Sneaker Boutique Prosper Closes After 10 Years — but The Whitaker Group Has Major Plans for Jersey City
After 10 years, New Jersey retailer Prosper is closing its doors.
The Jersey City store, which is located at 558 Newark Ave., will open its doors for the final time on Dec. 31. The store will be open from 11 a.m. ET to 5 p.m. ET.
Prosper is owned by The Whitaker Group, the parent company of retail banners including A Ma Maniére, Social Status and A.P.B., that was founded by retail mogul James Whitner.
While the store is closing, Whitner, although sparse on details, confirmed with FN that The Whitaker Group has plans to maintain a presence in the area.
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“Prosper has had an incredible run. We are closing it because we see an opportunity to build something in Jersey City that is connected to our future,” Whitner told FN.
In the days since Prosper announced on its social media platforms that it was shuttering, there has been an outpouring of support from its longtime consumers. “The support actually let us know we are doing the right thing. It simply means we need to do more — and we plan to,” said Whitner.
Prosper was the lone banner of The Whitaker Group to have just one storefront. A Ma Maniére, which also is 10 years old, has been the banner that The Whitaker Group has most recently expanded, specifically with the debut of A Ma Maniére Beach in May. A Ma Maniére Beach is a beachside resort located at Folly Beach, S.C.
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
