Next time you’re in Brooklyn, check out these shops in Bushwick!
While major retail stores like J.Crew, Levi’s, and Sephora are popping up left and right in Williamsburg, Bushwick, the next Brooklyn neighborhood down off on the L train, has managed to maintain its independence – for now at least. This means independent shop owners have been able to flourish, resulting in an entrepreneurial scene that is eclectic, funky, and community-based. From vintage clothing and accessories to records, books, and handmade artisanal goods, here’s a guide to shops in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
Worship, 117 Wilson Ave
Founded by artist-musicians Sara Villard and Vashti Windish in 2013, Worship is a beloved haven for vintage lovers. Its racks offer an expertly curated collection of clothing and accessories from the 1900s through 1990s. In addition to amazing fashion, Worship thrives on its collective spirit, supporting Bushwick’s creative community by hosting art, music, and foodie events.
Molasses Books, 770 Hart St
Since establishing itself as Bushwick’s first bookstore in 2012, Molassess Books has become the neighborhoods go-to spot for literature, coffee, and beer. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to spend a caffeine-fueled afternoon getting lost in the pages of a thick novel. Another perk here – you can trade books for coffee, booze, and more volumes to add to the home library.
Northern Lights Records, 21 Lawton St
Bushwick has a thriving music scene and the neighborhood’s authority on vinyl sound is Northern Lights Records. The shop is lined wall to wall with an extensive collection of used LPs and 45s. You’ll find an amazing selection of Jazz, Hip-Hop, and reggae along with rock, house, dance, R&B, and disco at a good price. Always looking to expand its musical horizons, Northern Lights Records also buys and trades records in all formats and genres.
Friend’s Vintage, 56 Bogart St
Best friends Mary Meyer and Emma Kadar-Penner opened their aptly named vintage shop Friends in 2012. Utilizing their fashion backgrounds – Mary is a designer and Emma’s expertise is in fashion/textile history, they’ve created an ‘indie department store’ that houses an allotment of merchandise ranging from vintage clothing, accessories, jewelry, home items, as well has handmade goods by local artists, designers, and makers.
Catland, 987 Flushing Ave
As Brooklyn’s premier metaphysical boutique, Catland has just about everything to suit your occult and spiritual needs. You’ll find books on subjects ranging from chaos magic to herbal and plant magic to Western mysticism. A great place to shop for unique gifts – shelves are stocked with Tarot cards, crystals, alchemical perfumes, jewelry, ritual sages and incense, and lucky rabbits foot charms – remember those?!
Better Than Jam, 20 Gratton St
Opened in 2010, Better Than Jam is a studio and store that sells local, handmade artisan wares. A great place to shop for gifts, it offers everything from screen printed shirts, hand-dyed textiles, jewelry, candles, stationery, toys, natural essential oils, and ceramics. Recently bit by the DIY crafting bug? Learn how to screen print, sew or dye fabric using nature by taking Better Than Jam workshop.
Bushwick photo by Alex Wilson. Molasses Books photo by Jenny M. via Yelp. Friends photo by Koki K. via Yelp. Better Than Jam photo by Karen P. via Yelp.
Also, what life is like in Bushwick! And a guide to vintage shopping in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Plus, don’t skip over Little Poland in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
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