I’m really bummed right now. I just got this email:
Dear Friends of Minnow, longtime and the new…
We regrettfully write to inform you of the final days of our shop’s operation at 6th and Bainbridge. On December 31st, Minnow will close it’s doors and move into 2007 with a new direction.
It has been quite a journey and honor to serve Philadelphia as a notable indie-boutique, offering unique product lines, hosting artshows and events, as well as creating and developing our own brand. The past 3 years’ undertaking have brought fond memories and defining moments, and we hope the future for all of us continues to provide the same…
Minnow was founded on the base of invention and independence, with a mission to provide an alternate outlet from the mainstream world. Our future is likely to continue on the same foundation and maintain that spirit in our new goals.
As a farewell note, we are liquidating our stock at extremely low prices. EVERYTHING WILL BE MARKED AT HALF PRICE UNTIL THE NEW YEAR, so please come by and pick up what you can while we still have it.
We would like to thank everyone who has ever supported Minnow, by coming through for events, by helping make things happen, and of course, your patrionage. Our love pours out to the countless number of people who have been integral to the shop’s standing: Creeper, Ed Jankowski, 1208 (Ben, Dave, Jake, Fritzsche), Phoebe, Miriam, Gonzo, Angry Tony, HaveBoard, Mike Stein, Jon Stein, Chris Wright, Logan Higbie, Phil Jackson, Josh Nims, the Kerr Family, Curt, the Milanos, Jon Bocksel, Scott Minton….breathe….Jake Lewis, Geoff Hendrey, The Ryans, Nocturnal, FPSF, SAN, Traffic, Focus, Autumn, Minuto, Mastic, Jinxed, Space 1026, Weeze, Haastyle, Brown, Smith, Black Floor, RELoad, Amani and B.Informed, Tattooed Mom, 222Gallery, all of our participating artists, all of our vendors and all of our local consignees, all our friends on the Left Coast, and last but not least…all you Strong Islanders living it up in NYC.
Thank you all again. Watch catchaminnow.com and skatenerd.com for future announcements and come join us at our farewell party at the end of January (TBA)…
Bummer! To all our friends at Minnow, thanks for all the great times!
Very sorry to hear this, and I suggest that you reopen on East Passyunk.
I could write pages, but I have already written messages that were too long. Thanks for the great times. Nothing but the best for the future.
creeper said: It is definately a sad day for Philadelphia, espeacially all the friends, artists, lurkers and skateboarders for whom Minnow was like a second home. Minnow has been an inspiration for me. Always a good place to go and meet up with everybody on last fridays, have awesome conversations and see good things happen. While I am bummed I have nothing but fond memories.
I didn’t really get to know Minnow or Metal until they opened at the Bainbridge location. Metal was instantly supportive of the things I was doing and I doubt that I am the only person to have this kind of experience with the store. I am greatful for the times I have had and the people I have met through my involvement with the store.
It sucks that we had to lose Spector and Minnow in a few short months. This should be a wake up call Philly, support local independant business or all you will be left with will be Urban Outfitters and the gap.
I want to thank everybody that was involved with the shop! You all definately helped make something rad happen. Especially thanks to Metal and Nugget, with out you guys none of this would have been possible.
thanks for posting that long ass comment.
Yup, its time. Thanks for all the kind words everyone. And thanks Metal for making sure the shop stayed open as long as it did.
Have no fear, more is in store. Metal and I have had big ideas for a long time and we’ve made the best friends possible sharing those ideas. So why would we quit?
many humble thanks to metal, and minnow. one door closes, and another one opens up.
I kept putting off going there, because I procrastinate. Or, when I would go (usually at night), the place would be closed. But this is what happens when you procrastinate. I apoligize to the cr‚àö¬∫e for never making it down there. “Do you see what happens, Larry?”
damn sad news. I’m looking foward to 07 and what it will bring. metal and nugget good luck in the future I’m sure there is something in the works, there allways is with you two.
its hard to even write anything about this without getting a little sappy. minnow was much more than than a store or even a “indy retail expierence” , the skatenerd family is a FAMILY! complete with drunk uncle, family arguements and your underage hot cousin. it was a clubhouse for a lot of amazing people to “get up” in any way they wanted. ive known these dudes for over a decade now (jeez!) and i know that the nerds presence will continue to be felt in this city and that hopefully they will keep moving forward. we all know that people on the forefront of something often dont get the rewards and recognition they deserve so i want to let everybody know these dudes are among a select few that are doing shit for love and not money. maybe that was part of the problem but for me it was what made it ours. peace and love homies- mike stein
WHY WHY WHY?? (weeping)
dear metal
it is sad to see minnow go. will you be paying off debt after the liqiudation? i’m only owed like $60. but i could use it.
peace ajw
Bummer!!!!!!!!!
