(Google Maps)
It’s been a turbulent month for Scotch & Soda. The Dutch fashion retailer filed for bankruptcy in April before getting acquired by Blue Star Alliance, a New York-based brand management company. Now, after operating at 416 Columbus Avenue at West 80th Street since 2016, Scotch & Soda has closed.
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Thanks for the tip and photo, @mikemcgue.
“Thank you UWS neighborhood for years of business! See us at our other locations on Bleeker St., Soho, Union Square, Williamsburg, and Dumbo!” – photo by @mikemcgue
“Scotch and Soda operates 253 freestanding stores across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Australia, and is carried in 7,000 retailers worldwide and online,” writes Footwearnews.com. “The company makes womenswear, menswear, kids wear, denim, eyewear, fragrances and accessories.”
When asked about the acquisition of Scotch & Soda, Ralph Gindi, Chief Operating Officer of Bluestar, said “Scotch & Soda is a chic, contemporary lifestyle brand which embodies the free spirit of Amsterdam and is uniquely recognized by customers everywhere in the world. The niche brand sits on its own and attracts a younger fashion-conscious consumer who appreciates fine craftsmanship and attention to detail.” Other brands in Bluestar’s portfolio include Hurley and Bebe and Tahari.
Gindi went on to say, “Our goal is to continue Scotch & Soda’s luxury retail distribution strategy, while also introducing the brand to more trendsetters, especially those looking to express their personality through their clothing.”
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Was the Upper West Side just not cool enough for Scotch & Soda, or what? According to Sourcing Journal, the Amsterdam-based company had “severe cash flow issues caused by the domino effect of the pandemic, war in Ukraine and inflation.” It appears that despite record sales, it still hit a structural cash flow deficit.
This is yet another real estate shakeup right by the American Museum of Natural History. Andy’s Deli, also at 80th and Columbus, made our [sad] 5 Biggest Closings of 2022 list. In September, we reported The Aperture Foundation, the nonprofit that runs Aperture Magazine, would be taking over the old Gazala’s space two blocks down on West 78th Street.
