Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn

Back By Popular Demand: The Peacock Dress From Dalaga

Dalaga, a 2-year-old boutique on an interesting stretch of Greenpoint's Franklin Avenue, is owned by designer Michelle Mangiliman. The shop features an affordable selection of designer women's and men's clothing, shoes and accessories.

Back by popular demand is the peacock dress, which is $65 and available in black, white and turqoise. They also have pretty floral dresses, black linen shorts and coin medallion necklaces.

The shop is located on 150 Franklin Street in Greenpoint (718-389-4049). And it's open on the fourth of July.

Department of Labor Blitzes Fifth and Seventh Avenue Shops and Restaurants

Representatives of the NYS Department of Labor (NYS DOL) went in teams of three and "visited" 24 businesses, mostly restaurants and pizzerias, on Fifth and Seventh Avenues last week.

According one Fifth Avenue merchant, the NYS DOL representatives, in some cases, separated the owner or manager from the workers,  coraled workers and questioned them about labor practices.

In one busy restaurant, representatives literally followed front-of-the house employees around in full view of customers and asked them questions.  In the kitchen they stood there asking questions while cooks were trying to get the food out.  

In the case of one small shop, where there were workers without docs, the owner is being fined $3,000 per person for not having workers comp and DBL. 

Another establishment was asked for three years of records. When they told the NYS DOL that they had a fire recently, they were told to produce six years of records.  

 

Merchants Furious Over Department of Labor Raids

Here is a letter written by a longtime Fifth Avenue merchant to other Fifth and Seventh Avenue merchants. This merchant is fed up with being 'bombarded by seemingly endless government agencies with inspections, fines and audits."

I am trying to calm down after ranting to Councilman Yassky's office about what is happening on Fifth Avenue.  In the face of dwindling customer counts and rising expenses, we are being bombarded  by seemingly endless government agencies with inspections, fines and audits.

 

 Is it government's mission to put us out of business instead of trying to help us stare down the worst recession since the 1930's?  Every statistic indicates that the single greatest  source of jobs is small businesses !  Our BID district represents thousands of jobs which add to the economy.

 

In the last two years, since the rats in KFC in the Village, the Dept. of Health has been out of control. Multiple inspections, record breaking closings and fines we cannot afford, all in the guise of protecting public health. Government is hurting, not  helping small business face economic difficulties. The system  is broken and as long as the DOH  is a profit center for the city, no one is interested in fixing it.

 

The State Labor Dept charged onto Fifth Avenue hitting several restaurants  during business hours. They corralled  employees together and questioned them and in other cases they  actually followed waiters and bus persons around asking them questions while they were trying to take care of customers.They are requesting three years of records and the audits have not really started, so we do not at this point know how financially damaging this will be to our neighborhood businesses.

 

The last outrage (May 6, 2009) is that Sanitation  Police, the ones with guns, went into several stores and went through the garbage that was behind the counter, not trash that was on the streets, and issued fines for not recycling. As an American citizen this seems a violation of several rights.  When I called and questioned DOS, they of course said THEY INDEED HAD THE RIGHT to do this.  I am not a lawyer, but I find it difficult to believe this would hold up in court. 

 

The above does not include tickets from Consumer Affairs or Parking Violations Tickets where agents use no discretion  and make it almost impossible for to take packages in and out of our stores in our private vehicles and onerous to put sale items on the street as agents walk around with tape measures.  

 

Time to take my blood pressure medicine.

Hoping for better days

June 21: Seventh Heaven Street Fair

I just got word that the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce is offering a special deal for Seventh Heaven for vendors who become members of the Chamber. 

For vendors who want to get an optimum "spot" in the fair for free (one of the perks of membership!) you must send in your membership form to the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce indicating that you want your spot, by this Friday, June 5th! 

Forms can be obtained by emailing Catherine Bohne  (cat_bohne@yahoo.com) or calling the Park Slope Chamber at 718.303.4364. 

Completed forms can be dropped off (with your check!) at the Park Slope Copy Shop, marked Attention Bob Kalb. The Chamber is also developing a "Gonzo marketing Ploy" to make their street fair unique and gain extra attention for local business. Stay tuned.

Park Slope Recession Watch: Knotting Slope Closing (and they're having an incredible sale!)

Knotting Slope (242 7th Av in Park Slope)  a beautiful rug shop run by a very knowledgeable couple who travel to Turkey and buy directly from the artists, is closing. The recent economic downturn and a drop in sales meant that they could not renew their lease with a rent increase. The owners may be moving to Turkey.