I’m sorry things didn’t work out. It really is a shame. Minnow was rad, but you still owe me $xxx, and don’t forget it.
Jake
Say it ain’t so, Metal. Say it ain’t so…
and how about ur normal customers like me? dude im getting that camera, we gonna make a new video to be sold for the new year, i didnt want this to be just for me, im doin this for the shop, i love that place, i love the whole set up, i know i have the respect of my fellow rider there, i can talk about any kinda skating because everyone there isnt some dumb ass. i just love it.
oh man that a kick in the nuts. Im sorry to hear this man. minnow was one of the few places in the city i had a real connection with. keep me informed with any happenings on get togethers and what not.
well, i’m sorry to hear that about the store. I actually think I want a pair of drunks so I’ll prob stop down sometime soon. when are you their?
creeper told me the news last night. bummed to hear it. I hope you crop it
up in another city or an online version keep the dream/brand alive.
if you could still hook me up with that late invoice I’d REALLY appreciate
it. the door will always be open to you down here for bro-downs and skate
festivals.
keep rippin
Metal, I just read the message online. Im very sorry that Minnow will be
closing its doors. You have been great support to me, and formation. I will
never forget you guys.
i feel SOOOOOO sad about this.
when i saw the subject i was really hoping the message wasn’t going to say what it did.
thank you for what you did provide over the past three years…and i know we will hear great things from you guys in the future.
see you at the farewell bash.
noooo! that makes me sooo sad… :( Boo!
wha????? what is the new direction? will there be a new store?
Philly is deffinetly the city that you love to hate.
It seems that the city is losing more and more of what it holds most valuable. That is the unique individuals that work hard to show you that there is more out there then just main stream BS.
Thank you Metal and Nugget for that.
I hope that the new year brings you guys good luck in whatever you try to create. You know that I will be there to support you guys.
Don’t Lose Your Love………AN1
You gotta love how nobody invited me to thi$ party. It’$ nice to know that when I’m not around, a public forum can be u$ed to di$$cu$$ private matter$.
FUCK PROFESSIONALISM! FUCK IT RIGHT IN ITS BORING FAT A$$!!!
for the record, some of the posts above were emails sent directly to me. i was flattered to see this forum started and read what people had to say, and figured it would be a great place to store everyone’s last comments…regardless of the ish ;)
so far, everyone has had nothing but tear-jerking things to say…all great and rewarding. thanks to everyone! we really appreciate the positive response and have been assured that what we’ve created over the past 3 years will be sorely missed.
we’re bummed we have to go. but, as the Nuge stated, we’re not done yet…….
keep hollering! and look forward to the going away party next month!!!!!
This post is rad. Thanks everyone. Our love for skateboarding, art and Philadelphia is only stronger then ever. There is no way to better understand people then trying to do something for them. We really tried hard to understand our customers and friends.
If you want to show some real support swing through and get the best christmas gifts at 1/2 price and help us kick off the new year with a clean slate.
“they sell these shirts at the $5 t-shirt store around the corner? Ya’ll got a dressing room? ( damn this place is corny but I bet I can steal mad shit) oh wait eveything half off? shit dog. I’m gonna buy some shit out this bitch!”
No, they didnt show up and buy stuff… are you for real?
i’m bummed… but i have an idea… i want to talk to you about some shit.
No, I’m really sorry to hear that. Whats the future direction?
Metal! What is going on? What are you doing? Keep me posted, inquiring minds want to know!
dude…i am bummed. That place wuz great. i wuz hopin it would stay longer cuz i didnt relyy chek it out till the last few months (although i didnt know that). i wuz down there every saturday fer stuff…nd it wuz great to be out at a skate shop litterally right next to the place we were goin. my only regret is that i didnt chek it out sooner. it had all the stuff im into…but now that its closing…im stuk in the blues. although the shop no longer in the place i loved it to be…im glad the company is still kickn. i send a line out to metal——-dude, great job…im just bummed yer goin, nd im sry i didnt get a lot of chances to get out earlier to the closing….but it aintover yet..nd im gunna try to gett out and chek the shop out before its gone ferever…………….peace out man
every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.
keep on keeping on homie.
Sorry to hear of Minnows closing. I was hoping to swing by again when I’m back in Philly come May. Too bad, I always liked what you were doing. Wish I could make it to the closing party as well. What will be your new mailing address so I can still send you random pieces of art, zines, etc. I’m working on another small book of linocuts and I’d like to send one your way when its all finished.
im pretty sad about that. probably my favorite shop ever. whats going on in the future though?
too soon!
Final countdown is on, this week I have talked to so many people who have been expressing their dismay about the shop closing. I think at this point it is time to stay positive and stay connected. Also go liquidate the rest of the stock that stuff is dirt cheap now.
Thanks again Minnow and all those involved.