The Big Picture
Obi, a new shop focused on photo and art books, records and curated objects, began a soft opening on Oct. 2 at 2055 S. Lamar Blvd., just north of Loro Asian Smokehouse. The project is led by documentary photographer Michael Magers and creative director Sergio Alcocer and is built around a gallery-like approach that pairs framed photography with ceramics and other objects to encourage "slow discovery."
Yes, the shop is named for the paper obi strips wrapped around Japanese pressings and for the traditional sash; Magers says those small details signal the larger composition he wants the space to hold.
Only we would note that a store promising you the pleasure of not knowing what you want is basically monetized curiosity, and yet here we are, inclined to believe the setup when the founders actually made the displays with craftspeople they photographed.
What Changed
This is a new retail project occupying 2055 S. Lamar Blvd.; CultureMap frames the opening as a soft-launch phase that foregrounds slow browsing rather than quick turnover. The gallery element is described as secondary to the shop, but the walls will be used to pair projects—Magers specifically mentioned book signings paired with artists' photographs.
One detail that matters: Magers is leveraging long-standing contacts in Japan to source items, including Japanese pressings with obi strips, which shapes the shop's early inventory and curatorial bent.
What's Next
Obi's soft opening hours are noon–7 p.m. on Oct. 2–4 and Oct. 9–11. Updates after the soft opening will be posted on Obi's Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/obiatx/.
Go if you want to practice slow browsing in a place built by people who study how things are made; go especially if you like the idea of records with obi strips and framed photography displayed alongside ceramics.