Pure rumor: There is talk that Klingbeil may be bought by someone local and Don and his staff will continue to do the actual work. I was there today for my insoles, and Wil would neither confirm or deny. I did not want to put him on the spot, so I only said there were positive sounding rumors.
Hope they continue the customer service, especially for those of us who already own Klingbeils.
Quote from: Sk8Dreams on January 20, 2012, 06:23:22 PM
Pure rumor: There is talk that Klingbeil may be bought by someone local and Don and his staff will continue to do the actual work. I was there today for my insoles, and Wil would neither confirm or deny. I did not want to put him on the spot, so I only said there were positive sounding rumors.
Last Saturday, I was told that there was only one odd inquiry from someone in NC, who has no connection to figure skating (I was there to order a "spare" pare of boots)
Well, we (my coach, me, and two of the ladies from my rink) are heading up tomorrow. My coach ordered a new pair of boots and we are taking a road trip to pick them up. We have to leave by 5:30 AM (omg) in order to get there in time for her appointment. It should be interesting. We are bringing our skates, in case we get time to skate at one of the rinks in the city (not sure which....we have to research). If not nearby, maybe at the Hack as we pass by.
Quote from: Skate@Delaware on January 25, 2012, 08:50:52 AM
We are bringing our skates, in case we get time to skate at one of the rinks in the city (not sure which....we have to research). If not nearby, maybe at the Hack as we pass by.
Aviator (AviatorSports.com) is right off the Belt Parkway (Flatbush Ave South exit), and most likely on your way to and from Klingbeil.
Quote from: Sk8Dreams on January 25, 2012, 03:05:53 PM
Aviator (AviatorSports.com) is right off the Belt Parkway (Flatbush Ave South exit), and most likely on your way to and from Klingbeil.
Thanks!!!! I will tell the girls!
We were advised today the Klingbeil is not closing; it is moving and has a new backer. Has anyone else heard this?
I confirmed that the "staying open" rumor is true, but nothing's definite yet. New ownership is true. Location *might be* Manhattan. If this comes true, expect a major price jump, imo.
New showroom at 38th & 9th. Chair's going with, all staff, too.
Not sure about all the ... stuff - no decision yet. Don told me a great story about how it's all gonna be moved, but I'll wait and see if it happens. It'll be more fascinating later on.
geez. Glad that they're staying open, but, that's really hard on the skaters who ordered "an extra pair" or rushed a pair just because of the closing, and who are now stuck with an extra pair that they didn't plan on buying right away ...
Now, I'm not a NYC native, but isn't that pretty expensive real estate?
Quote from: Isk8NYC on January 28, 2012, 11:00:45 AM
38th & 9th. Chair's going with, all staff, too.
Thanks for the update. Do you know when this move will happen? Will Don stay on, too?
Quote from: Sk8tmum on January 27, 2012, 07:30:00 PM
We were advised today the Klingbeil is not closing; it is moving and has a new backer. Has anyone else heard this?
Yes. When we were there the other day, he (Don?) did say that he is negotiating with someone that wants to buy the whole biz...and relocate it to Manhattan. Everything inside the shop will go, including the people (assuming they want to commute). The buyer doesn't like the existing location and believes that might be one reason people don't go-it's off the metro stops and a bit shady. It also took us FOREVER to find a spot to park (another issue).
I've been wanting customs, and we are heading up in about 4-6 weeks when my friends boots are done. I will probably get myself fit then as I can't stand being in mine more than 2 hours at a time (they've been punched already and they still hurt). I told him that I wish they still made custom shoes...I could use a pair of custom heels as well!
Quote from: Skate@Delaware on January 28, 2012, 02:28:06 PM
Yes. When we were there the other day, he (Don?) did say that he is negotiating with someone that wants to buy the whole biz...and relocate it to Manhattan. Everything inside the shop will go, including the people (assuming they want to commute). The buyer doesn't like the existing location and believes that might be one reason people don't go-it's off the metro stops and a bit shady.
Interesting ... we took the subway out from Manhattan to get there, walked about a block ... and the neighbourhood didn't bother us at all :)
That area's changed drastically since Bill started the business. When I first went there, it was all Mom&Pop specialty stores. The butcher, the baker, etc. The upstairs apts were their homes. Since the City took the El down and built the mall, those stores gave way to bodegas and nail salons. The upstairs apts are rentals with absentee landlords. It's lost the neighborhood feel. Still, it's like many parts of NYC: go four blocks in the wrong direction..
since I got lost this morning, as usual, I ended up in a not-so-nice area, where there was a guy on the corner acting suspiciously like a drug dealer.
