A Little Dancing, a Little Shopping
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
Vintage Western rock ‘n’ roll is the theme of Rodeo Wares, the compact boutique that plays off the theme of it’s counterpart next door, Rodeo Bar, a rockabilly bar and eatery that has been a fixture of Murray Hill for 20 years.
The offerings are enough to outfit men and women from head to toe in country gear: cowboy boots; denim from Wrangler 47, Habitual, and Antik; hats; Westernbooks, and jewelry by Chan Luu and Shlomit. “They’re hit with so many different concepts that they’re more entertained the further back they go,” the store’s fashion merchandiser, Lance Roussarie, said.
Rodeo Wares boasts several factors that are rare in New York: It is open late (until 12 a.m. on weekends), and if you bring in your meal receipt, you’ll get 10% off your purchase. There is also a flatscreen TV on the wall with live video and audio feed from the bar next door — so shoppers don’t have to miss watching the bands play as they shop.
Although Rodeo Wares carries clothes that are a little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll — simple cotton dresses by Clu (all $120), rocker tanks by Michael Stars, and button-up Western shirts (some containing fringe and embroidery) by Rockmount Ranch Wear — the store’s mostly Western flair is apparent. But several items can go either way, red suede boots by Justin Vintage ($156) appeal to those of both a rock and Western bent.
Convenience is also a factor in Rodeo’s success. “The other night we had someone come in, and they bought a jacket and went back to the bar,” a buyer for Rodeo, Kelly Hyde, said.
The store opened after the owner of Rodeo Bar, Mitch Pollak, decided he wanted to expand his business and, similar to the famed music venue CBGB (which had a gallery next door), opened a place where bar patrons could relate to his establishment in a different way.
As for whether alcohol influences buyers’ purchases, Mr. Roussaire says shoppers don’t have a few drinks and just start purchasing things they wouldn’t normally purchase, but “they definitely like to talk a lot more!”
Rodeo Wares (Monday–Thursday, noon–9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, noon–midnight, Sunday, noon–9 p.m., 379 Third Ave. at 27th Street, 212-683-3400);
Rodeo Bar (open seven days a week, 11 a.m.–2 a.m., 375 Third Ave . at 27th Street , 212-683-6500).
