Boutique W closes after less than a year on East Passyunk Avenue
Boutique W, the women’s clothing store that opened in the former Sammi’s Shoe Box location at 1916-1918 E. Passyunk Ave. in April, has called it quits.
The boutique store that sold what owner Robin Cohen called “attainable luxury” closed up shop at the end of December.
In a post on Boutique W’s Facebook page, they did not disclose the reason for the store closing, other than “unforeseen circumstances.” With the closing of their East Passyunk Avenue location, they’re offering any customers who want to visit them in their Newtown Square 25% off for the month of January.
Happy New Years Sale! East Passyunk…We will miss you!#sale #newyear #newtownsquare #boutiquew
Posted by Boutique W on Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Now that this East Passyunk Avenue storefront has seen some updates thanks to Boutique W, what should be the next tenant to take over this location?
Retail really struggles on this street.
Having never set foot in this shop I can’t say why it is closing….but I can’t help but wonder if it was the right shop for the area. East passyunk is not known for its high end shopping experience. Its best known shops(besides restaurants) are quirky and unique gifts, housewares/gifts, and edgy fashion. From looking at boutique w’s website they seem a bit more sophisticated and perhaps the avenue just isn’t ready for that.
In response to the above comments, I would like to shed some light here. I am a retailer on the street for 2 1/2 years now. The street has a good mix of old and new merchants. Some have been here for over 20 years. And because of those merchants sticking it out when the avenue changed, is why there is still a Passyunk Avenue retail corridor.
In regard to high end, I beg to differ. Perhaps if more people would support local small business and acquaint themselves with the avenue, they would find a very diverse mix of shops. Retail rents are high and without support they cannot be maintained.
Yes, there are quirky, & unique gift shops, but there are some very high end retailers here also.
The problem that does exist is the the avenue has become known & promoted for the restaurants. . Restaurants do bring people, but diners are not necessarily shoppers, but shoppers will more often dine. There has not been given the proper retail promotion that it warrants.
Maybe if some of the shop owners actually gave a crap about their surrounding area it would attract more shoppers. It’s absolutely filthy in some parts and some of the shops still look the same as they did 20+ years ago. Maybe your shop is different, but I for one would not promote Passyunk as a shopping destination until the curb appeal changes… And this is coming from someone who lives in the area.
Only the newer merchants keep the proper hours that allow the restaurant patrons to shop.
Sorry to disagree Maybe some diners stroll, but diners, as I said do not necessarily shop.
In my experience, I have Sat here later_ noone even walks by. However, what I notice in my walk home, is that they vdt their car, come out afterwards go directly to get the car. However, most shoppers will go to eat.
The Avenue needs to be promoted as a shopping destination to bring in people from the outside.
Part of my boutique is Women’s Accessories part is bridal. I cannot tell you how many brides that come from other areas say to me that they never knew there were shops here. They thought it was restaurants.
So sorry, staying open for diners is not why retail is faltering here. It is the lack of proper retail promotion.
Was so sorry to see Boutique W close. I found out because my hubby knew how I like the store and he went to buy me some clothes for Christmas, they were closed! Robin was the best at social media keeping Me informed about specials and sales.
But that was then this is now, hum what would I like to see on the Avenue…perhaps a children’s toy store.
The avenue is a restaurant destination , You need to find a way to lure in the restaurant patrons. Main Streets across the country have yet to find a way to compete with indoor malls. It’s even harder in the northeast. Maybe it’s time to consider changing your concept to entice the new demographic of shoppers. There are plenty of successful new retail spaces on the avenue leading the way forward in a refreshing new direction.
Hey MIJ,
Being the curious one that I am, do you have any suggestions for retail you would like to see on P Ave?
Pam I love your suggestion of a quality children’s toy store.
How about this: Maybe no one wants a high-end fashion store on the avenue. How about a place that make a decent fucking hoagie?
“Boutique” sounds expensive and in this day in age when big box stores can take advantage of economies of scale to reduce prices, it is difficult to know without what business would succeed on Passyunk. One thing this neighborhood has a lot of is dogs and kids. What about a toy store that combines the elements of reasonably priced and unique, fun, and provides the ability for someone “strolling” to make an impulse purchase without having buyers remorse.
Thought about it overnight….I would love to have a small bowling alley on P Ave.
There’s a bowling alley at Broad and Federal not sure the area can support two.
“Attainable Luxury” typical new age marketing BS. what the hell does that mean? Luxury is already attainable, albeit at the upper echelon of attainability. that’s why it’s called luxury. this is pretty stuff made cheaply.
Over priced retail. Big chains are the only way to go