Photos by Jen Pierce
Charlotte’s street-wear stalwart The Niche Market recently reopened it’s doors this past weekend under the new ownership of Adam Cook and Stephanie Michelle Genter. Niche operates in the Historic South End District and has built a online reputation over the past 5 years for being one the few retail stores of its kind in the US to carry well-known boutique brands and limited releases from labels like Nike, Vans and Johnny Cupcakes.
In an economic environment like this, the value and vitality of private retailers who cater to such a small segment of the market will always be questionable, especially if they’re not fully immersed in that particular scene. Impostors are easily identified and labeled as such through social networks and banished to a life a mediocre sales and limited support by those who don’t fully “get it”.
Fortunately, this store has managed to retain it’s roots in the arts, music and skate culture while elevating the in-store shopping experience. This is achieved in part through the owners DIY attitude, the blu-collar / trouble-maker theme that runs throughout the men’s product selection, the hand painted type, and an eclectic mix of relics from early 20th Century Americana. Most importantly, the updates feel like a natural extension of the new owner’s personal style, not some pre-defined fad or stuffy interpretation of one. Well done!
Charlotte’s street-wear stalwart The Niche Market recently reopened it’s doors this past weekend under the new ownership of Adam Cook and Stephanie Michelle Genter. Niche operates in the Historic South End District and has built a online reputation over the past 5 years for being one the few retail stores of its kind in the US to carry well-known boutique brands and limited releases from labels like Nike, Vans and Johnny Cupcakes.
In an economic environment like this, the value and vitality of private retailers who cater to such a small segment of the market will always be questionable, especially if they’re not fully immersed in that particular scene. Impostors are easily identified and labeled as such through social networks and banished to a life a mediocre sales and limited support by those who don’t fully “get it”.
Fortunately, this store has managed to retain it’s roots in the arts, music and skate culture while elevating the in-store shopping experience. This is achieved in part through the owners DIY attitude, the blu-collar / trouble-maker theme that runs throughout the men’s product selection, the hand painted type, and an eclectic mix of relics from early 20th Century Americana. Most importantly, the updates feel like a natural extension of the new owner’s personal style, not some pre-defined fad or stuffy interpretation of one. Well done!
Powered by Compendium
Comments for Charlotte Retailer gets Facelift