Filling up a virtual basket offers little satisfaction when hunting for gifts, so we urge you to spend time exploring your own neighborhood this festive season. New York is a hotbed for craft and creativity, so don’t miss out on what your local stores have to offer. From Blockbuster to CBD, the obscure to the avant garde, consider your city’s eccentricity before settling on an online sale. Here’s what we’ve spotted on the scene this December:
Miss Grass - get good at weed
If your techniques for relaxation didn’t quite cut it in 2019, Miss Grass is your go-to for CBD products, aiming to “make cannabis accessible to everybody.” Every product in the store has been tried and tested by a team of experts for quality, ingredients, and efficacy. Whether you’re buying for yourself or a stressed-out friend, products are compact and affordable - we love the CBD drops and coasters.
Date: November 26 - December 26
Location: 213 Bowery
Paloma Wool - womenswear with attitude
Founded in Barcelona, cult womenswear brand Paloma Wool are continuing their world tour with another NYC store in time for Christmas. Their laid-back photography, pop pastels and statement accessories have earned them a huge Instagram following over the years. They’re not planning a permanent retail spot in the US just yet, so this gives us an opportunity to check out the pieces in-person. Every Paloma Wool pop-up has included an all-round creative takeover, featuring collaborations with artists and studios, so we’re itching to see what the December installment will reveal.
Date: November 27 - December 23
Location: 10 Greene St
Rouje - feminine classics from Paris
Launched in April 2016 by model Jeanne Damas, Rouje is the French brand known for summer dresses, cinched waists and timeless prints. Selling affordable pieces that represent classic French glamour, the collection mixes retro flair with sharp tailoring. Layer up their delicate fabrics with a chunky knit for winter or treat a friend to a trusted bestseller this Christmas.
Date: Until 30th December
Location:345 Broome Street
Haven - outdoors with an urban edge
Canadian brand Haven have been producing men’s outdoor apparel for over 10 years. Inspired by the ferocious weather conditions of their homeland, the collection presents an urban approach to the outdoors, which stands unmatched in quality, design and performance. For this pop-up, Haven will be collaborating with New Balance for a one-off event. Expect premium fabrics and robust designs that will keep you or a loved one warm through winter.
Date: December 12 - December 16
Location: 22 Allen St
The Better Shop - choose sustainability
This space brings together the most exciting sustainable and ethical brands in New York, pioneered by luxury footwear brand Sylvenne, who specialise in bio-based vegan and leather. The team behind Sylvenne vet businesses to ensure all products displayed follow similar ethics. Stocking recycled, regenerated, and environmentally friendly pieces, The Better Shop encourages us to be mindful about our shopping choices this Christmas.
Date: Until December 2020
Location: 155 Grand Street
Artistix - modern art aesthetics
Founder and artist Greg Polisseni mirrors colour palettes from his own paintings within each Artistix piece. Creating unconventional prints, the bold Artistix aesthetic represents modern art, soul, and the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle all in one. A fun brand with party culture at heart, the pop-up will feature live music on weekends to help us gear up for the month’s festivities ahead.
Date: September 1st - December 31st
Location: 42 Broome St
Dumb Good - bringing Blockbuster back
A concept seeded from nostalgia, Dumb Good specialise in pop culture apparel inspired by movies. Staples include ‘The Shining’ sweaters, ‘Pulp Fiction’ t-shirts and ‘Spongebob’ totes. Now, they’re bringing back the ‘90s rental chain with an exclusive collection plastered in the classic Blockbusters blue and yellow, including backpacks, t-shirts and candy. The theme runs through the entire pop-up, displaying VHS cases, neon, and vintage pinball machines.
Date: December 12 – 17
Location: 13 Crosby