Clicks to Bricks: Online Athletic Apparel Line Opens Debut Store
December 16, 2016
NEW YORK – SMA Equities has arranged a knockout lease for Roots of Fight’s first brick-and-mortar location at 130 Allen Street. Known for its celebration of boxing and martial arts achievements through apparel, the popular online brand will take an 800-square-foot space between Delancey and Rivington Streets. Moreover, it will be directly around the block from the East Coast MMA Fight Shop at 131 Orchard Street, sharing a contiguous wall.
“Given its partnership with MMA Fighting, it was a great move to open Roots of Fights’ first brick-and-mortar store close enough to benefit from a mutual consumer-base,” says Samy Mahfar, a principal of SMA Equities. “This location creates a new destination for New York’s mixed martial arts and fight sports community.”
Roots of Fight is moving into the former SMA Equites Lower East Side office, which relocated within two days of the lease signing to ensure the prestigious sports retailer could open in time of the holiday season. To accomplish this, SMA Equities provided the original space in tact that enabled a quick brand installation.
Roots of Fight apparel is best recognized for such fashion sports items as Bruce Lee Snapback hats, Bruce Lee Stadium Jackets, Cassius Clay Lightweight Stadium Jackets, and Muhammad Ali GOAT Cardigans. In addition, it sells an entire line of “Iron” Mike Tyson clothing, including hats, tee shirts, stadium jackets, and hoodies. There is also a dedicated Roots of Fight women’s activewear line.
Omer Zwickel, Director of Asset Management & Construction for SMA Equities, “The principals of Roots of Fight were not used to negotiating a New York lease, but eventually we were able to meet our mutual criteria to everyone’s satisfaction. Most importantly, this amazing store is opening in time for its loyal customers to enjoy a great holiday season!”
In addition to East Coast MMA, nearby retail, restaurants and businesses include the Baby Brasa Restaurant, 10 Below Ice Cream, Starbucks, Moscot Eyewear, and others.