Biz Community Pledges to Raise Money for Local Recycling

Here's some news about the Park Slope 5th Avenue BID from Rebeccah Welch:

The Park Slope 5th Avenue Business Incentive District (BID) has partnered Park Slope Chamber of Commerce to launch a new recycling campaign.  The initiative, GREEN GROWS IN BROOKLYN, will take place from April 20th-April 22nd—right in time for Earth Day. In the next few weeks, keep an eye out for participating businesses on both Avenues who have signed on to collect donations in order to support local recycling efforts in the community.

 “We are really excited about this campaign,” said Irene LoRe owner of Aunt Suzie’s and Executive Director of the Park Slope 5^th Avenue BID,  “GREEN GROWS IN BROOKLYN represents an overarching effort to unite businesses, residents and the nonprofit community to tackle the challenges of recycling in Park Slope.”

Samantha Delman-Caserta, co-owner of 3r Living, concurred with LoRe.  “Park Slope is considered one of the recycling capitals of NYC.  Residents here understand how important this issue is locally and globally and have always been supportive,” she said. “This event underscores the power of neighborhood-wide initiatives to improve community life and we hope it becomes a tradition.”

For more information about the event please contact: parkslope5avbid@aol.com

A Shout Out for Kids RX Pharmacy

Some Park Slopers are probably unaware that Pure Essentials, the new health and beauty shop where Second Street Cafe used to be has a Kids RX in the back ( I think there's a separate entrance on 2nd Street). Here's a nice shout-out from a member of Park Slope Parents:

On their website, KidsRX describes itself as "a real community pharmacy that places special emphasis on the healthcare needs of children."  They accept all insurance plans, and offer fast, free, same day delivery in Manhattan (they have a branch in Tribeca) .Do they deliver in Brooklyn, too? Not sure.

I have often told people that living in Park Slope is a little like
living in Mayberry.  You know, without Barney Fife or a swimming hole.

I can only urge people to give Kids Rx on 7th Avenue & 2nd Street a
try.  Get this--I actually got a call from the pharmacist telling me
that he had been reviewing his records and sees that I am due for
refills on 2 drugs I take regularly and would I like him to fill them
and deliver them.  Seriously.  Who does that anymore?  Everyone there
is lovely and my kid finds their train table beyond thrilling.  But the
pharmacist has gone above and beyond for us several times and is just
the nicest guy.

Take that Duane Reade and CVS!

Why Shop Local?

Kirsten Marino is the owner of Slope Sports, a specialty running store on Seventh Avenue. She will be participating in Buy in Brooklyn's Snowflake Celebration  during the first two Thursdays in December (12/4 & 12/11) by staying open until 10pm and having a HUGE SALE on running shoes and selected winter running apparel.

Q: When did you open for business and why did you choose Park Slope? 

 

A: Slope Sports will be celebrating its 5^th year anniversary this January. We opened in January 2004.

 

My husband, Haig and I, both avid runners and outdoor enthusiasts, lived in Park Slope and noticed the lack of a specialty running store in the area and saw the need for one.

 

Slope Sports has since met the needs of the local running community, by offering customized shoe fittings and technical performance apparel, specialized customer service, weekly running groups as well as sponsoring and organizing local races.

Slope Sports Factoid:  Slope Sports is truly a family business – Kirsten's husband, Haig, frequently works at the store and helps her with purchasing decisions. Her mother and father, Sandy and Birger Olsen, did the entire build-out of the store. And, her now-2.5-year-old son, Thor, was literally raised at the store, taking naps in the dressing room and spending most of his time here.

 
Q: Which of the Sustainable Business Network NYC's "Top Ten Reasons" to shop locally resonate most with you & your business?

 

A: Reason  #1 - Significantly more money re-circulates in Brooklyn when purchases are made at locally owned, rather than nationally owned, businesses. Due to my full schedule as a mother and small business owner, I actually find it more convenient to shop locally, on my walk to the store or on the way home.

 

Whether it's picking up paper towels or office supplies for the store, or gifts for friends and relatives, I find that local businesses not only provide an equally good selection, but they also offer more interesting and unique items as well as individualized attention.

 

I also don't have to deal with the hassle of crowds or parking found at the nationally-owned big box stores.

 

Shop Local Factoid:  Locally owned and operated retailers keep profits in the local economy and support a variety of other local businesses. They hire local accountants and printers, advertise in local media, bank with local banks and have the ability to source products locally. For every $100 dollars spent at a local business, as much as $73 stays in the local economy, compared to $43 when the same amount is spent at a chain store. ("Andersonville Study of Retail Economics;" Civic Economics, October 2004)

 

"Why Shop Local?" is a communication initiative of the Buy in Brooklyn team. To learn more about Park Slope's Buy in Brooklyn campaign, visit their website at http://www.buyinbrooklyn.com/ The site, with its ever-growing list of participants and partners is updated regularly.

