish them for something more profitable thanks to Landmark status. Those buildings were chock a block full of people years ago but thanks to laws passed by the City after Soho there is no way artists can be “grandfathered”. They were simply bought out, condoed out or evicted outright. The few galleries are nothing in comparison to what Soho, the East Village, Williamsburg were like in their heyday. Hardly the destination needed to truly flourish. I think what I resent the most is the belief that “official structures” such as Landmark designations, art organizations such as DAC, BIDs, bike lanes, recycling cans on corners, green office space have made this neighborhood more unique. The above neighborhoods flourished in spite of the suffocating effect of regulation. Dumbo is nothing more than a bedroom community with artistic pretensions. and a view of the Brooklyn Bridge. Oh, sorry and a merry go round.

  • There are simply not enough people in this neighborhood to sustain local businesses. The activity on this blog is somewhat indicative of that. All those empty warehouses east of the Manhattan Bridge will be “warehoused” until the owners can plead hardship cases and demolish them for something more profitable thanks to Landmark status. Those buildings were chock a block full of people years ago but thanks to laws passed by the City after Soho there is no way artists can be “grandfathered”. They were simply bought out, condoed out or evicted outright. The few galleries are nothing in comparison to what Soho, the East Village, Williamsburg were like in their heyday. Hardly the destination needed to truly flourish. I think what I resent the most is the belief that “official structures” such as Landmark designations, art organizations such as DAC, BIDs, bike lanes, recycling cans on corners, green office space have made this neighborhood more unique. The above neighborhoods flourished in spite of the suffocating effect of regulation. Dumbo is nothing more than a bedroom community with artistic pretensions. and a view of the Brooklyn Bridge. Oh, sorry and a merry go round.

  • Loose, for the flack you get from some commenters here, you have good insight and obviously know the neighborhood and the politics of the many organizations that often clash, which sometimes paralyzes developers from doing anything (i.e. anything between 205 Water to 247 Water St and on Plymouth St). Since the artist loft regulations were passed, you’re saying that SOHO, East Village, and Williamsburg still flourished as artist neighborhoods. Some of the artists probably came to Dumbo for more space and cheaper rent. And no doubt, some have left. How is Dumbo different? My take; Dumbo is a small area and primarily owned by two major landlords, their hands seemed tied by the zoning laws, regulations,and Landmarking. Also, Dumbo, as a yuppie neighborhood, flourished just as the real estate boom in NYC took off, which some developers capitalized on. If you owned the warehouses east of the Manhattan Bridge, what would you do?

  • Loose, for the flack you get from some commenters here, you have good insight and obviously know the neighborhood and the politics of the many organizations that often clash, which sometimes paralyzes developers from doing anything (i.e. anything between 205 Water to 247 Water St and on Plymouth St). Since the artist loft regulations were passed, you’re saying that SOHO, East Village, and Williamsburg still flourished as artist neighborhoods. Some of the artists probably came to Dumbo for more space and cheaper rent. And no doubt, some have left. How is Dumbo different? My take; Dumbo is a small area and primarily owned by two major landlords, their hands seemed tied by the zoning laws, regulations,and Landmarking. Also, Dumbo, as a yuppie neighborhood, flourished just as the real estate boom in NYC took off, which some developers capitalized on. If you owned the warehouses east of the Manhattan Bridge, what would you do?

  • I think I meant those hoods have ultimately died on the vine so to speak. They have solidified once protected and disallow new “artistic” blood because of the economics etc. You’re right about the rent and space of course. Unfortunately putting white artistic underemployed types into neighborhoods is a bit like putting high quality manure on your garden. The Walentas do know that!
    The warehouses will not be developed until someone with deep pockets and connections will make the case that they are economically nonviable as is. Ultimately the fops at Landmarks will be made to bend over and take it by forces bigger then them.

  • I think I meant those hoods have ultimately died on the vine so to speak. They have solidified once protected and disallow new “artistic” blood because of the economics etc. You’re right about the rent and space of course. Unfortunately putting white artistic underemployed types into neighborhoods is a bit like putting high quality manure on your garden. The Walentas do know that!
    The warehouses will not be developed until someone with deep pockets and connections will make the case that they are economically nonviable as is. Ultimately the fops at Landmarks will be made to bend over and take it by forces bigger then them.

