Klingbeil NOT Closing *Updated 1/30/2012*

[Sk8Dreams]

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.

[FigureSpins]

Hope they continue the customer service, especially for those of us who already own Klingbeils.

[CrossStroke]

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)

[Skate@Delaware]

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.

[Sk8Dreams]

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.

[Skate@Delaware]

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!

[Sk8tmum]

We were advised today the Klingbeil is not closing; it is moving and has a new backer. Has anyone else heard this?

[Isk8NYC]

 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.

[Isk8NYC]

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.

[Sk8tmum]

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? 

[Debbie S]

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?

[Skate@Delaware]

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!

[Sk8tmum]

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  

[Isk8NYC]

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.

[Sk8tmum]

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 ...

[rosereedy]

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.

[blue111moon]

As long as they're not closing, I'm happy.

[Isk8NYC]

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.

[Skate@Delaware]

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)?

[rosereedy]

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!!! 

[Query]

At least the new location (and here) 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.

[AgnesNitt]

At least the new location (and here) 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!

[Sk8Dreams]

I did a little research and this is what I came up with:

Google map of "custom orthopedic shoes nyc"

TodeyShoes at 9 E 38th St

Ground Gripper Shoe Shop at 10 E 38th St

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. 

[Isk8NYC]

Maybe the showroom is separate from the workspace?  That would make sense in Manhattan, with rents so high on 5th

[Sk8Dreams]

Great thought, let's keep our fingers crossed!