Interview conducted by Rebeccah Welch

Why Shop Local?

Paula Tarzian-Ciferni, Harry Tarzian, and John Ciferni are owners of Tarzian Hardware.  John is also President of the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce. Tarzian Hardware will be participating in the Snowflake Celebration during the first two Thursdays in December (12/4 and 12/11) by offering 15% off of everything in the store, raffles for children's toys, and holiday refreshments.

Q: When did you open for business and why did you choose Park Slope?

A: The store was opened by my grandfather, Charlie Tarzian, and his brother Marty in 1921.  They had apprenticed for their brother-in-law in his store on Fulton Street.  When it came time for the brothers to open their own store, they recognized the diversity and potential in Park Slope.  The original location was at 203 7^th Ave.  After 15 years the brothers moved to the store's present location at 193 7^th Ave. Then my father Harry expanded next door to 195 7^th Ave in 1972.  In 1999 my mother Paula completed the expansion and redesign into our current layout.

Tarzian Factiod: During WWII, Charlie volunteered to become an air-raid warden.  Going door-to-door, Charlie would ensure that each house had proper air-raid equipment.  If they were out, luckily he could recommend a dependable store for supplies.  This service kept the store afloat in the early 40's.

Q: Which of the Sustainable Business Network NYC's "Top Ten Reasons" to shop locally resonate most with you & your business?

A: Reason #2: "Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of Brooklyn's distinct character."  In the 1960's there were six hardware stores open on 7^th Ave b/w Flatbush and 16^th Street.  With the continued expansion of big box and chain retailers, our numbers have dwindled to one.  Tarzian Hardware has remained viable by focusing on our customers, community, and fellow merchants.  Over the years we have been approached by many large retailers interested in our space.  Although these offers were fair, we take pride in our relationship and position in the community.  As long as there is a family member to run things, Tarzian Hardware will remain a fixture on 7^th Ave.

Shop Local Factoid: Shopping at local businesses will help maintain Brooklyn's unique landscape. Residents have a "social contract" with local businesses -- they help define their sense of place, yet communities often forget that their survival depends on local patronage.

"Why Shop Local?" is a communication initiative of the Buy in Brooklyn team. To learn more about Park Slope's Buy in Brooklyn campaign, visit their website at http://www.buyinbrooklyn.com/ The site, with its ever-growing list of participants and partners is updated regularly.

Interview conducted by Rebeccah Welch

 

Snowflake Celebration: Extra Days and Expanded Partnerships

For the second annual Snowflake Celebration this year, the Buy in Brooklyn team is going all out!

The "shop local-shop late" event-- which falls on the first two Thursdays of December (December 4^th and 11^th), will include over 120 businesses in the Park Slope neighborhood and is growing at a clip.

Indeed, the stock market may well be playing an amplified role for organizers this year. From nearly every corner of the economic landscape, the forecast is bleak—giving this year's call to shop locally added impact. "The Snowflake festival is more important this year than ever," said John Ciferni, owner of Tarzian True Value Hardware and President of the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce. "In these hard economic times supporting our local businesses is one of the most important things we can do to keep our local economy and community strong," he said.

The cool fiscal winds may be giving Buy in Brooklyn's educational mission a boost too.  "We are excited to be partnering with a number of nonprofit and local groups this year to broaden the educational mission of Buy in Brooklyn," said Rebeccah Welch, who is running communications for the campaign and working with some of its partner organizations. From the Sustainable Business Network NYC (SBNYC) and Local Labels to the Brooklyn Green Team and Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation (SBIDC), the breadth of participants speaks to the range-- and the imperative-- of a thriving local economy.

"We hope to leverage greater support by getting out the word on how many excellent organizations are out there working hard on this issue," said Welch of the campaign.

The Buy in Brooklyn team is particularly excited about their work with the Borough President's Office, whose Shop Brooklyn launch they whole-heartedly support.  "We see this borough-wide initiative not only as a measure of our early success, but as a sign that a broader understanding has taken hold," added Welch, "one where people see how the health of small businesses has a direct impact on the health of local communities."

About Buy in Brooklyn: Buy in Brooklyn is an original initiative of the Park Slope Civic Council and Park Slope Chamber of Commerce and was founded in 2007 to bring merchant and community groups together to tackle local economic issues in greater collaboration. The "Snowflake Celebration" is a shop local-shop late campaign of Buy in Brooklyn organized by the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce in close partnership with a number of organizations including the 5th Avenue BID and the Sustainable Business Network NYC.

