Want to Go Shopping in Dumbo, Brooklyn? Here Are the Top Stores in the Area
Dumbo is such a captivating destination that pictures alone do not do it justice. In fact, many tourists find that the best way to hold on to the memories of their time here is to buy souvenirs that they can treasure for the rest of their lives. But where should you start your search? We have made things easy by categorizing the shops based on interests and telling you exactly what you can find in each shop. Let’s get started:
Independent Designer Shops
We live in a world where fast fashion is the order of the day. And while there are conveniences to this, there is something quite intriguing about owning something that isn’t mass-produced. And Dumbo, in particular, is home to both international and local designers whose work revolves around curating unique pieces that you can hold on to for years. Here are the best options in this regard:
L’Ensemble
Unlike other stores where you can walk in and try on clothes alongside other would-be buyers, this store takes on a different concept. For you to get through the doors, you must have an appointment. On your D-day, you get to walk in, sip champagne as the staff walks you through different looks by different brands, and just take your time with your shopping. If you love feeling pampered, you will adore this store.
Natural Selection
Not only do handcrafted items look good, but they also last long and often have a wonderful story behind them. And in this store, you will find all sorts of such goods, from clothes to jewelry to home accessories. Each of these has been crafted by an artisan who learned the trade from generations before them. And if you would love to hear more about each piece, the owner is more than happy to engage you and walk you down memory lane. In many ways, shopping here is not just a way to support the artists. Instead, it is a deliberate effort to preserve Dumbo’s culture and history.
Trunk
Buying unique items often comes with a high price tag. But what if we told you that you could skip the extra zeroes and still get something that would turn people’s heads? The answer lies in shopping at Trunk, a boutique that sells clothes, accessories, and jewelry from local designers who are making a name in the industry. Like you would expect with emerging labels, the pieces are unique, easy to style, and trendy. As a plus, the boutique has a beautiful gallery-like vibe that makes the shopping experience feel like a work of art.
Bookstores and Art Galleries
Dumbo is known for its huge population of creatives. And as you would expect, this comes with its fair share of galleries and book stores. But where might you chance upon a perfect souvenir?
POWERHOUSE Arena
If you love reading, whether fiction or non-fiction, the word POWERHOUSE means something to you. So, what would you say to a chance to go to their Dumbo location and see what they have to offer? Here, you will find everything, from a children’s book for your kiddos to a design book for your artsy friend. But this isn’t just a place to buy books. In fact, you will notice that many people come here for the community. They get to be part of events, hear from their favorite authors, be part of book launches, take in the art exhibits, or even just chat about their favorite books. If you are unsure what to get, we would recommend getting a photography book by a local Dumbo artist.
Smack Mellon
The truth is that with Dumbo having such a huge artist community, people don’t always get to hear of the upcoming names. But that’s why this art gallery exists. Through a rotating series of exhibitions, it showcases work by artists who have yet to make a big mark in the industry but have the potential to make waves one day. Even better, it focuses more on those whose pieces are most thought-provoking, allowing you to see other forms of art that you probably would not have seen in any other setting. While you can’t always buy art here, you can stop by the gift shop and buy something that will remind you of this visit.
A.I.R. Gallery
If you are in the market for an original work of art, you will love this gallery, which focuses on all sorts of contemporary art. You will find paintings, sculptures, installations, as well as trendy media on display. It’s an intimate space where art enthusiasts flock to appreciate the work of new and renowned artists in the community. And they allow visitors to buy art directly from the artists. So, whether you want a single item or are after a catalogue, this is the place to be.
Seasonal Markets and Vintage Finds
Nothing beats unique finds in Dumbo’s markets. It pretty much feels like a treasure hunt where you can walk away with such a rare find that you will forever remember Dumbo by it. So, where should you go?
Brooklyn Flea in Dumbo
This outdoor market has it all, from clothes to jewelry, art, and antiques. And as you stroll through the stalls, you also come across food vendors with all sorts of delicious bites to help you keep up your energy as you mingle with the locals and other tourists. Of all the things you can buy, we would recommend paying particular attention to the antique furniture or the handmade jewelry from local artisans. These pieces will last a long time and discover Dumbo’s culture and history.
Thea Grant
Personalization is at the heart of this shop. Everything you look at or touch has a story to it, and that makes the shopping experience all the more rewarding. With options ranging from lockets to engagement rings and antique jewels, much of the stuff you see here will wow you. The customer service is also excellent, and you can’t help but feel like you are getting a truly personalized experience. Most tourists buy antique lockets and rings, which they can pass down to other people in their families.
We also recommend Sunset Blvd Vintage if you would love to get some vintage fashion from the 20th century.