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Williamsburg Shopping Guide

Admin_AZ_New_York 2 weeks ago

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Williamsburg Shopping Guide

A guide to the capital of Brooklyn cool, from vintage havens to independent boutiques.

Shopping in Williamsburg is an immersion into Brooklyn’s trendsetting soul. Once the epicenter of New York’s indie music and art scenes, the neighborhood has evolved into a premier shopping destination while retaining its creative, fashion-forward edge. The vibe is a dynamic mix of high-end boutiques, meticulously curated vintage stores, independent record shops, and artisan markets. It’s a landscape where global brands sit alongside one-of-a-kind local designers.

Unlike the concentrated luxury of Fifth Avenue, shopping here is a sprawling adventure. The main artery, Bedford Avenue, is lined with shops, but the real joy comes from exploring the side streets like North 7th, Grand Street, and Wythe Avenue, where you’ll find hidden gems and unique concept stores. It’s a place that rewards curiosity, offering a shopping experience that feels both effortlessly cool and deeply personal, a true reflection of Brooklyn’s creative spirit.

This guide, a special curation by AZ New York, is your essential map to navigating the boutiques, vintage finds, and creative energy of Williamsburg.

“Williamsburg is a retail runway where the currency is creativity. It’s not just about what you buy, but the discovery and the story behind it.“

You might be interested in shopping in these nearby locations

Location	Vibe	Distance (from Williamsburg)
Greenpoint	Boutiques & Polish Shops	~1.0 mile
Bushwick	Vintage & Emerging Designers	~2.0 miles
DUMBO	Art Galleries & Boutiques	~2.5 miles (via Ferry/Subway)
Lower East Side	Trendy & Contemporary	~2.5 miles (via Williamsburg Bridge)
SoHo	Trendy & Flagship-Heavy	~3.0 miles (via Williamsburg Bridge)

Shopping Guides in Neighboring Areas

4 Tips for Shopping in Williamsburg

Explore Beyond Bedford Ave: While Bedford Avenue is the main drag, many of the best shops are located on the side streets, especially between North 3rd and North 11th streets, and further south on Grand Street.
Visit on the Weekend for Markets: Williamsburg is famous for its weekend markets. Plan your visit on a Saturday or Sunday to experience the vibrant Artists & Fleas and other seasonal outdoor markets.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The neighborhood is sprawling, and the best way to discover it is on foot. Be prepared for a lot of walking between shops and different parts of the neighborhood.
Combine Shopping with a Meal: Williamsburg is a major food destination. Break up your shopping day by grabbing brunch at a trendy cafe, a slice from a world-famous pizzeria, or a drink at a chic rooftop bar.

Keep an Eye On: The Indie Music Legacy.

In the early 2000s, Williamsburg was the global epicenter of indie rock, home to influential bands and iconic music venues.

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While many of those original venues have closed, that creative, independent spirit is still the neighborhood’s lifeblood. It’s visible in the numerous record stores still thriving, the street art that covers the walls, and the fiercely independent boutiques that prioritize unique, non-mainstream style.

Shopping here is a way to tap into that legacy of authentic, trendsetting culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Williamsburg known for shopping?

Williamsburg is known for its exceptional vintage clothing stores, independent boutiques from local designers, high-end jewelry, trendy streetwear, and artisan markets. It’s a top destination for those seeking unique, non-mainstream fashion and goods.

What is the main shopping street in Williamsburg?

Bedford Avenue is the central shopping artery, especially the stretch between Metropolitan Avenue and North 12th Street. However, many of the most popular and unique shops are on the cross-streets (like North 7th Street) and parallel avenues (like Wythe and Kent).

Is Williamsburg expensive for shopping?

It can be. The neighborhood has a mix of high-end designer boutiques and more affordable vintage and thrift stores. On the whole, it is considered a trendy and therefore relatively expensive shopping destination, but bargains can definitely be found, especially in the larger vintage shops.

Ranking: 10 Best Shops in Williamsburg

Below, check out the ranking of the 10 must-visit destinations in this capital of Brooklyn cool, in a special curation by AZ New York.

