Makeovers: The Burg's New and Improved 5in1 Co-op

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Williamsburg boutique 5in1 just relaunched with a new, recession-friendly business approach that makes it sound like a Park Slope food co-op for people who care more about good design than ethically-sourced kale. The rules: The store is only open Friday through Sunday. Each of the eight designers who share the space must work one weekend every 6-8 weeks, but they get to decide what "work" entails—they can hold a trunk show or sample sale, for example, or use the space for meetings with clients. In the meantime, other designers (currently Bliss Lau and scarfmakers A Peace Treaty) will operate out of the shop on consignment.

In its previous life, 5in1 was much more of a traditional boutique with hired shop clerks, although it had several design studios—including one for since-blown-up jewelry brand Made Her Think—in the back. But despite a great location on the North 6th shopping corridor between Wythe and Kent, the store still felt the recession's pinch, and it shut down last November. This new plan, which lets customers chat with the designers while they're trying on their wares, sounds more sustainable, not to mention more fun.
· Studio 5in1 [Official Site]