Bandier

New Yorkers, RUN RUN RUN as fast as you can to Bandier! SPRINT, HOP, SKIP, BOOK IT! Bandier is a high-end fitness store located in the Flatiron neighborhood (915 Broadway at 21st Street) of NYC. Currently a pop-up store until May 2015, they will soon move to a permanent location.  Also, e-commerce is launching in March!

 

Bandier

Bandier

Remember my post on workout gear for the New Year, well *ALL* of the pieces were purchased from Bandier. I went and couldn’t contain myself with excitement as I wanted everything the store carries (dead serious)! Bandier is the first luxury multi-brand, fashion focused fitness boutique with both small, independent companies and large well-known brands. All of them are well chosen, assembled and put together. YOU MUST VISIT NOW.

 

Bandier

 

I had the opportunity to interview founder Jennifer Bandier. Enjoy!

 

How did you come up with the concept?

 

After I broke my foot in 2011, the only clothing I could comfortably fit into was my workout gear. After my recovery, I would spend my days off taking long walks from my apartment uptown all the way down to Wall Street. I would look around for boutiques that sold luxury fitness wear, but all I could find were mass market retailers or online boutiques. I realized there wasn’t a one-stop shop for luxury fitness – and that’s where BANDIER comes in.

 

Inside the store -- so many racks with a curated assortment of perfect fitness attire.

Inside the store — so many racks with a curated assortment of perfect fitness attire.

Various lines

Various lines

Classic colors and fits.

Classic colors and fits.

High ceilings.

High ceilings.

 

Who is your target customer?

 

Whether she’s dropping the kids off at school or running to an SLT class, our target customer has a personal style that follows her to and from the gym. She enjoys fitness, fashion, and music – and most often approaches dressing for the gym as she would any other social event. It’s important for her to express her personal style, no matter the activity.

 

Hawt mama

Hawt mama

 

How do you find your unique / diverse / interesting selection of brands? (I love them all and have not heard of any of them!)

 

I’ve spent hours scouring the web for luxury fitness brands! It’s important the brands we bring to BANDIER are representative of our store, and have a quality we’re proud to sell. We also shop for different brands at trade shows including Coterie, Intermezzo, etc.

 

Fun and hip

Fun and hip

 

What is your ultimate goal with Bandier?

 

As you mentioned, you have not heard of all the brands we carry – but love them! It’s our goal to share these brands, and more, with fitness lovers everywhere and be a one-stop shop for all luxury fashion needs.

 

Fashion fitness music

Fashion fitness music

 

What are people buying?  Any interesting insights?

 

Just like their every day clothes, women are looking for exceptional quality in their workout wear, which is what we pride ourselves on with the brands we offer at BANDIER. We’ve seen our customers gravitate towards those unique, one-of-a-kind brands with amazing quality and fabric benefits including brands like Lucas Hugh, VIMMIA, and Michi.

 

Empire State of Mind

Empire State of Mind

Can't go there and leave empty handed -- so beware!

Can’t go there and leave empty handed — so beware!

 

Thanks so much, Jennifer and the whole Bandier team! Bandier is the best find of 2015 (and will be more so when they add the best selling Natori Yogi bra!) I can’t wait to see the permanent store and upcoming website. Now ladies, GO!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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Josie Girl

6 Comments

  1. Walked by this last week but didn’t have time to go in. Great review and very excited to check it out.

  2. I’m joining the gym next week and I’m due for new workout gear, so this was perfecto!

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