1. Catbird

A cult-favorite jewelry store that has become a Brooklyn institution. Famous for its delicate, stackable rings, “zapped” forever bracelets, and beautifully curated selection of fine jewelry from independent designers. The tiny, magical boutique is a must-visit for any jewelry lover.
Address: 108 N 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: (718) 599-3457
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: catbirdnyc.com
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Highlight: The ultimate destination for delicate, trendsetting fine jewelry.

2. Artists & Fleas

A vibrant weekend market featuring a rotating roster of over 100 local artisans, designers, and vintage collectors. It’s a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind items, from handmade jewelry and original artwork to rare vintage clothing and accessories. An essential Williamsburg experience.
Address: 70 N 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: (917) 488-4203
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: artistsandfleas.com
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Highlight: A bustling weekend marketplace of local designers and vintage collectors.

3. 10 ft. Single by Stella Dallas

A massive, warehouse-like vintage store that is a dream for thrift shoppers. The front section offers affordable, well-organized secondhand clothing, while the back room, Stella Dallas Living, features a stunning, museum-quality collection of antique textiles, workwear, and rare vintage pieces.
Address: 285 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 486-9487
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: Not available.
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Highlight: An enormous vintage wonderland with both affordable finds and rare antiques.

4. McNally Jackson

A beloved independent bookstore, this Williamsburg outpost is a bright, airy haven for readers. It offers a fantastic, well-curated selection of fiction, non-fiction, and magazines, with a particularly wonderful children’s section. It’s a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s literary community.
Address: 76 N 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: (718) 237-7200
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: mcnallyjackson.com
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Highlight: A beautifully curated independent bookstore for the modern reader.

5. Brooklyn Denim Co.

A temple for jean lovers. This spacious boutique offers an expertly curated selection of premium denim from both iconic American brands and hard-to-find Japanese labels for men and women. With in-house tailoring services, they ensure you’ll walk out with the perfect fit.
Address: 338 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: (718) 782-2600
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: brooklyndenimco.com
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Highlight: An expert-level destination for premium and rare denim.

6. LEIF

A bright and cheerful lifestyle boutique filled with beautiful things. LEIF offers a unique and colorful selection of home decor, textiles, ceramics, art prints, and gifts from independent artists and designers. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift or a beautiful object for your home.
Address: 99 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: (718) 302-5343
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: leifshop.com
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Highlight: A beautifully curated boutique for colorful home goods and unique gifts.

7. Spoonbill & Sugartown, Booksellers

An iconic Williamsburg bookstore with an art-focused, intellectual vibe. Specializing in used, rare, and new books on art, design, philosophy, and literature, it’s a place for serious browsing and unexpected discoveries. A true relic of the neighborhood’s bohemian past.
Address: 218 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 387-7322
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: spoonbillbooks.com
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Highlight: A classic, art-focused bookstore for used and rare finds.

8. Bird

A pioneering Brooklyn boutique known for its high-end, fashion-forward curation of designer clothing for men and women. Bird champions both established and emerging designers, offering a sophisticated mix of labels like Dries Van Noten, Rachel Comey, and A.P.C. in a beautiful, airy space.
Address: 203 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 388-1655
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: shopbird.com
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Highlight: A pioneering boutique for high-end, independent designer fashion.

9. Awoke Vintage

A bright, popular, and well-curated vintage store with a focus on fun, wearable pieces primarily from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Known for its great selection of denim, colorful blouses, and unique dresses, it offers a more boutique-like vintage shopping experience at reasonable prices.
Address: 132 N 5th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 387-3130
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: awokevintage.com
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Highlight: A fun and colorful boutique for on-trend, wearable vintage.

10. Beacon’s Closet

A massive and beloved buy-sell-trade consignment store. Beacon’s Closet is a must-visit for bargain hunters, offering a huge and constantly changing inventory of secondhand clothing from contemporary brands to designer labels. Be prepared to dig, as treasures are always waiting to be found.
Address: 74 Guernsey St, Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Greenpoint/Williamsburg border)
Phone: (718) 486-0816
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: beaconscloset.com
Neighborhood: Williamsburg / Greenpoint
Highlight: A massive buy-sell-trade emporium for secondhand designer bargains.

All research and the final selection of the shops in this guide were carried out by the team at AZ New York.

Explore Our Guides to New York City

Neighborhood Shopping Guides

For a look at another neighborhood known for its bohemian-chic vibe and independent shops in a global city, you can also explore the shops in Vila Madalena, São Paulo.

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