Another one-of-a-kind Lower East Side retailer suffers a setback. Chuck Guarino and Elisa Maldonado just announced via social media that they’re closing the current version of The Cast, their leather-centric boutique at 71 Orchard St. Here’s what they had to say yesterday:
Yes it’s true. It’s a fucking sad day. Manhattan real estate has sunk its fangs into yet another victim. We’ve lost our lease. After 5 1/2 years we will be closing at 71 Orchard. The Cast is stronger and more alive than ever with a full Men’s & Women’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection in the works. We will be having a 50% Off Sale in store and online through (Tuesday) to sell off all current stock. Starting tomorrow, The Great Frog at 72 Orchard St. will have The Cast Pop-Up shop while we’re looking for a new space. We thank you for your patronage and support throughout the years and look forward to seeing you in a new store as soon as possible!
The Cast has been located inside the same building that houses Zarin Fabrics. As previously reported, the building was sold earlier this year for $25.6 million. Zarin’s has a long-term lease. A TD Bank branch is about to open a ground floor space Zarin’s previously occupied.
THIS SUCKS
total shame! At least I can still go across the street to score vintage comme des garcons at Pilgrim. The greed of the landlords on the lower east side and Manhattan in general has destroyed the beloved independent New York boutique. How many more H&M, Steve Madden, Michael Kors or Marc Jacobs stores does Manhattan need? Manhattan looks like a suburban shopping mall. really sad.. hope they can reopen.
Totally.