Shear Luck: FRED Salon Finds Refuge in the East Village
Another retail victim to report on upper Orchard Street. The FRED.nyc hair salon is now gone.
According to signage on the shuttered security gate at 192 Orchard, the five-year-old business recently relocated to the East Village. The move to 40 East Third Street was a long time coming for eponymous owner Fred Connors, who braved terrible conditions the last few years during the construction of Ben Shaoul’s adjacent luxury development.
Connors, who founded the salon in Halifax (Canada) fifteen years ago, had previously spoken at length to DNAinfo about the challenges of being next to an active construction site – roach infestation, debris, and cracks in the floors and walls. This led to declining foot traffic and loss of customer base. It was a similar story for Alan Natkiel, whose Georgia’s Eastside BBQ business ultimately shuttered from same last year.
But now that the luxury development is completed, and the scaffolding gone, these retail struggles are history. Swept under by brokers and landlords who can now charge even more for the space.
August 2017
Recent Stories
5-Story Bugs Bunny Mural on Ludlow Street
Here’s what’s up, doc. A new Bugs Bunny mural underway on the facade of 161 Ludlow Street, overlooking the vacant lot next door, The artist – the city’s own, Jerkface (aka Incarcerated Jerkfaces) – began work on the portrait yesterday afternoon. He is apparently aiming for Friday completion. Jerkface is known for reinterpreting classic characters […]
There is Nothing Left of Beth Hamedrash Hagadol on Norfolk Street
The arson attack against Beth Hamedrash Hagadol on Norfolk Street hollowed out the 167-year-old synagogue. Yet, any hope of the remains being incorporated into the planned development on its ashes is dashed. Just take a look. There is nothing left of Beth Hamedrash Hagadol. The tragedy compounded Monday morning thanks to the fatal structural collapse […]
Mayor Wants to School ‘Night Owls’ to Not be Drunken Idiots in Hell Square
The city yesterday announced a new “common sense” etiquette campaign targeted at drunk bar-goers for the benefit of area quality-of-life. Naturally, the pilot neighborhood is Hell Square on the Lower East Side, an over-saturated entertainment zone which boasts the highest concentration of liquor licenses in the state. Dubbed “Night Owl,” the initiative will disseminate kitschy […]
Partybus Bakeshop Officially on Essex Street; Opens End of Month
The party bus is parked and ready to roll. The bakery, that is. Partybus Bakeshop is an artisanal bakery opening in the former Chinese seafood wholesaler at 31 Essex Street. Upon debut, expect a “rotating seasonal menu [of] classics including breads, pies, and cookies by using the best ingredients the north east has to offer.” […]
Mini Rex Sober Karaoke Still Missing in Action
Nearly three years later, the Mini Rex/Juicebox Heroes sober karaoke concept is still missing in action. The fall 2018 opening, and later, a targeted winter debut, did not pan out. Spring bloomed and summer sweltered and still no launch on Ludlow Street. Much of the delay, at least initially, was owed to outspoken area opposition […]