  • i say we build that middle school and turn DUMBO into the yuppie suburbs already.

  • i say we build that middle school and turn DUMBO into the yuppie suburbs already.

  • Part of the problem may be that the price for retail space in the area is completely overblown … so only destination retail like Zakka – places that have a loyal following who will travel to them … stand any sort of chance. If Walentas (maybe) and Guttman (yeah, right) gave a crap they’d make the retail space as cheap as can be, possibly in return for some equity in the businesses.

    But another side of the equation is that many of the shops that opened were just too boutique and/or pricey given no foot traffic and perhaps mediocre marketing efforts to draw people to their spaces. For example, the Prague place… or the Baxter and Whatever Danish Modern Warehouse on Jay Street. Their prices for furnishings are absolutely insane, even for people who are quite wealthy. Bluberry has beautiful clothing, all in size 2. Meanwhile everyday Bridge Fresh is jam packed for lunch. So the neighborhood needs (a) overpriced boutiques (b) food?

    You can’t blame the neighborhood for not having a ‘kiosk’ or signage to point out your retail if you don’t market yourself or figure out if there is even a realistic demand for your product. And it is not like a bunch of local businesses can’t get together, meet up and come up with a cohesive neighborhood marketing effort like publishing a cheap ‘sightseeing and shopping guide’ and getting it into the hands of tourists and wandering upper manhattanites… or a cheap web site to do the same.

  • Part of the problem may be that the price for retail space in the area is completely overblown … so only destination retail like Zakka – places that have a loyal following who will travel to them … stand any sort of chance. If Walentas (maybe) and Guttman (yeah, right) gave a crap they’d make the retail space as cheap as can be, possibly in return for some equity in the businesses.

    But another side of the equation is that many of the shops that opened were just too boutique and/or pricey given no foot traffic and perhaps mediocre marketing efforts to draw people to their spaces. For example, the Prague place… or the Baxter and Whatever Danish Modern Warehouse on Jay Street. Their prices for furnishings are absolutely insane, even for people who are quite wealthy. Bluberry has beautiful clothing, all in size 2. Meanwhile everyday Bridge Fresh is jam packed for lunch. So the neighborhood needs (a) overpriced boutiques (b) food?

    You can’t blame the neighborhood for not having a ‘kiosk’ or signage to point out your retail if you don’t market yourself or figure out if there is even a realistic demand for your product. And it is not like a bunch of local businesses can’t get together, meet up and come up with a cohesive neighborhood marketing effort like publishing a cheap ‘sightseeing and shopping guide’ and getting it into the hands of tourists and wandering upper manhattanites… or a cheap web site to do the same.

  • loose stool:

    Here’s an idea: if artistic communities are so hostile to the kulak, why don’t they stop making collectibles and entertainments for them? Walentas has been successful leveraging the artistic community because of the strong relationship and cultural affinity it has with elites. It ain’t so simple…

    Hopefully the saturation of new property owners in Dumbo are significant enough to fuel organic growth of business during the downturn… and maybe some residents are so wealthy they will even keep on buying art.

  • loose stool:

    Here’s an idea: if artistic communities are so hostile to the kulak, why don’t they stop making collectibles and entertainments for them? Walentas has been successful leveraging the artistic community because of the strong relationship and cultural affinity it has with elites. It ain’t so simple…

    Hopefully the saturation of new property owners in Dumbo are significant enough to fuel organic growth of business during the downturn… and maybe some residents are so wealthy they will even keep on buying art.

  • seriously, these artists don’t price their art for common people. Only the rich they complain about can afford it.

  • seriously, these artists don’t price their art for common people. Only the rich they complain about can afford it.

  • “and maybe some residents are so wealthy they will even keep on buying art.” No doubt dumbostreets but they will buy their art on Madison Av. not wade through the bric a brac around here. Likewise they will eat out in Manhattan, The novelty of slumming at Pedros’s wears thin after the 2nd or 3rd roach in the rice. When I eat out I go to Williamsburg or Smith st. Both places are Destinations with building styles that allow for fairly low restaurant start up costs. Not true in Dumbo, It would cost a fortune just to run ductwork to the roof of these massive buildings even if the LL would let you. There are simply not enough people in Dumbo to justify that much investment. Oh, regarding the relationship between poor artists and the novo riche? More like a “reach around” than the Apache.

