Imagine walking into a museum with
a collection of original exhibits by 65 different artists. Now
visualize the same museum, but substitute the paintings with
apparel. Welcome to the phenomena of Emerge*nyc. Founded by designer,
Nicholas Petrou and managed by Alex Pabon (also the two responsible
for The Market NYC), Emerge* houses a collection of mini boutiques
for 65 creative designers. Similar to Market NYC, Emerge* sets
a platform for interpersonal relationships between the designer
and the consumer. Unlike Market NYC, Emerge* provides a beautified
environment; a better suited stage for the high quality of unique
merchandise found there. Shoppers can expect to find everything
from one of a kind dresses, to a handmade bag and necklace, to
an enchanting new fragrance.
Wednesday through Sunday, the store
offers the convenience of personal fitting rooms, cash or credit,
and an artistic ambiance. With prices starting as low as $25,
the store is a friend to every shopper. Of course the designers
showcased at Emerge* reap plenty of benefits themselves. Whether
they have had an extensive background in the fashion industry,
or have just graduated from college, Emerge provides a venue
for designers to promote their name and product via widespread
media coverage that is often difficult to obtain: i.e. free
advertisement! Another great advantage according to Pabon, “The
store itself gets no commission off of the merchandise. Designers
are only required to pay a monthly rent and follow the policies
in the contract. As long as that happens, the designers can
stay for as long as they choose.”
Though
Pabon is hoping for long term success rates, he realizes
that there will inevitably be some turnover. Yet interested
candidates should not be alarmed. To terminate the contract,
they are simply asked to give 30 days advance notice and
the rent deposit is returned to them. The store is currently
seeking designers offering men’s wear, eyewear, shoes,
hats, cosmetic lines, and limited edition fashion books.
Though the doors of Emerge* just recently opened on August
5 th, consumer traffic and publicity have encouraged thoughts
of expansion with multiple stores in Manhattan in the future.
Sounding too good to be true? Disprove your skepticism
by visiting the store for yourself.
