Neighborhood Spotlight: Friends NYC

Known to the bushwick community as “the indie department store of your dreams,” Friends nyc is a mecca for all things vintage, streetwear, crystals, home decor, trinkets, and more. nestled in the heart of the morgan avenue stop off the l in brooklyn, you can find friends nyc sandwiched between harrison place and grattan street on bogart avenue.

established in 2012 by best friends (hence the store’s name) Mary Meyer and Emma Kadar-penner, this shop is a staple to the bogart—a renovated warehouse that plays host to artist workspaces and studios. the bogart is an integral part of the bushwick art scene and is truly the perfect place for a shop like friends nyc. meyer and kadar-penner make it a point to support other brooklyn-based businesses by stocking a number of local goods from brands like brooklyn candle studio, floss gloss, lila rice, and gold teeth brooklyn. Not only to they support other bk staples, but they also support causes dear to them like the human rights campaign, planned parenthood, morgan-stanley children’s hospital, among many others. (And they run a toys for tots drive every holiday season.) And to top it all off, their store is also an ode to the wildly popular television show, “friends.”

Their sale section is top notch. displayed on one of the back tables, here you’ll find a selection of cheeky greeting cards, one of a kind glass pieces, and other random tidbits that didn’t make it out the door, but that are still worthy of a loving home. They also have plenty of other pickings that are $10 and under. Don’t miss the impulse buy section up at the register. Here you’ll find incense matches, CBD caramels, and all the kitschy retro lighters.

if you’re feeling luxurious, they also have a section dedicated to intimates and lingerie where you can find gorgeous mesh bralet and underwear sets as well as soft, cuddly loungewear for those quiet moments at home (because we’ve definitely been having a lof of those lately). and for that added warmth, stock up on candles while you’re browsing. two of my favorites were the anecdote candles that muster up scents for those obscure, indescribable moments as well as friends nyc’s own line of candles in colorful frosted glass vessels and tie dye labels.

Store Info:

Friends NYC, 56 Bogart st. brooklyn, ny 11206, friendsnyc.com

in-store hours: 12pm-8pm everyday

online: 24/7

the area might seem quiet in the midst of the covid 19 pandemic, but as you descend the concrete steps to this alternative shopping experience, you’re met with a colorful feast for the eyes, killer tunes, and a sanitizing station. A curated selection of glassware greets you upon entry, Featuring mugs and vases to pipes and bongs for tea lovers and herbalists alike. lined around the perimeter of the store, new and vintage clothing grace the shelves from the likes of lazy oaf to dickies. You can find everything from patterned button ups and cozy sweaters to one off vintage designer pieces (think chanel, helmet lang, versace, tommy jeans, polo—the works). FRIENDS NYC truly passes the “vibe” check.

their selection of crystals and gems—dubbed the “Crystal shoppe,” is filled with vibrant pieces ranging in price from around $2-8. Whether you’re looking for something classic like translucent clear quartz or lavender-hued pointed amethyst to the more extravagant like yellow and red lined jasper to glittering blue peacock ore, they’ve got beginner witches covered. but they don’t just stop at crystals, they’ve loaded their shop and site with incense bundles, ritual candles, and stunning metaphysical books, among other goodies.

we’ve also got to mask up, and friends nyc knows that we have to do it in style. their stock of non-medical grade masks are seriously cute. while some are made with funky colors and patterns, others were upcycled and crafted using surplus material. and don’t skip out on the mask chains in classic golds to more eclectic beaded styles. (I picked up a sweet plastic tortoise shell mask chain that doubles as a necklace when not in use, pictured in the gallery below.)

No matter what you go into friends nyc with the intention of buying, it’s likely that you’ll probably add an extra thing or two to the cart after you see the plethora of treasures they have to offer. (I know that’s certainly happened to me on more than one occasion.) You can check out their instagram for updates on virtual events and promos here. and while you’re at it, here’s their blog! whether you’re local to the neighborhood, visiting new york post-pandemic, or just love to support small businesses online, friends nyc should be your next stop.

take a look at the photo gallery below to see my favorite purchases from friends nyc.