HO HO Harlem — There’s No Place Like Harlem When It Comes to Holiday Shopping
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift, the solution may be closer than you think — especially if you’re in NYC. Harlem is this year’s hot spot for a long list of unique product offerings that are sure to delight anyone on your gift list.
Last year, we spoke to Regina L. Smith, Vice President of the Harlem Business Alliance about shopping in Harlem. “We have a number of venues and establishments that are well run and have great products,” she insisted. The Harlem Business Alliance is a group that supports small businesses by providing referrals, technical assistance, financing, networking opportunities, informational forums, and special events. According to Smith, Harlem retailers offer variety as well as competitive pricing and should definitely be top contenders when consumers shop for quality products.
Although Harlem shoppers would discover interesting finds by simply walking the neighborhood, some of Smith’s can’t miss spots include Harlem’s Heaven Boutique for hats, Djema Imports for custom-made good and imported fabrics, Harlem Made Boutique for t-shirts, sweatshirts, and books, Hats by Bunn, Men’s Walker for shoes, Xukuma for household items, tee shirts, candles, handbags, and Pieces of Harlem for unique clothing. She adds, “We want these entrepreneurs to be supported particularly during the holiday season but they should really be considered throughout the year.”
Business owner Vera Moore of Vera Moore Cosmetics agrees that Harlem shoppers are in for a treat. Although her ethnic cosmetic company was first established in 1979, she decided it was time to penetrate the Harlem market last year. “It’s a new day in Harlem; it’s a whole new renaissance in Harlem. We fast tracked our move Uptown because Nubian Heritage invited us to be in the store. The second floor is going to be the spa and we’ll be doing the facials,” she beams. “Now I’m affording my Harlem customers the opportunity to enjoy a hand-on experience instead of having to go to another borough like Brooklyn or Queens or ordering from the Internet.”
Aside from Vera Moore Cosmetics, the 22,000 square-foot Nubian Heritage boasts African American books, the Boma Cafe, Dee’s Art Gallery, a hair salon; clothing, artwork, skin products, jewelry and black collectibles.
And don’t overlook Harlem for traditional retailers because many of them have made their homes along 125th street. Some of the tried-and-true chain stores on the strip include The Body Shop, Old Navy, H&M and Marshalls. For the kids, stop at The Children’s Place. If you’re on the hunt for fashionable plus size clothing, there are three choice shops: Lane Bryant, Avenue and Ashley Stewart. For the latest tech toys and gifts, stop in at Radio Shack or Staples.
To connect with these and other retailers be sure to check out the Harlem for the Holidays shopping initiative.
In any case, if you do decide to shop ‘til you drop — drop in at a Harlem shop. Not only do these retailers want your business this season, they’ve put together a large selection of quality competitively priced goods to earn your business.