Fashion District gets four tenants for Uniquely Philly

22
Apr '19

Pic: Fashion District Philadelphia

Fashion District Philadelphia, a joint venture between Preit and Macerich, has named four inaugural tenants for Uniquely Philly – a curated collection of local small businesses with authentic Philadelphia offerings. The local businesses will be able to establish and grow their brands in a highly trafficked shopping destination in the heart of Philadelphia.

Fashion District collaborated with The Enterprise Centre, a local organisation founded by the Wharton Small Business Development Centre, that seeks to better position high-potential, minority and female entrepreneurs in the economy. The Enterprise Centre recruited and evaluated prospective tenants and presented recommendations to Fashion District for final selection.

To foster a collaborative environment, Fashion District and The Enterprise Centre will offer a range of mentoring services including the development of business plans, design assistance and marketing support to drive business growth.

"With Uniquely Philly, Fashion District is working side by side with local entrepreneurs as they grow their company and make a meaningful impact in the community – further solidifying this project as a unique Philadelphia destination," said Joseph Coradino, CEO of Preit. "This programme is designed to foster opportunities for local retailers to raise their profile and connect with our city's shoppers. As their businesses grow, we hope to help expand their brick-and-mortar presence and welcome the next set of local entrepreneurs to Fashion District, to thrive alongside major, top-drawing national brands."

Occupying approximately 4,647 square feet of the concourse level, Uniquely Philly will feature American Hats, Dolly's Boutique, Duafe x the Sable Collective and South Fellini.

American Hats uses high-quality materials to offer an assortment of hats to women and men as both a brand/retailer and as a wholesaler. A family-run business, American Hats has been serving the Philadelphia region since 2015 with designs including church hats, dress and evening wear hats, fascinators, classy and casual headwear, vintage headwear and specialty hats for weddings and the Kentucky Derby – all manufactured in the US.

Owner Shani Newton has been operating Dolly's Boutique on Germantown Avenue for more than nine years. From daywear to formal attire, Dolly's Boutique caters to working women. Newton is passionate about helping her customers express themselves through fashion and making a positive impact in Philadelphia communities. At Dolly's Boutique, women reentering society from homelessness or incarceration can obtain clothing free of charge to help them transition back into the workplace.

Entrepreneurs Syreeta Scott and Shanti Mayers created a space for women of colour to explore their narratives of joy, beauty and wellness with Duafe x the Sable Collective. A destination for holistic natural hair care and unique treasures, the boutique features homemade hair products as well as a collection of locally sourced, female-owned brands in clothing, jewelry, housewares and body care.

Operating on Passyunk Avenue for two years, South Fellini delivers quirky Philly-themed gear that appeals to both Philadelphians and tourists. Philadelphia natives Tony Trovarello and Johnny Zito first collaborated by designing parody Phillies T-shirts for local retailers in celebration of the 2008 World Series victory, and opened their first brick-and-mortar store in 2016.

"At the Enterprise Centre, we're deeply committed to cultivating and investing in diverse and minority entrepreneurs as a way to foster collaboration that helps drive economic growth in communities," said Della Clark, president and CEO of the Enterprise Centre. "Our partnership with Preit in the development of Uniquely Philly will support community revitalisation by providing opportunities for greater resources and exposure that benefits local small businesses." (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India