As I've been reporting, Village Fabrics is going out of business on First Avenue at 11th Street... ThreadNY had more details today ....
Come August, one of the last of the East Village's family-owned fabric stores, Village Fabrics, will close its doors for good.
With little more than a month before it shutters, the store is hosting a liquidation sale to clear out the rest of its inventory. Owner Stephen Katz expressed sadness and frustration over the futility of working to save the business his parents started 20 years ago. He anticipates the store will last until August, despite his persistent attempts to petition the city council and negotiate with landlords.
At this point, Katz is unsure of what the future will bring for his family's business, and for the industry as a whole. After a long time bailing out a sinking ship, he's understandably exhausted and can only take it day by day. However, with a small business like Village Fabric, they became what they did based on a sense of resourcefulness and creativity this city is famous for. That said, we can only be optimistic for the next generation of garment industry scions to help foster and cultivate fledgling design talent (and service the sewing needs of the rest of us).
Meanwhile, EV Grieve reader Dave Whitaker sent along this shot from the VF window around Halloween 2008....
Previously on EV Grieve:
Closing sale at Village Fabrics
Nice to know that those well-paid, self-satisfied lizards on the City Council are doing nothing to prevent the hemorrhaging of small mom-and-pop businesses from our city and haven't bothered to respond to Steven Katz's efforts. Oh well, guess it's the business people's own fault for not having enough money to hire lobbyists or make big campaign donations to political war chests like liquor license applicants do. (Please note: sarcasm intended with that last statement, 'kay?)
ReplyDeleteWe'll miss you and your family, Mr. Katz. Thanks for being part of our community for two decades, hope you alight somewhere else in the nabe.
Village Faberics will be missed....
ReplyDeleteThis continues to sadden me. I needed to reupholster my couch a few years back and had no idea what I was doing. The man in here was so nice and helpful, suggesting specific fabrics and quantity. I wouldn't know where to go for fabric now, and certainly wouldn't know where to go for personal service like that. I wish I had more to sew to keep them afloat.
ReplyDeletei love their windows. this sucks.
ReplyDeletewho is the landlord?
ReplyDeleteGood question, Glamma. Anyone know?
ReplyDeleteI guess they see Momofuku across the way and want some of that money.