Fond Object Will Close in February [Updated]

*Update, Feb. 15: Fond Object staffers confirm in an interview with contributor Charlie Zaillian that Sunday, Feb. 17, is the last day of business at this location.

Original post:

Sad but not unexpected news comes from East Nashville today. Fond Object — the shop that's sold records, vintage goods and more and hosted a vibrant array of live music at 1313 McGavock Pike since 2013 — will close in February.

In November, a proposal by property developers ZMX Inc. was withdrawn following continued opposition from area residents at public hearings. The original plan required a specific plan rezoning proposal to be approved by Metro, and it included provisions for remodeling the building that houses Fond Object (though a new tenant would occupy the space). The plan’s withdrawal increased the likelihood that the company would move ahead with a different plan, and it's now expected that the existing structures will be razed, as permitted under the current zoning of the properties.

At the time, Fond Object co-founder Jem Cohen told the Scene that he'd been informed by his landlord that the store's lease would not be renewed. Later, negotiations extended the deadline so that Fond could remain in its space through February, giving Cohen time to find a new location.

According to a post on Fond Object's social media late last night, this has not happened. Cohen doesn't give a specific date for the store's final day in business, but says it will likely be Feb. 15. "It’s been an amazing run in Riverside Village, and I feel blessed to have been a part of such a wonderful community for 6+ years," he writes. "At the end of the day, Im extremely proud of what Fond Object was able to accomplish with no financial backing and no business experience, just dreams and cool ideas plus a neighborhood and city that was willing to support those dreams and cool ideas. it’s truly incredible what you can do when you believe you can do it."

He also indicates there's a small possibility that the store will be able to reopen elsewhere. But for now, the term he uses is the one that's become common for bands to use when they aren't sure what the future holds: "indefinite hiatus." The Instagram post and the full text are below.

Hello Everyone!

My apologies for this long overdue announcement, but here it is. Fond Object will be indefinitely shutting its doors in February of 2019. We don’t have an exact date yet, but probably by Feb 15th. Our landlord informed us in November of 2018 that we need to be out by the end of February so that’s what we have to do. We have no other option since we’ve been on a month to month lease for about 3 years now. I have worked tirelessly to try and find Fond Object another home, specifically in East Nashville, and that is still a small possibility, but by the end of February Fond Object will be on indefinite hiatus. My wonderful employees Steve and Kiley have done an amazing job of keeping the dream and store alive through some very emotionally difficult times for me and I am eternally grateful for their commitment to me, the store, and the community. It’s been an amazing run in Riverside Village, and I feel blessed to have been a part of such a wonderful community for 6+ years. At the end of the day, Im extremely proud of what Fond Object was able to accomplish with no financial backing and no business experience, just dreams and cool ideas plus a neighborhood and city that was willing to support those dreams and cool ideas. it’s truly incredible what you can do when you believe you can do it. 

On a side note, Don’t let the development of the city get you down, and don’t blame the developers for Fond Object closing, just keep on moving and fighting and starting rad shit. There’s always cheap rent somewhere and people will follow where good vibes and ideas go. Development, gentrification, and change is a part of living in a growing city, so everyone needs to accept that and work for positive growth. Don’t just sit at home complaining on Facebook, get up and do something positive and creative for your community and neighborhood. Start a local business, support local businesses, attend community meetings, and get involved with local politics. You can make positive change happen, I’ve seen it first hand, and it’s truly incredible what a community can do when it comes together to effect change.

So without further adieu…Be Seeing You. #fondobject