The Store Behind the Store: Boston’s Best Bodega
-John B.
In between the thousands of alleys and side streets, Boston hides many treasures. Stores and boutiques scatter the map leaving a trail from one hidden gem to the next.
Locally-owned Bodega is definitely one of these finds and has blown up into one of Boston’s most popular urban boutiques, literally. Boston Magazine rated it the Best of Boston for Sneakers for the last two years.
But how has is handled the recession?
“Of course we are affected by the recession,” says owner Dan, “I would be lying if not.”
The store, at 6 Clearwater St., opened several years ago and gained popularity from the migrating college scene. Now people from all ages come to Bodega which helps them out during these demanding times.
They have lost employees and some have even taken pay cuts but that does not affect their style or limit their creativity.
“The style of the store was suspect until people actually see it,” says Dan
The “speakeasy style” architecture uses the convenience store as a front, the infamous glowing archway of Snapple hiding Bodega’s other true side.
The machine leads you to a utopia lined with rows of sneakers and jackets, t-shirts, and all the matching accessories. The walls are decorated with modern works from local artists and designers. Their urban-prep clothing line is not only stylish but has something for everyone in every price range.
From the newly released Bodega/Adidas Boston Supers to the faded box of drier sheets in the window, everything is up for grabs.
The store’s individual style and its explosion in popularity attracts major companies like Adidas and Nike giving these guys a creative edge like no other shoe store in the city. They are constantly coming out with new, hot shoes and jackets made specifically for Bodega.
Going to Bodega is not just shopping, it is an experience.
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