Columbia Citizens

…that's the rumor. Employee at Bookworm confirmed today.

Interesting, to say the least. Not sure how I feel about it. High-end women's clothes in CC? Kinda weird. Maybe it will turn into a destination of sorts?

What next? A Pottery Barn?

Correction! Not an Eileen Fisher Outlet…rather, it seems like it's an Green Eileen Store, which is an Eileen Fisher nonprofit which buys back and resells gently worn/used Eileen Fisher items to support their nonprofit work.

I like that a lot better. Seems like a much better fit for the neighborhood. Here are the details from www.greeneileen.org

"WHAT WE DO

GREEN EILEEN is a recycled clothing initiative committed to reducing environmental impact and generating income to support programs that improve the lives of women and girls.

HOW WE DO IT

By selling gently worn Eileen Fisher clothing, we extend the life of timeless garments and are able to support the non-profit programs in which we so strongly believe."

Thank you for beginning a discussion about Green Eileen. Yes, as Hudson explained Green Eileen is a recycled clothing initiative ( a non-proft arm of Eileen Fisher Inc). We buy back gently worn Eileen Fisher clothing, professionally clean them and resell them at an affordable price. We do this 1) to lengthen the lifecycle of our clothes and 2) to raise money to support programs for women and girls leadership.

We are really excited about becoming involved in Columbia City. We believe that a proximity to cultural, linguistic and socio-economic diversity will help us learn about the specific challenges for women and girls in Seattle, and will instruct us how to become involved in positive, authentic change; and we believe that everyone should have access to high quality, affordable clothing—and South Seattle is a great market to offer that.

As the project comes closer to fruition, we will look forward to more open conversation about how Green Eileen can support this neighborhood, and the greater Seattle area. Until then, you can learn more about us on greeneileen.org.

Thanks,

Kerri Ulloa & the Green Eileen Team

As a small business retail owner in the neighborhood (I own Andaluz) I think Green Eileen will be a wonderful addition to the business district. Not only does it serve a good cause, but it will also attract more people to the neighborhood, who will most likely spend money in the other small retail stores and restaurants. Most people come to Columbia City to eat — not to shop, and I believe Green Eileen is exactly the retail anchor we need. Because it will attract so many people from other neighborhoods— including tourists jumping on the light rail to check it out, it will likely help keep another small retailer, like Bookworm Exchange, from having to shut their doors. And remember — they are for a good cause which fits in nicely with our community! I say welcome!!!

Wow, this is great news. I actually know several professional women who consider the Green Eileen stores in New York a "must visit" destination when they're in the area for business. Welcome to the neighborhood!

I saw on Green Eileen's twitter account that they plan to open on April 1. It'll be nice to have the space used again so quickly.
http://www.twitter.com/GreenEileenShop