The prospective buyer already has a presence in Manhattan and it was described as being "fancy." I personally don't think athletes want or need "fancy" if it pushes prices too high.
Quote
The prospective buyer already has a presence in Manhattan and it was described as being "fancy." I personally don't think athletes want or need "fancy" if it pushes prices too high.
Okay, I guess I'm less weirded out by drug dealers and that ... downtown urbanite. Anyways. Out of curiosity: how much do you think having a "nice walk-in" will matter? Or is it more critical that they keep their price point down, get people out to the competitions, trade shows, etc to do fittings, get the skates into a front of rack position at the skating stores ... work on their product line ...
This is great news but I do have a concern if it is true. I wonder if the new owner will have the same quality materials as they currently.
As long as they're not closing, I'm happy.
Quote from: Sk8tmum on January 28, 2012, 09:01:40 PM
Out of curiosity: how much do you think having a "nice walk-in" will matter? Or is it more critical that they keep their price point down, get people out to the competitions, trade shows, etc to do fittings, get the skates into a front of rack position at the skating stores ... work on their product line ...
To me, the latter is more important than fancy showrooms for the business model, but I do think that there's a line between "eclectic/kitschy" and "rundown/hoarding." Just mho. The current shop's walking the line and lurching to one side here and there. Maybe it's intentional, for security purposes, for the place to look a little down in the heels. (pun intended) You do have to be buzzed in and everything's by appointment only. Again, that could be for security purposes as well as time management.
I think moving is a great idea because it will let them go through everything and set up the new shop to their current needs. Most of what is in the current shop is original, but there might be more-functional equipment/furnishings available today. I think many of the seats, benches, etc. were DIY projects - sturdy as a rock, but maybe a different setup with stock stuff might be a little easier for the staff and customers.
I took some photos and will share them later.
Perhaps it's the idea of heading into an unsafe/unknown area as women that is more the deterrent. I wasn't bugged out by it (having spent several years running around the same types of neighborhoods for home health). Yes, it was run-down. Even the shop appeared run-down. HOWEVER, I've been in extremely popular saddle shops that were the same in "ritzy" neighborhoods. So eh, whatever.
I do wish we had done more research as far as the metro/bus system. I didn't care about driving around in circles (due to the many one-way roads) just to find a parking spot. I prefer using public transportation. But my traveling companions, I don't believe, have ever taken the bus except for out of town excursions. I would have preferred to have taken the train into the city & done the bus/metro for the whole visit. Except for toting around our skates, it would have been easier.
This is developing into an interesting story-will he or won't he (close)?
I don't mind paying a little more if that is what happens. I really hope all this is true that they are staying open and everything. I LURV my Klings!!!
At least the new location (http://mapq.st/A0cpUd) (and here (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=east+38th+st+and+9th,+nyc,+ny&hl=en&ll=40.755905,-73.994476&spn=0.001087,0.00239&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.188995,78.310547&hnear=9th+Ave+%26+W+38th+St,+New+York,+10018&t=h&z=19)) is just off a major road. (Map locations may be slightly off.)
How hard and expensive is parking?
Any news yet on who the new master boot maker is, and what experience he has?
If I ordered now, I would ask who would make them.
Quote from: Query on January 30, 2012, 02:16:07 PM
At least the new location (http://mapq.st/A0cpUd) (and here (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=east+38th+st+and+9th,+nyc,+ny&hl=en&ll=40.755905,-73.994476&spn=0.001087,0.00239&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.188995,78.310547&hnear=9th+Ave+%26+W+38th+St,+New+York,+10018&t=h&z=19)) is just off a major road. (Map locations may be slightly off.)
How hard and expensive is parking?
Any news yet on who the new master boot maker is, and what experience he has?
If I ordered now, I would ask who would make them.
500 resturaunts and one place called 'Creative Ammo'. MY kind of neighborhood!
