[Image via Facebook]
After 24 years in business, the owners of Jane's Exchange, the children's and maternity retail and consignment store on Third Street between Avenue A and Avenue B, will be moving on after their lease is up this summer.
However, co-owners Eva and Gayle said that they will help someone else take over the shop. As they wrote on Facebook this past Friday:
Over the years a number of remarkable people have expressed interest in this possibility. We can get 5 years added to our lease that we could pass along to anyone interested in continuing the store. We want to see a small, locally owned Jane’s Exchange continue in this location, and would work to facilitate this transition. If you or anyone you know might be interested in discussing this further please let us know.
Here's their full letter:
Dear Friends,
It is with very mixed emotions that we announce that after 24 great years in business, it is time for us to move on when our lease is up for renewal in July of this year. While this was a very difficult decision to make, we ultimately believe it is the best one.
We have built a store and customer base that we are extremely proud of, and for this reason we are actively pursuing a buyer to continue the work we began and nurtured. Over the years a number of remarkable people have expressed interest in this possibility. We can get 5 years added to our lease that we could pass along to anyone interested in continuing the store. We want to see a small, locally owned Jane’s Exchange continue in this location, and would work to facilitate this transition. If you or anyone you know might be interested in discussing this further please let us know.
Since we do not close for several months, we will not say goodbye now. In fact, we hope to see all of you over the next few months. In the meantime, we have a store full of really great spring and summer clothing (and will soon have a huge sale on left over winter items) - and you have credit! We will welcome new consignments through the middle of April as long as you understand that you may only have till mid-June to spend your credit. We will also accept (and appreciate) donations as long as the items are clean and in good condition.
For consignment or donations we are looking for great spring/summer clothing. No appointment necessary. However, if you have big gear like light weight carriages, portable cribs, etc. please call first.
It has been wonderful getting to know so many of you over the years. We’ve appreciated your support and friendship throughout our many years in business.
Looking forward to seeing everyone!!!
Best,
Eva and Gayle
You may contact them via their website here.
Updated noon
Some encouraging news via co-owner Gayle Raskin via the EVG inbox: "It's slightly premature but we'd like all to know that it looks really good for a friendly takeover of the store at the end of June. We'll announce more as the details get worked out..."
Previously
I remember when Jane's Exchange was in the space on 7th and B for a while; seems no one can stay there too long, because the rent is too damn high!
ReplyDeleteI have seen no mention of Jillery's closing, which will happen much sooner than that of Jane's Exchange; I talked to Jill the other day and she said—as has Leslie McEachern of Angelica's Kitchen, and countless others—that commercial rents have become unsustainable.
And—deep breath—we need the Small Business Jobs Survival Act more than ever. That is all.
Fat chance. By the time that legislation passes, as a community we'll be wiped out.
ReplyDeleteA lot of these closings are due to changing demographics. Just as we see a flood of luxury condos and rentals --wondering who is moving into them -- we see more millennials on seamless and yelp and only going out to trending places.
Ciao For Now has bucked that trend, and offered a quiet community space -- on a quiet Tuesday mid-week. But millennials -- and now most older folks on smart phones -- have lost the desire -- and even ability -- to be physically present. So casual brick and mortar shopping is now too much of a distraction.
What's with people?
ReplyDeleteThe same people who are making small businesses unviable would be the same ones sponsoring your Small Business Jobs Survival Act.
'The mob destroyed my business!' 'Hey, I got an idea, let's ask the mob for help!'
I love the store nice price for children clothes
ReplyDelete