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Independent Greenwich Village Stores Remain Open During Blizzard

By Serena Solomon | February 10, 2010 1:57pm
Few shoppers were out on Bleecker Street on Wednesday, but there were enough sales to keep small store owners happy.
Few shoppers were out on Bleecker Street on Wednesday, but there were enough sales to keep small store owners happy.
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Serena Solomon/DNAinfo

By Serena Solomon

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

WEST VILLAGE — Sometimes it pays to stay open if your a small business no matter how much snow falls.

There was a ghostly feel about Bleecker Street on Wednesday in the West Village. Few shoppers were out, some stores shut early and others did not even bother to open their doors.

However, many local stores kept their doors open with the hopes of making a few bucks.

"Everyday is so important," said Wendy Ginsburg, owner of Verve, which has two stores on Bleeker Street. "You have to give it a chance."

Her three stores sell bags, shoes and accessorizes and were open throughout much of the day before closing three hours early at 5 p.m. Ginsburg said the day was worth it with a few decent sales.

Wendy Ginsburg in her store, Verve, on Bleecker Street.
Wendy Ginsburg in her store, Verve, on Bleecker Street.
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Serena Solomon/DNAinfo

"If you are going to be out shopping today you have to be serious about it," she said. "You're not just strolling."

Other shop owners on the street had also reported decent sales coming from one or two customers, espcially gift buyers who were just happy that something was open.

The bigger chains on Bleecker Street, like Ralph Lauren, did not open shop. Nor did Coach, which closed all its stores in the city. Brooks Brothers on Bleecker Street opened for a few hours, but was shut before 3 p.m.

Magnolia Bakery didn't have its customary long line out the door, but it was still pumping out cupcakes.

"It (the snow) doesn't keep the tourist away," said a manager from the bakery of "Sex and the City" fame.

The Robert Marc eyewear and Marc Jacobs stores where just a few of the chains open with normal trading hours on Bleecker Street.

"We feel its normal. The subway is still accessible," said Robert Marc manager, Ariel Anaya. "This city is never paralyzed."