Terri Gillis opened one of the first boutiques on Ludlow Street in the mid-90’s, helping to make the neighborhood a cutting edge shopping destination. A little over a year ago Gillis was forced out of her store at 170 Ludlow by escalating rents. But the move to another space a couple of blocks away (at the corner of Ludlow and Broome streets) was apparently not enough to save a pioneering business.
LES documentarian Clayton Patterson passed along the news that TG-170 is calling it quits (at least for now). On her Facebook page, Gillis explains:
We will be moving out of our current Broome St address in January. Please visit us not only to say hi but take advantage of the markdowns! Everything in the store is on sale- most items are under $100. Many jeans are now $50, including JBrand. We ♥ you. Keep u posted.
Gillis was featured in a 2009 story in the New York Times about the economic recession’s impact on building owners and operators of small retail businesses. The article noted:
(Gillis) started her boutique in her apartment in 1992 and attracted attention from neighbors by holding fashion shows in her front windows. She nurtured young fashion designers, including some who have moved to big retailers like American Apparel. Today, three loyal Westie terriers trail at her heels as she moves around her shop, with its whitewashed floors and chandeliers. In the current slowdown, she says she has kept her business running in part by using her retirement savings to pay bills. With many of her neighbors struggling, she considers herself fortunate that the downturn has helped her keep her space.
If you want to stop by TG-170 in the next couple of weeks Terri’s hours are noon to 8 p.m. The address is 243 Broome Street.
No, such a great store!