The Fashion District reveals the truth about what kind of retail sales are possible in Philadelphia.
The beloved giant that was the Gallery is being replaced by Fashion District Philadelphia.
The Gallery remake, which spans three Center City blocks, was criticized before it opened.
They were offended by the lack of fashion.Where is the Louis?Where is the Fendi?A movie theater is not like a mall.
There were people who had fond memories of the Gallery and who thought the Fashion District was a way to remove people from the city.
During the last three years of construction, I had a choice between missing Basic Black Books and not needing any more fast-fashion haunts.
The Fashion District, with its gleaming white walls, hot lights, and King of Prussia Mall feel, was the answer to what kind of fashion I was looking for.
We would like to think that we are a Gucci town.When it comes to luxury labels, we are armchair fashionistas who turn our noses up at expensive pieces and wonder aloud, "Who in their right mind would pay so much money to look so, well, basic?"
We have style.It is obvious from the androgynous teens who melt down the streets of Midtown Village to the de la Renta divas who populate the annual Academy Ball.We wear our Eagles sweatsuits all day in Philly.
Most of us are more Lulu than Louis.We don't want to spend all of our discretionary income on just one bag.We rent rather than buy.
We mirror the rest of America in our own way.Retail is no longer driven by high fashion.
Most of us are confused because high fashion used to mean luxury in Philadelphia.The city was known for its fashion.There were labels that mattered.We were the epitome of classic.
We used to own a Louis Vuitton store.The early aughts to 2010s saw the emergence of brands that defined the reputation of Walnut Street.We had a Michael Kors.
All things ostentatious became synonymous with luxury after the 2008 recession.We still liked designer brands, but we preferred cheaper ones like Main Line-bred Tory Burch.In the late aughts, the Center City District launched a program to attract Rebecca, Milly, and Alice to New York City.The idea was to have other cool stores.
But those stores did not show up.Shannon said that the ship has sailed.
Philadelphia's retail problems were unique.It didn't help that we are close to New York.The luxury wing of King of Prussia opened in 2016 after an extensive renovation.
There were national trends as well.Online shopping cut into the brick-and-mortar market.Money was being spent on cool experiences rather than cool stuff.Boutique fitness spots replaced women's wear boutiques.
Philadelphia's luxe label scene took a big hit this summer.The Rittenhouse Square location of Barneys New York closed in August.Nicole Miller was closed by Mary K. Dougherty after 22 years in Center City.Tiffany's is being forced to find a new home because of the renovations at the Bellevue.There are no more stand-alone designer stores in Center City after Nicole Miller left.The managing director of the private real estate firm said that Timberland is also closing.It is well known in town that Steve Madden and Swarovski are looking for subleases, which is a sign that a closing is near.
Joan Shepp, one of the few shops in town that carries brands like Comme des Garons, celebrated her 48th birthday last Wednesday.Alexander McQueen was one of the names that were offered in the women's department.
Digital-first brands like UNTUCKit have found permanent homes on the street.We are ripe for a Rent the Runway store.