Photo: Duo

Hurricane Sales

Nolita boutique owner Erica Weiner, who makes and sells the cutest, mostly affordable jewelry, told us they were a little hesitant to do a sale, but they needed do something. “We lost power and all of our staff lives in Brooklyn or Queens, so we couldn’t get to the store,” she explained. “We all stayed home for a week. We have to pay rent on the studio and the store and people’s salaries without any business coming in. And we saw that people had discounts going on, so we did an online sale and right away we all started talking, does this look tacky or insensitive, but I think people understood. American Apparel got a lot of flack because they don’t need the help, but I think people understood that we need the help.”

Luckily Weiner’s online sales were pretty good during the storm and they’re donating 15% of proceeds to a relief charity. “It’s going to negate the sale but we feel like we can handle it, the business will be okay, maybe a little tight for a month or two. But you’ve got to donate, it’s too sad not to.” On top of that, Weiner’s basement, where she stored furniture for a second store she’s planning to open, flooded. “It’s all destroyed.” Talk about helping others before you help yourself.

Duo will be having a sale as well. “Because we’ve been out of business, we want people to shop local, we’re running a 20% sale right now, jewelry and fragrance is 10% off.”

Elizabeth Charles in the West Village initiated a NY customer appreciation week, where all shoppers get a 20% discount off clothing purchases. “We are grateful that New Yorkers and particularly those who live in/near the Meatpacking district, always pull together to help local business out. Our staff are also donating clothing to local community groups to aid the recovery effort.”

What some people may not know is that the local government may help financially as well, depending on what kind of insurance you have. Chantal Chadwick from LES boutique/gallery End of Century told us, “End of Century was closed for five days due to loss of power and the impact was significant. Luckily though, there was no damage and we are back in action! We are accepting drop-offs and have a friend with a diesel-fueled car. We plan on filing with the state to partially recover the losses.”

So how can we help?