Rent Hike Forces Bicycle Habitat to Consolidate its Footprint on Lafayette Street
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The consolidation is happening. Bicycle Habitat is in fact downsizing its SoHo footprint, as previously reported.
The 27-year-old shop has been on the outs since this past May. We learned at the time that the landlord of its longtime HQ at 242-244 Lafayette Street sought “sky high rents” for these two marquee spaces. While negotiations for a long-term lease were ongoing, Bicycle Habitat operated on a month-to-month-arrangement; “for rent” signs hung in the windows. Owner Charlie McCorkell noted to us that he hoped “our landlord will see the benefit of a long term client who always pays their rent.” Guess not.
Apparently, the rent for the two spaces is now going for $36K apiece, for a total of $72K. Bonkers is right. And the former 16 Handles unit, which closed last winter, is reportedly listed for $30K.
Bicycle Habitat is gearing up to consolidate operations at its “newer” outpost just a few stores north, 250 Lafayette Street. To mark the occasion, the popular shop is holding a “Consolidation Sale” for various apparel and gear. Date of said move is slated for September 30.