This is, in part, the story of two Leos who opened a shoe store together.
Kristie and I opened Leo in early 2021 and knew by late 2022 that we didn’t have the resources to keep it in its own space. Creating new retail anytime is challenging, post pandemic is kinda coo-coo. The lower level of Spoils was available so it’s been there just existing with minimal oversight since then. Other than outfitting and displays, it hasn’t contributed much to Spoils. It’s never paid rent or utilities. Partly because I never intended to rely on revenue from any lower level tenant and partly because Leo has never had the sales to justify it. Leo has been a fun project for Kristie and I to own together and a public service of sorts. A weirdly charming, grandmas-basement-esque, self-service, no pressure shopping experience. That’s great ‘n all, but it’s time to push Leo’s proof of concept again.
We’re trying it out in the back 1/2 of Teeny Bee. It’s weird. Honestly, I think it’s aesthetically weird and unideal in that way. But we embrace weird around here. I have had a couple weeks to get used to the idea and mourn the atmosphere Kristie and I worked so hard to create at 1554 Selby and then recreated in the basement at 1566. We can do it again. We’re crossing our fingers that Leo can pick up some slack and really show us she can be a real worthwhile business. The lower level of Spoils will become a bargain basement for now, so you can still enjoy some of that gold mirror charm. We’re going to let this change simmer for a while and then who knows what’s next? Leo gets its own storefront again? Spoils’ basement becomes ‘Mens’? We magically buy a commercial building and move them all? Lol. No, seriously though. We have ideas, just not an abundance of free space or funds.
Here is my ask now that Leo is shoppable on the main level: if and when you have need for shoes, socks, sunglasses, bags, umbrellas, gifts, etc please come shop our store. If stairs were ever an obstacle, we’re here for you now. If finding your size in a stack of boxes is too tedious or intimidating or annoying, we’re here for you now. And if you can’t wrap your brain around the difference between modern styles to embrace and trends to avoid, we can help you there too. Our fabulous collection of vintage mirrors are staying downstairs for now, but in every other way I think we will be able to serve you better with our fabulous selection of shoes on the main floor at 1560 Selby.