NY Fire Store

[RWC130 594]

This is a copy of the e-mail that I got.

Dear Firestore Friends and Customers,

Hello friends, it has been a while since we have sent out any information to you, and we would like to apologize for the lack of communication.

Things here at the Original Firestore have been a bit hectic, with 2 major issues to deal with.

I will try to keep this brief.

After fifteen wonderful years on Lafayette Street in the SoHo area of New York, rising rents, and limited foot traffic, have made it neccessary for us to relocate our store.

We are in the process of renovating a larger space in the heart of Greenwich Village. The new address will be 17 Greenwich Avenue, just West of 8th Street & 6th Avenue. We will be combining our Fire and Police stores in to one space, and bringing in a line of "workwear" in addition to our current selection of "on the Job" Tees, gifts, and souviners. Our phone numbers, and web site will remain the same.

If all goes as scheduled, we will be in the new space in March, exactly 15 years after we originally opened our doors.

~~~

The other issue is a bit more painful. On August 1st 2005, the City of New York decided, after our being in business for 15 years, to sue us over the use of "FDNY" and the NY Shoulder Patch image.

Following the tragic events of September 11th 2001, the City of New York began aggressively marketing, and enforcing the FDNY and NYPD Trademarks. As part of that enforcement, they have been shutting down all of the "unauthorized" manufacturers and vendors producing and selling these products. While most of these vendors were capitalizing on a tragedy, several of these companies had been producing products for years before 9/11.

Despite our long, well documented, history in the community and industry, the City has chosen to group us with the opportunists.

We have been trying to reach an agreement with different representatives of the City since 2002, but thus far it has not worked out. We are STILL hopeful that we can reach an amicable agreement that meets both our, and the City's needs.

In the meantime, we NEED your support. The City has shut down many of our long time suppliers, and has forced web sites to stop advertising our shop.

This has put our business in jeopardy.

If you appreciate the designs, products and service you have recieved from the Original Firestore since 1991, please come visit us on our web site, and if you are coming to New York City, please visit our Retail Shop.

We are currently located at 265 Lafayette Street, (bet. Prince & Spring). But we will be moving to our new location, 17 Greenwich Avenue, by the end of March.

If you know anyone you think may enjoy our products, please refer them to our web site, or suggest they visit our shop the next time they are in New York.

LET'S SHOW THEM SOME SUPPORT!!!

WWW.NYFIRESTORE.COM