Astoria has much to offer for those who like to shop, and the neighborhood's independent businesses have the best stuff around. From clothing to jewelry, handmade soap to home accents, Astoria is calling you, shoppers! Here are just a handful of places that will no doubt activate your retail reflexes.
SITE Design
(c) Meg Cotner
It's hard not to spend money when you visit SITE. Proprietor Mackenzi Farquer takes great care in selecting the inventory in her store, and it's a real pleasure to shop there. At SITE you can find colorful wall decals (some coated in chalkboard paint), locally made jewelry, soy candles, lamps with custom lampshades, adorable onesies for babes, and quirky cards that are perfect for that occasion you have in mind. Mackenzi is usually there behind the counter and always happy to chat with customers.
Site Design, 35-11 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY, 718-626-6030
KrisTEES
(c) Meg Cotner
Stylish women's clothing made by independent designers far and near can be found at KrisTEES on 23rd Avenue. Founded in 2006, proprietor Kristie Foster offers clothing for women that is anything but ordinary. You'll find outfits for going out and for staying in, and everything she offers is very well made. There's unique jewelry and sturdy tote bags, fun hats and even some leather goods. Kristie is more than happy to help you find something just right.
KrisTEES, 24-01 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY, 718-204-5031
The Little Soap Shop
Proprietor Vivian Dritsas makes the majority of the products at The Little Soap Shop (those she doesn't make are clearly indicated), which include lotions, bar soap and body butters. Everything is on display for you to try, test, and smell. Does her shop ever smell good! She is careful to use as many natural ingredients as possible, avoiding pthalates and parabens in her body products. You can also find environmentally-friendly soy candles in fragrances like "White Linen," "Lavender," and "Fresh Laundry."
The Little Soap Shop, 22-07 36th Street, Astoria, NY, 718-626-1241
Loveday 31
Loveday 31 is the home of vintage clotes in Astoria. Proprietor Ivona Bilicic opened her store in 2005, named after a little girl named Loveday (the 31 is for the Avenue it's on), and showcases vintage clothing from the 40s to the 80s, including pieces she's redesigned herself. I know on good authority that girls of any size are welcome to shop there, which means vintage is for everyone! Apart from clothes, you'll find shoes, jewelry, scarves, and bags, all displayed in a cute, funky space.
Loveday 31, 33-06 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY, 718-728-4057
Astoria Market
(c) Meg Cotner
Astoria Market is a wonderful artisan market that brings locally made products to Astorians in one central place: the beloved Bohemian Hall in Astoria. The variety is staggering - you'll find anything from handmade soap to jewelry to purses to kombucha to knives to soup... you get the picture. Astoria Market is open most-but-not-all Sundays from 12-5pm in the main hall of Bohemian Hall. Bonus: the beer garden is right next door, so do some shopping and then enjoy brews and brats in the garden.
Astoria Market at the Main Hall in Bohemian Hall, 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY