Devangshu Dutta
January 4, 2010
Interesting subject to discuss – the tradition of small, independent retailers on Manhattan’s Lower east side, their survival despite the recession, and their determination to thrive. Personally, I hope there will always be some ponds with room in them to let such small fry bubble up their innovations: they keep the fashion business alive. [More…]
Prompted by an article in the New York Times, Bernice Hurst, Contributing Editor of RetailWire, brought up an interesting subject to discuss – the tradition of small, independent retailers on Manhattan’s Lower east side, their survival despite the recession, and their determination to thrive.
One of the retailers interviewed for the article said that the business was “so much fun”. In referring to the kind of products she was developing said, “there are no boundaries to these things”.
Imagination may have no boundaries, but markets always do. When you’re small fry the pond seems limitless. And if all is in harmony (no tuna to gobble you, all fry remaining small, enough algae to feed off, forever), then the market is a good and boundless place. If only.
Personally, I hope there will always be some ponds with room in them to let such small fry bubble up their innovations: they keep the fashion business alive.
They also serve to remind us that there are reasons for running business that are not based on the race-to-scale.
The New York Times article is here – Yes, We’re Open – and the Retailwire discussion is here – Manhattan Still Home to Independent Retailers.