I did a little research and this is what I came up with:
Google map of "custom orthopedic shoes nyc" (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&sugexp=pfwl&tok=7_3r3SXfxYtwVrSfVFUv4w&cp=26&gs_id=d&xhr=t&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&ion=1&biw=1431&bih=930&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=custom+orthopedic+shoes+nyc&fb=1&gl=us&hq=custom+orthopedic+shoes&hnear=0x89c24fa5d33f083b:0xc80b8f06e177fe62,New+York,+NY)
TodeyShoes at 9 E 38th St (http://www.todeyshoes.com/html/index.htm/)
Ground Gripper Shoe Shop at 10 E 38th St (http://mouldedshoe.com/)
Both of those locations are close to 5th Ave, which means no parking and really, no driving unless you go right into a garage. There was nothing on the west side in the 30's. BestParking.com has coupons for parking in garages that I have often been able to get at $10 for 4 or 5 hours, but I hate driving in midtown.
Maybe the showroom is separate from the workspace? That would make sense in Manhattan, with rents so high on 5th
Great thought, let's keep our fingers crossed!
I think that's the Hell's Kitchen area, right? Not a bad neighborhood, but public transportation is limited - buses are the best option. I don't think there's a subway line that far west. The 1 goes up 6th or 7th, I think.
Quote from: Isk8NYC on January 31, 2012, 01:52:43 PM
I think that's the Hell's Kitchen area, right? Not a bad neighborhood, but public transportation is limited - buses are the best option. I don't think there's a subway line that far west. The 1 goes up 6th or 7th, I think.
The 1 goes up 7th. Closest stops are Times Square (42nd) and Penn Station (34th). I believe the A train goes up 8th and also stops at Penn Station and Times Square.
When I went to Klingbeil in December of 05, I took the E train from Penn Station. I think the stop near Klingbeil was the next-to-last stop on the line, but it didn't take that long to get there. The Long Island RR had a station across the street. I think it was a 2 block walk - 1 block and then turn a corner and walk to the end of that block. I didn't have any problem getting there, although I could see how driving/parking could be a challenge.
If the workplace was a long distance from where they saw the customers, I would have had to stay a second day when I went there, a major inconvenience. For that matter, I wish they were in a rink facility.
But custom skate boot making is very specialized field. "If you build it, they will come." - if "you" is the right person.
Gals and Guys, keep us all posted on how you like the new service.
I was at Klingbeil this morning to get my new orthotics (perfect, by the way.) Don said they will be at 38th and 7th. He also said the new owner is generous in regard to the business: employees, equipment, etc. I'm so glad things are working out. I think I'm going to get another pair and sell my Edeas. I've figured out what I need, and Don can do it.
Quote from: Sk8Dreams on February 03, 2012, 08:27:03 PM
I was at Klingbeil this morning to get my new orthotics (perfect, by the way.) Don said they will be at 38th and 7th. He also said the new owner is generous in regard to the business: employees, equipment, etc. I'm so glad things are working out. I think I'm going to get another pair and sell my Edeas. I've figured out what I need, and Don can do it.
which is great, but, if they couldn't survive economically before, then, what changes now except higher fixed costs?
Quote from: Sk8tmum on February 03, 2012, 08:57:13 PM
which is great, but, if they couldn't survive economically before, then, what changes now except higher fixed costs?
Perhaps the new owner has the means to put more money into marketing and promotion, which could result in more customers.
Sk8Dreams, did Don say when they are moving? It sounds like he'll be staying with the business?
Quote from: Sk8Dreams on February 03, 2012, 08:27:03 PM
I was at Klingbeil this morning to get my new orthotics (perfect, by the way.) Don said they will be at 38th and 7th. He also said the new owner is generous in regard to the business: employees, equipment, etc. I'm so glad things are working out. I think I'm going to get another pair and sell my Edeas. I've figured out what I need, and Don can do it.
As in not far from Times Square?
Quote from: roseyhebert on February 04, 2012, 07:17:39 PM
As in not far from Times Square?
Times Square is farther north, but walking distance. This is at the edge of the garment district, not far from the Bridal Building and Macy's. A bit north of Madison Square Garden.
Quote from: Debbie S on February 03, 2012, 11:55:17 PM
Sk8Dreams, did Don say when they are moving? It sounds like he'll be staying with the business?
He didn't say when, but he did say that he and his staff are staying with the business.
I just had a pair made and talked to Lorraine on the phone this morning. They are moving to Manhattan near 7th Avenue and 34th Street or something like that. All of them will still be working there. They are pretty much moving the entire shop (which would be quite the undertaking. I wonder how much of the shop is held together by dust.)
Saw this posted on Klingbeil's Facebook page:
Quote
Status Update
By Klingbeil skating boots
THE LEGEND LIVES ON.....Same Quality...New Address....
247 WEST 38TH ST, NY NY 10017...Stay tuned for more updates
Closing thread