Why Shop Local?

OTBKB is proud to present another installment of Why Shop Local?

Judi Pheiffer is co-owner of Bob and Judi's Coolectibles, and Co-Chairperson for the 5th Avenue Business Improvement District (BID). She will be participating in the Snowflake Celebration during the first two Thursdays in December (12/4 and 12/11) by offering a 10% discount on all vintage holiday ornaments, xmas cards, and unique mah jongg menorahs. She will also have yummy snacks to keep your energy up for late night shopping.

Q: When did you open for business and why did you choose Park Slope?

A: We opened our business 11 years ago this December when Fifth Avenue was still uncharted territory. We had bought our home a few blocks away between Fourth & Fifth Ave years before, and kept hoping that Fifth Avenue would begin to come back. We had been selling at the PS 321 Flea Market and had developed a following. We wanted to open a store and figured we should invest in our own neighborhood, so we followed our dream. And, as they say, the rest is history.

Coolectibles Factoid: We have always considered ourselves a “recycling” business. We live in such a disposable world. There's something so nice about giving an old object a second, third or greater life span. Bob and I hand pick each item for our store, and we especially love finding the items people write down on our store's “Wish List.”

Q: Which of the Sustainable Business Network NYC's “Top Ten Reasons” to shop locally resonate most with you & your business?

A: Reason # 7. Local business owners invest in community. From the moment we opened our store we knew we that our store's survival was tied into making our community better. We helped re-start a defunct Merchant Association which has now become a BID. We worked with our Community Board and elected officials to plant trees, clean up graffiti, and get historic street lights. Merchants like us support our local schools PTA, community gardens, non-profits and neighborhood dance and music companies. It is all about being a part of a neighborhood we love.

Shop Local Factoid: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

"Why Shop Local?” is a communication initiative of the Buy in Brooklyn eam. To learn more about Park Slope’s Buy in Brooklyn campaign, visit their website at http://www.buyinbrooklyn.com/-- the site, with its ever-growing list of participants (and discounts!), will launch this weekend and be updated regularly.

Interview conducted by Rebeccah Welch

Why Shop Local?

OTBKB is thrilled to present the first installment of Buy in Brooklyn’s “Why Shop Local?” Series

Melinda Morris (pictured here with her husband Dave) is the owner of Lion in the Sun and communications and outreach coordinator for the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce, A founding member of the Buy in Brooklyn team, she will be participating in the Snowflake Celebration, Park Slope’s second annual shop local campaign,  during the first two Thursdays in December by offering 10% discounts on holiday cards & holiday gift wrap items, along with prosecco, sweets and live music by the Lion in the Sun elves.

Q: When did you open for business and why did you choose Park Slope?

A: I opened the shop in June of 2002 and choose Park Slope because I had lived here for about 8 years (at that point) and saw a real need in the neighborhood for a good quality paperie and custom invitations. I was really taken by the small town communal feel of the neighborhood and was excited about getting to know my neighbors better and being an active part of the community. (I still am!)

Q: What's a little known fact about your business that you think people would find interesting?

A: Two things:  1.) We carry a lot of recycled paper and paper made from renewable resources. Although we are a paper store, we try to be environmentally conscious. 2.) The name Lion in the Sun comes from the original store (owned by my parents on LI) who, in the early 1980's, sold their vacation house in the Hamptons to start the business.  Because they were no longer going to be lying in the sun they named it "Lion in the Sun."

Q: Which of The Sustainable Business Network NYC’s "Top Ten Reasons" to shop locally resonate most with you & your business?

A: Reason #3: Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of Brooklyn’s distinct character. At Lion in the Sun, we really pride ourselves on the uniqueness of our shop, our products and our services. We are all about personal relationships with our clients— it is what makes it meaningful for me. For instance, we are always looking for ways to customize things for our clients (and their events) that are thoughtful, specific and personal. It is much more work to do it that way, but totally worth it in the end. We also try to offer unique collections by supporting many local Brooklyn designers and artists as well as small independent companies—taken altogether, that’s what makes it possible to stand out among the "big guys."

"Why Shop Local? is a communication initiative of the Buy in Brooklyn team. To learn more about Park Slope’s Buy in Brooklyn campaign, visit their website at http://www.buyinbrooklyn.com/-- the site, with its ever-growing list of participants (and discounts!), will launch this weekend and be updated regularly.

Interview conducted by Rebeccah Welch