East Village – Shopping

Vintage shops have long been synonymous with the East Village, and while they’re not as plentiful as they were when the neighborhood was the center of the East Coast punk scene, there are still plenty to choose from: 9th Street Vintage, East Village Vintage Collective, Nomad Vintage, and White Trash, to name just a few. While national chains such as Target, Trader Joe’s, and Urban Outfitters have replaced some of the vintage shops, the East Village is still rich with one-of-a-kind local stores, including the ones below.

 

Côte à Coast

Having launched as a seller of casual but luxurious menswear responsibly made in New York, this shop has since expanded and morphed to focus largely on home goods with the same laid-back, sophisticated vibe. Now, in addition to fleece-lined sweatshirts with suede elbow patches and so-soft button-downs, you can shop handwoven jute rugs, alabaster vases, and throws handcrafted of sumptuous alpaca wool.

 

Dö Kham

Most of us probably won’t get a chance to travel to the Himalayas. Fortunately, Dö Kham brings the apparel, accessories, and other handiworks of Tibet and the region to us via this shop. The raw silk dresses will ensure you bring a subtle shimmer to any gathering, and the embroidered cotton tunics for women, men, and children come in a rainbow of colors. Malas (strands of meditation beads that can be worn as jewelry), vibrant yak wool throws, thangkas (paintings on fabric depicting Buddhist deities, and singing bowls are among the many other delights you’ll find.

 

The March Hare

Don’t be fooled by its petite proportions: This toy store is chock-a-block with plushies and craft kits, bath toys and board games, along with old-fashioned playthings like jacks and yo-yos. It also has fun decorative items for kids’ rooms (a mounted T. rex head!) and jigsaw puzzles adults will love.

 

Lori McLean

In addition to jewelry handcrafted by Lori McLean herself, this shop sells items from other makers. The jewelry spans price points and styles, from diamond-studded chain-link rings to turquoise drop earrings. Lori will also work with you to create one-of-a-kind items, and the shop’s “Jewelry Hospital” will resize, restring, and repair baubles.

 

East Village Postal

As you might expect from its name, East Village Postal offers mailbox rentals, packing supplies, and shipping services. But it also sells much more, from cards and wrapping paper to sketch pads and stickers. And if it’s a memorable gift you’re after, swing by. Between the Niki de Saint Phalle DIY paper puppets and the handcrafted cherrywood keepsake boxes, you’re sure to find just the thing.