The Hive Offers “Experience the New” Clothing
By Robin Vinci | Editor at June 28, 2024 | 4:00 pm | Print
If you are looking for clothes featuring the City, you need to make a stop at The Hive at 42 West Main St.
Steven Ayala and Damon King opened the new retail business in the last year and held a ribbon cutting on June 7.
The new store features New Britain-branded clothing, two independent clothing lines, along with electronics, jewelry, footwear, sunglasses, and other accessories. The shop also does custom air brushing and screen printing and will be selling New Britain “Experience the New” t-shirts.
“Since I was a young kid I used to go to Canal Street (in New York City) and would come to Connecticut and sell things people couldn’t get their hands on,” said Ayala. “I sold Puerto Rican flags and merchandise as a side hustle for me.”
Ayala said he decided to open a store in New Britain because he sees it on a rise at a rapid speed.
“I like this City. I have been living here for quite some time,” he said. “I want people to wear New Britain gear.”
Born in Brooklyn, Ayala said his nickname is “Brooklyn”, but now he is all about New Britain.
“I came here to get out of trouble. I used to work out of the same spot I own with a friend doing airbrushing,” Ayala said. “I just combined my hustle, art and put everything together to put together The Hive.”
He said the name is based off the City logo of a beehive.
“My main thing is New Britain apparel. I also have jewelry, watches, stainless steel and there will be new trending items,” said Ayala. “I make my own embroidery machines for the New Britain apparel.”
He said New Britain is a whole different world from New York and he likes it here.
“I’ve always been connected in business and the streets,” he said. “I’m New Britain stamped.”
He said his business is going to last forever. He has a 10-year lease.
“The City is growing. This is going to be the new Blue Back Square,” he quipped. “I believe in New Britain. The Hive is for the City and the kids. People need to shop local.”
“Steven has a genuine enthusiasm for the City of New Britain and we are fortunate to have him as part of our growing business community,” said Mayor Stewart. “We wish The Hive much success!”
Ayala said so far business has been great. He has run out of New Britain hats in maroon with the City’s logo as well as red and white ones. New ones will be in any day.
In the future, Ayala is hoping to partner with local organizations to sell their New Britain-branded products as well.
The Hive is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
