11 Best Places to Shop in Park Slope and Prospect Park, New York City

Beacon's Closet, Park Slope

Park Slope Fodor's choice
Of the four secondhand clothing shops in a two-block stretch, this one's the best. The well-organized local chain carries vintage and modern styles for men and women. The racks are updated daily, thanks to area fashionistas who sell their cast-offs here. Most threads cost $11 to $23 (the latter for, say, a nearly new Paul Smith jacket from a season or three ago, or an Italian Sisley wool coat). If secondhand isn't your thing, the shop also sells brand-new costume jewelry, hosiery, journals, and hand-poured Paddywax candles in a wide variety of scents and packaging.

V Curated

Park Slope Fodor's choice
Designer Vanessa Vallarino's motto for her cooperative of 38 emerging designers is one-of-a-kind, and handmade in the United States. Aesthetics lean toward eye-catching but also simple and clean women's wear and accessories. The silk tops, pants, and dresses with soft colors and gently blurred patterns come from Vallarino's on-site studio.

A. Cheng

Park Slope
Owner Alice Cheng curates a lovely selection of elegant women's clothing. Choose from her own A. Cheng line, Sessùn from France, or Local from Italy. Ace&jig's handwoven designs speak to palpable comfort. Featherweight cashmere, silk mock turtlenecks, and loose dresses are perfect for work or play.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store

Park Slope

The perfectly giftable, Brooklyn-made products at this variety store include Apotheke candles and diffusers, Klei Beauty products, Claudia Pearson’s hand-drawn tea towels, and Bocce's Bakery birthday-cake treats for your favorite canine. Brooklyn-themed tchotchkes, funny socks, books, stationery, games and toys round out the selection.

Barnes & Noble

Park Slope
Two floors of books, a vast and varied selection of magazines, and an extensive collection of travel information for New York City and beyond welcome browsers at this busy location of the national chain. Popular storytelling events for children take place Saturday mornings.
267 7th Ave., Brooklyn, New York, USA
718-832--9066

Bhoomki

Park Slope
At designer Swati Argade’s women’s boutique, every handmade piece of jewelry or pair of shoes, hand-blocked silk shirt or woven scarf has a story that reflects sustainability, fair trade, and artisan traditions. That’s true whether the dress, accessory, or staple item comes from Peru, Mexico, or India. Argade’s own Bhoomki studio designs most of the textiles, which are custom-made by weavers and block printers. Other ethical labels include KowTow (all organic cotton), Kordal, and Rujuta Sheth.
Jewelry & Watches
158 5th Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11217, USA
718-857--5245
www.bhoomki.com
shopping Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. in Jan., Feb., and Aug.

Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.

Park Slope

If you can't crack a smile in this store—where all proceeds from superhero costumes, gear, and secret identity kits benefit 826NYC's writing and tutoring programs for kids—step immediately into its Cape Tester, or take the cure-all Vow of Heroism oath. Afterward, browse the inventory of superpowers like telekinesis, chutzpah, and gumption, which are sold in plastic jugs and fake paint cans. The clever labels listing “ingredients” and “warnings” are worth the cost for every ounce of the tongue-in-cheek products.

Community Bookstore

Park Slope
In a neighborhood known for its large population of authors, editors, and bloggers, it’s fitting to have a bookstore where pride of place goes to literature. Works in translation are well represented among the staff picks, and there's a whole section devoted to small presses including New Directions, Europa Editions, and NYRB Classics. Local authors are prominently featured and readings take place two or three times a week.

Norman and Jules

Park Slope
Unique toys and dolls from around the world score points with children and their parents at this high-end toy shop. It stocks an excellent selection of wooden toys as well as games and puzzles, household-helper tools, and Tegu magnetic blocks. There are arts and crafts kits and supplies, too.

Otto

Park Slope
Splurge on Anni Kuan's New York–made designs, Catherine André's limited-edition knits, and clothing by other European designers like Anne Willi, Niu, Bitte Kai Rand, and Schella Kann at this carefully curated women's shop that still carries the Bondi Bather bathing suits and lingerie it began with in 1989. New to the bathing mix are Amara Felice's vintage cuts, handmade in Brooklyn. Woolens from Europe and handbags by Alfred Stadler and Hobo are a few of the other luxurious items.

The Clay Pot

Park Slope
Family-owned since 1969, this Park Slope stalwart carries glassware, ceramics, jewelry, and wedding rings, nearly all made in the United States and in limited numbers. Ceramics include potbelly mugs, platters silk-screened with illustrations from nature, and etched vases. Other gift items include intricately carved refillable candles, wallets made from Cadillac leather, Davin & Kesler woodworked cuff links and business card holders, and jewelry by designers such as Christina Stankard (beadwork) and Adel Chefridi (metals).