Lululemon: not about to kiss the communitys ass.

When Lululemon opened on 75th Street and Broadway last month it seemed like a match made in heaven: a place for wealthy Upper West Siders to buy overpriced yoga apparel. After all, if wearing beautifully-crafted clothing while reaching spiritual enlightenment isnt living the upscale Bohemia dream, what is?

But the clothing store has, in just a short time, broken the unbreachable etiquette of the neighborhood by refusing to contribute to the West 75th Street Block Association party, reports DNAinfo.

The store cited its corporate policy against contributing to community groups when block association president DeAnna Rieber asked for a donation of a raffle item or demonstrations. Then things got ugly.

And you thought these kind of things only happened in Brooklyn!

Theyre all smiley on the surface but not when it comes down to participating in the community theyre part of, Ms. Rieber told DNAinfo. It seems very self-indulgent. I think they take care of their own, but that care doesnt go beyond their own self-interest.

Ms. Rieber was apparently unmoved by the stores suggestion that she send residents to the free 9 a.m. class the store holds every Saturday, plus a promise of in-store refreshments throughout the day. Because, you see, the party begins at 1o a.m. and the point is street interaction.

Carolyn Manning, a spokeswoman for Lululemon, toldDNAinfo that the store does not generally offer free products becausewe feel it undervalues both the product and what our guest generally expects.

While its unclear if the well-heeled residents of the Upper West Side will return the snuband forgo flattering, status-symbol spandexLululemon might be well advised to bring a freshly baked pie or a pot of geraniums to Ms. Riebers door.

kvelsey@observer.com

See original here:

Battle of the BoBos: UWS Block Association Enraged By Lululemon’s Stinginess