Bed-Stuy Fly by S.KING

Now this is what a streetwear store in Bed-Stuy should look like. Bed-Stuy Fly (287 Ralph Avenue, between Sumpter & Fulton Streets) was first located on Malcolm X Boulevard, between Jefferson and Putnam Avenues - right next door to the now closed twofiftyeight Cafe. Store owner S. King decided to move the retail business into one of his rental properties at 287 Ralph Avenue. Once upon a time, it used to be a barber and beauty shop. Barbering is his niche, but admits that he has more of a passion for the clothing industry.

Surprisingly, moving east over to Ralph Avenue proved to be more profitable. He says he’s getting more foot traffic and hopes to gain more traction as the summer approaches. Good community support helps since he’s already established a name from being at the location. Some of the brands they sell attracts people who dont know about Bed-Stuy Fly. He says the brands they sell have status, so people come in looking for it. You’ll find labels like Crooks & Castles, Rocksmith (S. King says JayZ wears it often) and his own label – S. King Clothing. ”I think what makes us stand out is our set up and the kind of brands that we try to bring in. It’s more a brand that you have to go outside of the hood to get. You have to go to SoHo or Downtown Brooklyn somewhere.”

There are few businesses east of Malcolm X that have a welcoming feel and have a sense of interior design. He feels at the current location, the layout and the set up of the store works, giving it a more homey feel. ”When I decided to redesign this, I wanted it to look like my apartment,” S. King explained. ”I noticed that people would come in and they would not be afraid to touch things. This is more like their home…they sit down, they’re not afraid to do whatever. The access is different. Its more comfortable for all of us.” It’s very easy and chill. The space has raw wood floors throughout. He says if it was comfortable for him at home, it will be comfortable for the customers.

If you have a chance to visit Bed-Stuy Fly, tell S. King and his team that you read about them at the Bed-Stuy Blog! Getting there is simple. Take the B25 (Fulton Street), B47 (Ralph Avenue) or C train Ralph Avenue stop to Ralph and Fulton.

Bed-Stuy Fly
287 Ralph Avenue (between Sumpter & Fulton Streets)
Brooklyn, New York 11233
Hours: Mondays-Saturdays 12-7PM, Sundays 12-4PM