Photo by Mitch Weinstein
It appears that “Bonnie’s New York,” a fixture on Orchard Street for nearly 30 years, selling hats and jewelry, is shutting down (at least at its current location). Lo-Down contributor Mitch Weinstein and his wife, Alison, snapped this picture of the storefront, at 117 Orchard (near Delancey) today. A check of Bonnie’s phone number seems to suggest she’s moved to Brooklyn – we hope to have more details Monday. On her web site, Bonnie Weinstein (no relation to Mitch) describes her roots in the neighborhood:
I started selling jewelry on Orchard Street 27 years ago with one counter in a friend’s bra and girdle store. Since then, my business has evolved and flourished into what it is today. I have always wanted my store to be my personal expression of what I believe to be beautiful, glamorous, feminine and interesting. My goal is to make each customer who walks through my door feel
welcome, special, and excited about what she sees.
welcome, special, and excited about what she sees.
Recently, we told you about a new study conducted by the Two Bridges Neighborhood Council that examined the struggling businesses on the LES. The report pointed to Orchard Street, the historic heart of our retail district, as particularly endangered. The study’s authors urged stronger community involvement to save the merchants who were here long before gentrification swept through the neighborhood. Bonnie, on the shop’s web page, acknowledged the LES’s past and present:
Rich in history, Orchard, Ludlow, Norfolk and Eldridge Street personified New York City’s “Lower East Side.” They were once the home
of immigrants, dreamers and pioneers. Today, these historic streets are fast becoming a Mecca for arty, edgy, young artists and fashion
designers. The history of Orchard Street, especially, is one of constant change and transition. I consider myself fortunate to be part of it.
More later.
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