Writing in this space has become such a big part of my life, so I’m going to continue posting when the spirit moves me.
Anyhow, Mr. LH and I have been making regular trips to the Home Depot in Bed Stuy (yes, I know it’s a mess, but they do have most things in one giant store, at least when they’re not out of what we need, which happens regularly), and on several occasions I’ve noticed something interesting on Walworth Street across from the west side of the store parking lot – a makeshift tent filled with stuff and a giant sign that reads, “The Brooklyn Free Store.” I’ve been almost jumping out of my skin to go take photos of it and poke around. And then I remember that I didn’t say I’d never post here again! So on our last trip, I jogged over to see what was up.
Surprisingly, the tent was filled with some decent stuff – clothing, some nice handbags, a decent collection of books.
There was no one nearby, and I didn’t take anything. Although I’m pretty sure the whole point is to take-something-and-leave-something in some kind of hipster experiment. I Googled “Brooklyn Free Store” and came up with some references to something like this in Williamsburg in the early aughts that has since closed.
Are the same people behind this? Have you ever “purchased” anything from this store?
Received this email from a reader awhile back and realized I never posted it:
I did a little walking around in the rain today and came across an
amazing store of antiques – full of quality RESTORED antiques.
I spent some time talking to the owner, a very nice man, Ken. He’s
been in Clinton Hill/Bed Stuy for a long time but doesn’t advertise.
He certainly had some beautiful pieces and very fairly priced (a tall
5 drawer, curved front, oak dresser – $300!).
Just wanted to point out another resource!
-g
Mercantile Gallery
1055 Fulton Street (Near Bedford)
Google street view shows them closed, but it’s not clear if they were just closed at that time.
Have you been? How’s the selection?
The New York Press is reporting that Fresh Fanatic, the grocery store on Park and Washington, will be introducing a performance space! This sounds pretty Williamsburg to me, but maybe it will be cool?
Again, another one I’m totally late to. So late it’s not worth saying it’s a new place. But I recently stopped in and took some photos of the tiny but gorgeous flower shop with a small but beautiful selection of blooms.
Stem
112 South Oxford
I know, I slacked big time on this one. I missed their small preview and then hadn’t made time to go check them out after the grand opening. But I finally made it last weekend and boy am I glad I did! Urban Vintage is GORGEOUS! I love the combination of merchandise and retail. The bright, spacious shop is stylish and comfortable, and the owners Elizabeth and Emily Hazelwood couldn’t be any nicer.
Urban Vintage is closed on Saturdays, which seems like an odd choice given the crowds just down the block at Choice (and the limited seating there). However, they’re closed so they can host private events on Saturdays. And let me tell you, I would have loved to do my bridal shower there had they been open last summer. Keep it in mind.
I didn’t check the prices of all of the home furnishings, but the stuff I looked at was surprisingly reasonable. Like this cute clothespin-inspired garbage bag holder for less than $30:
What an awesome way to re-purpose a small plastic bag as a garbage bag and make it look cool! I’ll be back for this, for sure.
The Local’s covered it here and reviewed some of the food.
Urban Vintage
294 Grand Avenue
There’s been a lot of internet chatter both here and on the Local about how the neighborhood now has “too many pet stores.” I don’t disagree necessarily, but I don’t want to wish failure on the new guy just because I’d rather see something else in the space. Plus, as someone who often buys heavy pet care items (cat litter), and has both a cat and a dog, I’m all for competition if it means the prices, stock and service gets better. Not to mention an option close-by.
So which store is the best overall? I decided to stop at every local pet store (and a few grocery stores) to compare prices on some of the items I buy most to see which shop was Top Dog.
Here’s what I was looking for:
- Wellness dry food, small (47 oz) or medium (6lb)
- Feline Pine cat litter, 7lb bag
- Wee Wee Pads, 50-count
On Saturday, I happened past the mysterious new store on DeKalb, once home to Urban Spring and Picnic, two failed eateries. I had heard rumors that it was a shoe store, but that clearly wasn’t the case once inside. The store, called Feliz Brooklyn, celebrated its opening that day and offers a small selection of shoes for kids and adults, jewelry, aprons, Tocca candles and lotion, greeting cards, home decor, antiques and more. Owner Lilly Genevieve said that the store will carry some items year-round, while other items will be sole seasonally (sandals, umbrellas, etc). Her husband, from Argentina, built all of the display shelving.
The store was bustling with people, and most passers-by stopped in to take a peak. Maybe people were curious as to what was next for the space. Or maybe retail, and not food, is the right fit for this particular storefront.
Feliz Brooklyn
185 DeKalb Ave
felizbrooklyn.blogspot.com
Mr. L noticed this little market on Fulton last week and I’m intrigued.
It’s called Jacob’s Garden, and it reminds me of that shop that used to be on DeKalb. Bet it’s the same owner. I need to check this out.
Last week, I made most amazing discovery ever: A LOCAL (NON GROCERY) SHOP THAT IS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 10AM-10PM. I have been in to Greenlight Bookstore before, but I never realized just how accommodating they were. In addition to offering a great selection (best sellers and NYC-centric books) and a beautiful space, they also host regular readings and author events. And are actually open after work. Wayyy after work.
I try to patronize as many local businesses as I can, and I know as a small business owner it’s difficult to keep early and late hours every day. But it is frustrating to come home and need something, try to pick it up from a local shop and then realize they’ve all closed at 6 or 7pm. Greenlight makes it easy for me to keep it local.
To show my appreciation, I will be spending my 3/50 local spending money this month at Greenlight, buying at least one book a week at 9:45 pm (because I can!). First up, City Kid by Nelson George.
The fun hat store on DeKalb closed recently, and a pet store will open in its place. The merchandise has been loaded in over the last week. No idea yet what it will be like, but this past weekend I could see a whole selection of cat trees / scratching posts in the window.
Will this be an outpost of the ABC Pet Supply on PPW in Windsor Terrace? (I’ve never been there – just did a quick Google search).
Negative points for the unimaginative name; positive points for the hearty supply of scratching posts. What do you think?
(Aside – I remember when there was at most one pet store nearby. I think perhaps we’re reaching our saturation point of pet services.)