Home / Arts and Entertainment / Bronx Fashion Gold Mine Closes Doors After 60 Years
Bronx Fashion Gold Mine Closes Doors After 60 Years
5 May
Summary
- The South Bronx store, known as 'Jewman,' was a vital hub for hip-hop's early fashion.
- Charles Goldman, the owner, cited rising rents and online competition as reasons for closure.
- The shop served as a source for iconic looks for rappers like Slick Rick and Fat Joe.
A legendary South Bronx streetwear institution, H&R Hosiery, known universally as 'Jewman,' has permanently closed after six decades in business. The shop, located on East 163rd Street, was a crucial fashion resource for hip-hop's pioneers, including rappers Fat Joe and Slick Rick. Owner Charles Goldman, who inherited the store from his parents, Harry and Renee, cited insurmountable rent costs and the rise of online shopping as the primary reasons for its demise.
Mr. Goldman, 69, lamented the loss of 'the hunt' for unique fashion finds, a hallmark of his store's appeal. He noted that many customers, from die-hard sneakerheads to early hip-hop artists like the Cold Crush Brothers and members of Slick Rick's Kangol Crew, relied on 'Jewman' for authentic style. The store, without advertisements or an online presence, operated on word-of-mouth and personal connections, becoming a hidden gem cherished by its loyal clientele.
The closure signifies the end of an era, marked by a final gathering of former employees and regulars. They shared memories and drinks, celebrating the store's legacy as a place that defined style for a generation. The name 'Jewman,' while potentially jarring, was described by Mr. Goldman and others as a throwback to a different time in the Bronx, devoid of racial animosity among its diverse customer base.
