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The End Of An Era: 5 Shocking Facts About M&J Trimming's NYC Retail Closure And Its New Chapter

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The news reverberating across the fashion and DIY communities in December 2025 is the definitive closure of M&J Trimming's iconic New York City retail store. After nearly 90 years as the undisputed mecca for every type of ribbon, button, and embellishment imaginable, the physical location that served countless designers, students, and crafters is officially shutting its doors, marking a profound loss for the historic Garment District and Midtown West. This is not just the end of a store; it is the final chapter for a creative institution that defined the look of American fashion for generations.

The transition, however, is not a complete farewell. While the beloved showroom on Sixth Avenue is transitioning out of its retail role, the company is embarking on a "new chapter," shifting its focus to its robust wholesale accessories division. This pivot aims to continue the legacy of providing high-quality trimmings to the industry, albeit in a dramatically different format, leaving many to reflect on the store's irreplaceable role in the heart of New York's creative scene.

The Legacy of M&J Trimming: A Garment District Institution

The story of M&J Trimming is inextricably linked to the history of the New York City Garment District. Founded in 1936 by the Cohen brothers, Michael and Joel, the store quickly became more than just a notions supplier; it evolved into a creative hub and an essential resource for the apparel industry. From its humble beginnings, the business grew into a sprawling, 5,000-square-foot showroom that felt like a treasure trove of textile artistry.

For decades, M&J Trimming catered to the demanding and fast-paced world of high fashion, offering an unparalleled selection of imported trimmings. Designers and costumers knew that if a specific ribbon, a rare button, or a unique piece of lace existed, M&J was the most likely place to find it. This reputation built an enduring legacy that far outlasted many of its competitors in the area.

  • Founders: Michael and Joel Cohen
  • Established: 1936
  • Historical Location: 1008 Sixth Avenue, between 37th and 38th Streets, New York, NY (Midtown West)
  • Original Showroom Size: Over 5,000 square feet
  • Primary Clientele: Fashion designers, Broadway costumers, DIY crafters, and home décor professionals.

5 Shocking Realities of the M&J Trimming Retail Closure

The decision to close the retail component has sent shockwaves through the industry, highlighting the changing landscape of both the Garment District and consumer shopping habits. The transition is a complex one, driven by economic realities and a strategic shift toward a more focused business model.

1. The End of an 89-Year Retail Era

The most immediate and painful reality is the loss of the physical retail space. Since 1936, the store has been a mandatory pilgrimage for anyone seeking to add a unique flourish to a garment, costume, or craft project. The sheer volume and variety—walls lined with every shade of ribbon, bins overflowing with buttons, and displays sparkling with rhinestones—were legendary. The retail closure marks the definitive end of this experience, one that cannot be replicated by an online catalog. It is a significant blow to the physical fabric of New York’s creative ecosystem.

2. The Pivot to a Wholesale-Only "New Chapter"

While the retail store is closing, M&J Trimming is not disappearing entirely. The company has announced it is entering a "new chapter" by focusing its efforts on its successful wholesale accessories division. This strategic pivot means the business will continue to supply the fashion industry, major retailers, and other businesses with its high-quality products, including a focus on sustainable sourcing. This move suggests a shift from high-volume, public foot traffic to B2B (Business-to-Business) partnerships, prioritizing efficiency and industry supply chain needs over the public consumer experience.

3. The Loss of the "Candy Store" Experience for Designers

For decades, M&J Trimming was affectionately known as a "candy store" for designers. Celebrities and industry titans frequently cited the store as an essential stop. Sarah Jessica Parker, Simon Doonan, and designer Rachel Antonoff are among the notable names who have expressed their love for the emporium. Antonoff once highlighted the store's importance, saying the materials were "essential for my designs." The closure means the loss of this tactile, inspirational experience—the ability to physically touch, compare, and mix thousands of trimmings—a process critical to the creative workflow of the apparel industry.

4. The Final "Going Out of Business" Sale

In the weeks leading up to the final closure, the M&J Trimming retail location has been hosting a massive "going out of business sale." This event has drawn crowds of loyal customers, students, and professional crafters eager to purchase their last remnants of the store's famous inventory. The sale encompasses everything from Swiss velvet ribbon and ornate metal buttons to vast quantities of lace, fringe, patches, and specialized notions. This closing sale serves as both a final opportunity for shoppers and a poignant farewell ceremony for a beloved institution.

5. A Symbol of the Garment District's Shrinking Footprint

M&J Trimming’s closure is more than just an isolated business decision; it is a powerful symbol of the ongoing transformation and shrinking footprint of the NYC Garment District. The district, historically centered around Seventh Avenue, has seen a steady exodus of textile and notions suppliers due to rising rents and the global shift in manufacturing. M&J was one of the last remaining, large-scale, public-facing notions stores in the area. Its departure further solidifies the district’s transition from a bustling manufacturing hub to a more corporate and specialized design center, making it increasingly challenging for emerging designers and students to source materials locally.

The Vast Universe of Trimmings: What M&J Offered

To understand the depth of M&J Trimming's influence, one must appreciate the sheer breadth of its inventory. The store was a global curator of decorative materials, offering items that were often impossible to find anywhere else in North America. This incredible selection is what established its topical authority in the world of fashion and crafts.

The inventory was meticulously organized, covering every category of apparel and home décor embellishment. The store’s offerings included:

  • Ribbons: A staggering collection of materials, including double-faced satin, grosgrain, Swiss velvet, metallic lamé, and specialized millinery ribbons.
  • Buttons: Thousands of unique designs, from vintage-style metal dome buttons and ornate enamel pieces to modern plastic and natural wood toggles.
  • Lace and Appliqués: Fine French lace, Guipure lace, retro-style cotton lace, and a massive selection of iron-on and sew-on patches and appliqués, including those made with Swarovski crystals.
  • Rhinestones and Jewels: An entire section dedicated to loose rhinestones, hotfix crystals, and pre-set jewel trims for costume and eveningwear.
  • Fringe and Tassels: Everything from dancewear fringe and bullion fringe for home furnishings to small, decorative tassels for accessories and jewelry.
  • Notions: Essential sewing supplies, including elastic, piping, cording, specialized threads, and fasteners, catering to both the professional apparel industry and the home sewer.

What the Future Holds for M&J Trimming and the Industry

The "new chapter" for M&J Trimming signifies a calculated evolution in a changing market. By consolidating its business model to focus on wholesale, the company is prioritizing large-scale supply chain efficiency and high-volume orders. This is a common trend for long-standing businesses in the Garment District, which must adapt to the economic pressures of operating in Manhattan.

While this move ensures the brand's survival in a new form, the retail closure leaves a massive void for the independent designer, the fashion student, and the everyday crafter. The loss of a central, physical marketplace for notions means these individuals must now rely on smaller, more specialized shops or shift entirely to online ordering, losing the crucial element of tactile discovery and immediate access to materials that M&J Trimming provided for nearly a century. The closure is a stark reminder of the changing face of retail and the ongoing challenge to preserve the physical, inspirational hubs that fuel the creative industries in New York City. The legacy of Michael and Joel Cohen's vision will now continue behind the scenes, shaping the industry one wholesale order at a time.

m&j trimming new york ny
m&j trimming new york ny

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