Monday, December 17, 2007
Tokyo meets Manhattan: Holiday Shopping in Soho
Christmas just days away, shopping season is in full swing. Although, the forecast is a little gloomy for retailers, stores are still awash with crazy shoppers looking for the next big gift. For me, shopping usually means at least one trip to New York City to try to find the slightly left of center gifts that I like to give. Record shopping in the village... fake bags on Canal Street... those places are old hat? Bloomingdales, Century 21? How very 2002. The big shopping spot this year is in SoHo, and its entirely Japanese.
MUJI is the new it shop on Broadway this year. Opened just last month to throngs of folk looking to grab their free "My MUJI" cloth bag and get shopping for simplicity. The relatively small space is filled with plastic and glass housewares and simple, plain clothes. Despite the simplicity of the style, the designs are pretty cunning, including a set of mini speakers built into cardboard boxes that you fold yourself. Like Tokyo, the store is cramped and expensive. The mini-speakers? Cute at $20, too bad they sell for $42.
The other "it" store in SoHo is also Japanese. UNIQLO opened in 2006 and is all about good, fashionable clothes. And at a decent price too. No clearance racks, but quality made clothes suitable for business and fun. Check out the listening racks on the second floor near the front of the store and you can find some of the music that apparently really is huge in Japan.Also worth a mention, but neither Chinese, nor in Soho - is the Brooklyn Indie Market. In far flung Carroll Gardens - a good half hour by subway out of Manhattan - the small market features about 15 or 20 booths with crafts and clothes and tents overflowing with hipsters. The market is, to my knowledge, open every weekend and currently has extended hours for the holidays. Although I didn't find anything there, the idea of the place is pretty great. Sort of like a co-op for Christmas presents. Especially if your list includes inexpensive jewelry, purses made to look like guitars, and shirts for your dog.
