Patagonia Moving Into Former CBGB Gallery at 313 Bowery

Once Morrison Hotel Gallery and the short-lived RIFF boutique vacated 313 Bowery, rumors abounded about the replacement occupant. For awhile there, many thought John Varvatos was expanding next door, owing to the arrival of vinyl adverts in the storefront windows. We also heard talk of J. Crew possibly taking the space for its own. But the Observer has the scoop on what will actually arrive here in due course. A thin slice of the outdoors.

This former home of the CBGB Gallery is to become an outpost of Patagonia. All 8,100 square-feet of it. And just like that, the Bowery is becoming an upscale shopping mall, showing its true colors as Lower Eastpacking. High-end business bolstered by high-end hangouts for high-end clientele. Bye bye cheap threads and $4 brews.

Patagonia signed a ten-year lease at 313 Bowery. Sort of ironic in a sense, as Patagonia simultaneously announced its intentions of a landgrab in the Meatpacking District as well. Teaser signage in the windows advertise a “fall 2012″ opening date.