Since 2015, the Bronx Native clothing brand had been much more than just some nice threads to wear with a BX insignia.
It has been an icon of culture, community support, and a creative outlet for those that have passed by the store at 127 Lincoln Ave. in Mott Haven.
Whether it’s hosting an open mic night or letting customers “tag” the store’s walls, the experience there is one that is uncommon to that of other New York based brands.
“Everything started with a conversation,”said Bronx Native’s owner Amaurys Grullon, noting that Bronx labeled clothing was hard to come by before opening his store.
“We started something beautiful that has an immense amount of social impact,” he added.
Some past highlights of that social impact was when Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez chose the store as one of her first campaign while #MeToo movement founder Tarana Burke has also been expressly supportive to Bronx Native.
Though, like many other small businesses in the city and around the nation, Bronx Native has been hit with a financial hardship amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We want to keep our shop alive,” Grullon said.
Just some days ago, Grullon launched an online fundraiser to request the public’s help to keep his community driven business afloat — and help he received.
Within 48 hours, Bronx Native raised over $5.5 thousand dollars and made over $10,000 in online sales as those number continues to grow hourly.
“That’s one of the beauties of the Bronx and New York City,” Grullon said about the overwhelming response and support to keep his cultural hub in business.
Even Tarana Burke donated $500 to the online fund for the store.
So, if you want to support the campaign to save Bronx Native and check out some of its merchandise, now is certainly the time to do so.
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