One of the city’s most beloved retail gift shops is picking up from its current Elmwood location and relocating a few blocks away. Neo Gift Studio is going to be occupying the retail footprint of 905 Elmwood Avenue – a newly constructed building at the corner of Elmwood and W. Delavan.
I spoke to Joan and Joyce Zoerb, sisters and owners of Neo, who told me that they thought that the corner exposure would be a good thing for business. They also wanted to be closer to the retail scene that continues to build around Bidwell Parkway.
When Neo first opened, it was located in a large storefront in Allentown. A few years back, the sisters felt that the 500 block of Elmwood would suit them better, so they scaled down in size by axing some of their large furniture show pieces. Since moving to the 500 block, that section of Elmwood has seen a decline in retail, although there has been an uptick in the restaurant realm. While the newest location is approximately the same square footage, the sisters feel that the walking traffic is a lot better.
Joan and Joyce decided that instead of holding on, to see what was going to happen along the 500 block, they wanted to be proactive. They also liked the idea of being located directly next to JT’s restaurant, which will be occupying the rest of the first floor of the 905 Elmwood building (learn more).
Neo will be an excellent fit at this corner. Not only will the owners be able to create captivating storefront windows with their spectacular merchandise, they will also bring their impeccable taste to a corner that is positioning itself to be one of Elmwood’s hottest destinations. This building will also act as a bridge between two disparate sections of Elmwood, by enhancing the walkability from one to the other. So long unsightly gas station, hello vibrant urban corner!
While it’s sad to see another retailer leave the 500 block, this is a great move for Neo. The corner will give them a fresh, new, contemporary feel, which is something that they will thrive on.
Currently Neo is holding a store wide sale, which means that if you are a fan of their stuff, you better get in there quick before the merchandise is scooped up for the holidays.
Neo will close at the end of January, and will reopen towards the end of February.