  • “and maybe some residents are so wealthy they will even keep on buying art.” No doubt dumbostreets but they will buy their art on Madison Av. not wade through the bric a brac around here. Likewise they will eat out in Manhattan, The novelty of slumming at Pedros’s wears thin after the 2nd or 3rd roach in the rice. When I eat out I go to Williamsburg or Smith st. Both places are Destinations with building styles that allow for fairly low restaurant start up costs. Not true in Dumbo, It would cost a fortune just to run ductwork to the roof of these massive buildings even if the LL would let you. There are simply not enough people in Dumbo to justify that much investment. Oh, regarding the relationship between poor artists and the novo riche? More like a “reach around” than the Apache.

  • loose stool:
    You are confusing artists and dealers. Most DUMBO artists show (or aspire to show) their work in Manhattan. So it is ironic they complain about their neighbors who may be prospective collectors wherever they may buy work. DUMBO dealers may loose business, but they don’t tend to rant about well-to-do residents…

  • loose stool:
    You are confusing artists and dealers. Most DUMBO artists show (or aspire to show) their work in Manhattan. So it is ironic they complain about their neighbors who may be prospective collectors wherever they may buy work. DUMBO dealers may loose business, but they don’t tend to rant about well-to-do residents…

  • Dumbostreets: They complain because their rich neighbors probably won’t buy their derivative paintings, they just want the keys to their lifestyle and leave the Mateus on the table thank you very much. Most of these “artists” will end up like that poor elephant. Standing in a dark trailer in their own shit making painting motions with an empty trunk. The Dealers will throw up a “Save Darfur” Show to satisfy the unwashed but ultimately get wet thinking about their big move to Madison. We waste our time worrying about the “view” of the BB while the rest of the neighborhood gets pulled out from under us. It is violence in extreme slow mo.
    Enjoy!

  • Dumbostreets: They complain because their rich neighbors probably won’t buy their derivative paintings, they just want the keys to their lifestyle and leave the Mateus on the table thank you very much. Most of these “artists” will end up like that poor elephant. Standing in a dark trailer in their own shit making painting motions with an empty trunk. The Dealers will throw up a “Save Darfur” Show to satisfy the unwashed but ultimately get wet thinking about their big move to Madison. We waste our time worrying about the “view” of the BB while the rest of the neighborhood gets pulled out from under us. It is violence in extreme slow mo.
    Enjoy!

  • addendum: I include you first wave of gentrifiers in the dung trailer. If you can’t get your litter to the burbs after 2 you’ll be sneered at by the next tsunami.

  • addendum: I include you first wave of gentrifiers in the dung trailer. If you can’t get your litter to the burbs after 2 you’ll be sneered at by the next tsunami.

  • There are many successful artists and organizations in DUMBO, not all aspire to cross the river.

    I remember a friend of mine who worked as an assistant in Acconci studio (in DUMBO) hearing Vito complain about gentrification. It always struck me as absurd that he didn’t see himself as leading the charge. I don’t think this inclination is just bitter grapes.

  • There are many successful artists and organizations in DUMBO, not all aspire to cross the river.

    I remember a friend of mine who worked as an assistant in Acconci studio (in DUMBO) hearing Vito complain about gentrification. It always struck me as absurd that he didn’t see himself as leading the charge. I don’t think this inclination is just bitter grapes.

  • “There are many successful artists and organizations in DUMBO, not all aspire to cross the river.”

    Name one. Especially an “organization”, whatever that is. Not DAC, they are here only because of the Walenta’s largess, not St. Ann’s, either. What artist organization or world class or even city wide gallery exists here except for window dressing by the Walentas? Smack Mellon, I think is on the tail end of a Walentas lease. Any successful artist who still resides here is here in spite of Dumbo not because of it.

  • “There are many successful artists and organizations in DUMBO, not all aspire to cross the river.”

    Name one. Especially an “organization”, whatever that is. Not DAC, they are here only because of the Walenta’s largess, not St. Ann’s, either. What artist organization or world class or even city wide gallery exists here except for window dressing by the Walentas? Smack Mellon, I think is on the tail end of a Walentas lease. Any successful artist who still resides here is here in spite of Dumbo not because of it.

