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    New Shops Arrive on Parsons as Closures Hit the Short North

    Like virtually every other industry, the coronavirus pandemic has affected retail — and lately, this industry has had some bad news.

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    Small Talk in the Short North announced on Thursday, July 29 via social media that it would be closing its second location on East Lincoln Street on Saturday.

    Meanwhile, THREAD’s second location has also closed its doors. The shop in the Short North opened in 2018. While nothing has been announced publicly and its site still labels the location “temporarily closed,” the store has been cleared out and has a for lease sign in its window.

    However, there are some shops that have opened during the pandemic. Two shops on Parsons Avenue, edin birkin and A.J. Soseby, have debuted in the last few months.

    Bee of Yelo Aple has opened another lifestyle brand with edin birkin. Just next door to Yelo Aple, the new shop features soaps, sages, candles, decor and more.

    Bee says despite the pandemic there were no struggles or delays with opening. He shares excitement for his area of Parsons to be growing.

    “I think it’s great that this area of Parsons is filling out,” he said. “Everyone in the community and everyone that we’ve met so far has been very welcoming and happy we are here.”

    Across the street, spouses Adam Johnson and Johnathan Sosebee have set up shop. This isn’t their first, as the couple ran AESTHETIC in Clintonville and then the Short North from 2011 to 2015. The pair later decided to focus on Johnson’s work with interior designing services so they closed shop from there.

    A.J. Soseby on the left at 85 Parsons Ave., next to Royal Tresses and Upper Cup Coffee on the right.

    Years later, after purchasing a house in Olde Towne East, they considered the possibility of reopening a storefront. Then the shop space at 85 Parsons Ave. became available late last year.

    Johnson and Sosebee planned to open their new shop — A.J. Soseby — in early May, but May became June and June became early July. But aside from that, opening during the pandemic didn’t come with any significant challenges. Johnson says it’s only required the couple to “pivot” more in order to adapt to the changes the pandemic brought on.

    Johnson points out that aside from edin birkin and Yelo Aple, candle store The Candle Booth and clothing boutique Hosful Collective are also opening on Parsons.

    “We are thrilled that our little piece of Parsons has filled out so quickly,” said Johnson. “Never before, have we seen, so much progress so quickly. It’s absolutely wonderful. Only good things to come!”

    A.J. Soseby is located at 85 Parsons Ave. For more information, visit www.ajsoseby.com.

    edin birkin is located at 78 Parsons Ave. For more information, visit www.edinbirkin.com.

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    Taijuan Moorman
    Taijuan Moormanhttps://columbusunderground.com
    Taijuan Moorman is a former reporter and social media specialist for Columbus Underground and The Metropreneur who covered civics, arts, entertainment, lifestyle, and business news and features.
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