There is hardly anywhere in New York City that doesn't offer unique and different shopping experiences and the East Village is no exception. With trendy boutiques and stores offering one-of-a-kind merchandise, you're sure to find something you like.
There are quite a few shopping venues in the East Village, so we're just going to give you a few examples. Visit these first, and you'll definitely return to East Village to do some more shopping.
Tokio 7, 64 E 7th Street
This is actually a consignment shop, and if you're at all familiar with this type of business, you know that you can find some great bargains here. Stroll around and look for a few minutes, and you'll be surprised at the designer brands you'll see for sale here.
If you're into vintage clothing, Tokio 7 can help you here. The sales staff is very knowledgeable about this type of clothing, so don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
St. Marks Bookshop, 31 3rd Avenue
This bookshop actually caters more to the college students that attend NYU or Cooper Union, but that doesn't mean you won't find something that appeals to you. Just don't go in expecting to find the same stuff you would at a "big box" book store, because you won't.
Instead, you'll find books on just about every subject you can imagine. Some of these are vintage or out-of-print, while others have just been published. Look carefully; you may be surprised at what you find.
East Village Cheese, 40 3rd Avenue
This is the place to go if you are a cheese aficianado, or if you just love cheese. East Village Cheese has a wide selection of cheeses from around the world, at very reasonable prices, especially for some of the more expensive kinds such as French Brie.
The shop also offers other food items, any of which can be mixed and matched for a unique gift basket. Just tell the staff what you want, and they'll make up a gift basket that you'll be proud to send to the most finicky person on your list.
Anna, 150 E 3rd Street
This is a women's boutique that specializes in designs from Kathy Kemp. Her style is slightly reminiscent of vintage/retro, but there are no such types of apparel. Instead, everything is hip and modern.
You'll enjoy pawing through the clothing bin that holds the "cheaper" outfits as well as rummaging through the racks of dresses, tops, sweaters, and other items. You can even find shoes at Anna.
Trash and Vaudeville, Inc., 4 St. Marks Place, Suite 4
Moms, if you don't want your kids to dress in such a way (think Goth to the nth degree) as to ensure that Grandma has a heart attack at the next family gathering, do not take your children here. If, however, you don't mind letting them express themselves (within reason, of course—after all, you're paying), then by all means give them the cash or the card, shove them in the door, and go find a nice place to sit while they shop.
Afterward, when you have screwed your courage up, you can go through their purchases and decide if some of them are just too outrageous to wear. If this is the case, take a deep breath, and go back inside with them to return it and find something else that you can put up with.