  • Art organizations (non profits) are generally supported by the largess of their boards and patrons. St. Annes, Galapagos, etc. all have deals with Walentas but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve credit for their programs…

    Also, there are dozens of design studios, creative professionals in Guttman’s buildings too. etc… By “organizations” I mean non and for-profit entities. There are publishers, creative types, small developers, artists, some very old arts organizations too (which predate Walentas, like AIR) etc.

    As someone who has lived in Brooklyn since the 80’s, I find it ironic how people complain about professional families moving in (there used to be an opposite problem), how artists complain about their support systems (which is why, in part, NY has been a cultural center), etc.

  • Art organizations (non profits) are generally supported by the largess of their boards and patrons. St. Annes, Galapagos, etc. all have deals with Walentas but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve credit for their programs…

    Also, there are dozens of design studios, creative professionals in Guttman’s buildings too. etc… By “organizations” I mean non and for-profit entities. There are publishers, creative types, small developers, artists, some very old arts organizations too (which predate Walentas, like AIR) etc.

    As someone who has lived in Brooklyn since the 80’s, I find it ironic how people complain about professional families moving in (there used to be an opposite problem), how artists complain about their support systems (which is why, in part, NY has been a cultural center), etc.

  • Why are you even discussing artists in this post? Art galleries hardly matter in the grand scheme of things. Retail stores we NEED are closing due to economic woes. Either support the local businesses, or go back to getting everything from BH.

  • Why are you even discussing artists in this post? Art galleries hardly matter in the grand scheme of things. Retail stores we NEED are closing due to economic woes. Either support the local businesses, or go back to getting everything from BH.

  • You’re right Bob, art galleries hardly matter. Just wondering what retail spaces have closed do to lack of local support. Maybe one of the dog food stores? I’m eating as much kibble as I can!

  • You’re right Bob, art galleries hardly matter. Just wondering what retail spaces have closed do to lack of local support. Maybe one of the dog food stores? I’m eating as much kibble as I can!

  • Dumbo is largely a cultural brand. Retail benefits from this positioning, especially since most of Dumbo retail is very artsy-boutique… This is why, in part, the Dumbo flea gets written up in the Times and other small markets throughout the city do not. Last weekend I gave directions to Dumbo to a cab full of visitors who read the Times piece.

    More cultural events would certainly drum up foot traffic if done properly. This is a good time to think up something creative and mutually beneficial (for culture and retail).

  • Dumbo is largely a cultural brand. Retail benefits from this positioning, especially since most of Dumbo retail is very artsy-boutique… This is why, in part, the Dumbo flea gets written up in the Times and other small markets throughout the city do not. Last weekend I gave directions to Dumbo to a cab full of visitors who read the Times piece.

    More cultural events would certainly drum up foot traffic if done properly. This is a good time to think up something creative and mutually beneficial (for culture and retail).

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  • Loose, for the flack you get from some commenters here, you have good insight and obviously know the neighborhood and the politics of the many organizations that often clash, which sometimes paralyzes developers from doing anything (i.e. anything between 205 Water to 247 Water St and on Plymouth St). Since the artist loft regulations were passed, you're saying that SOHO, East Village, and Williamsburg still flourished as artist neighborhoods. Some of the artists probably came to Dumbo for more space and cheaper rent. And no doubt, some have left. How is Dumbo different? My take; Dumbo is a small area and primarily owned by two major landlords, their hands seemed tied by the zoning laws, regulations,and Landmarking. Also, Dumbo, as a yuppie neighborhood, flourished just as the real estate boom in NYC took off, which some developers capitalized on. If you owned the warehouses east of the Manhattan Bridge, what would you do?

  • Loose, for the flack you get from some commenters here, you have good insight and obviously know the neighborhood and the politics of the many organizations that often clash, which sometimes paralyzes developers from doing anything (i.e. anything between 205 Water to 247 Water St and on Plymouth St). Since the artist loft regulations were passed, you're saying that SOHO, East Village, and Williamsburg still flourished as artist neighborhoods. Some of the artists probably came to Dumbo for more space and cheaper rent. And no doubt, some have left. How is Dumbo different? My take; Dumbo is a small area and primarily owned by two major landlords, their hands seemed tied by the zoning laws, regulations,and Landmarking. Also, Dumbo, as a yuppie neighborhood, flourished just as the real estate boom in NYC took off, which some developers capitalized on. If you owned the warehouses east of the Manhattan Bridge, what would you do?