On Thanksgiving weekend in 2016, Hover Craft co-founder and One Trick Pony mastermind Ashley Smith brought her ever-growing collection of amazing vintage clothing finds to 2652 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. and opened Alive And Fine. Exactly nine years after officially opening her retail shop in the heart of Bay View, Smith announced her store will be closing.
Yesterday, she took to Instagram to let people know Alive And Fine will be shutting its doors once and for all “at the end of January.” Here’s her statement:
“After nine years here at 2652 S. Kinnickinnic, I’ll be closing down Alive and Fine (the store) at the end of January. Thank you to all of you who’ve made it such a special place to me and for all of the memories. I have loved being a part of this incredible neighborhood and community. I have so many things to say and I’m sure I will be waxing poetic in no time but I’m just not quite ready. I’ll just rip that bandaid off and keep this simple.”
Beyond having a one-of-a-kind collection of curated vintage clothing, housewares, knickknacks, and other oddities, Alive And Fine was also known to go all out for Bay View Gallery Night to transform its interior to pay homage to the likes of Pee-wee Herman, Ozzy Osbourne, Twin Peaks, JAWS, the films of John Carpenter, and more.
Though Alive And Fine’s physical location will be closing in the next two months, Smith says “Alive And Fine will live on in many ways,” which hints at an online retail presence. In the meantime, stop into the store while you still can. Smith also encourages shoppers to attend Hover Craft at Pritzlaff Building on December 7 and One Trick Pony at The Cooperage on December 14.
