Podcast Summary: All Of It – Go Local: Manhattan

Date: December 1, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart, WNYC
Guest: Caroline Weaver (The Locavore, author of "The Locavore Guide to Shopping New York City")

Overview

This lively episode of All Of It dives deep into Manhattan’s independent retail scene, spotlighting the unique local businesses that define the borough’s shopping culture. Host Alison Stewart and guest Caroline Weaver (professional "locavore" and shop owner) share favorite spots for gift-buying across categories spanning every relationship: kids, teens, work buddies, partners, and yourself. Listener recommendations round out a thorough guide to shopping local, celebrating New York’s distinctive consumer culture and reminding listeners that where you spend your money matters.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Locavore Variety Store – Caroline’s Shop

• Location: 6th Avenue between 9th and 10th Street, Greenwich Village
• Concept: General store with all products made within 100 miles of NYC, supporting 200+ small independent brands.
• Special/Favorite Gift:
  • Cyclists: 3D-printed bike valve caps shaped like the iconic Greek Anthora coffee cup, made by “Mugshot” in Queens (Presta/Schrader options, ~$17).
  • “There is somebody in Queens, a brand called Mugshot…he makes these valve caps…there is one that looks like a Greek Anthora coffee cup.” (Caroline, 02:11)

2. Shopping for Kids

• Kidding Around (West of Union Square)

  • Classic, jam-packed toy store with knowledgeable staff, large selection of Calico Critters, “NYC Bingo,” and age-appropriate suggestions.
  • “It is a classic toy store….They have a great New York City section. There is a New York City bingo set there that I have bought probably 10 times to give to a kid.” (Caroline, 03:20)

• Spiral Books (147 Sullivan St, Soho)

  • Newly opened indie children’s bookstore with a cozy nook for reading, thoughtful book selection, and non-toxic art supplies.
  • “It’s just nice to go into a store sometimes and just trust the good taste of the person who owns the store.” (Caroline, 05:06)

3. Teens & Tweens

• Centi Centi (Formerly "0035mm", Mott St.)

  • Asian skincare shop, especially popular with TikTok teens; broad range, staff help navigate “hot” trends.
  • "Teens love skincare...you can go there and find whatever, like, the hot Korean skincare from TikTok is.” (Caroline, 07:00)

• Mr. Throwback (437 E. 9th St.)

  • Vintage sports apparel and memorabilia for every team, organized by sport/team color, with friendly, enthusiastic owners.
  • "[It's] a quirky and cool vintage store...so no matter who you’re shopping for, you will find something really unique and cool that they can’t get at the stadium shop.” (Caroline, 08:31)

4. Work Spouse Gifts

• SOS Chefs (104 Ave B)

  • Importer and packager of international spices, specialty kitchen ingredients. Notable product: “Spice Paint” – spice mixes plus a paintbrush for easy flavoring at home.
  • “They import and repackage all sorts of spices and specialty provisions for your kitchen...they have a product called Spice Paint...comes with a paintbrush!” (Caroline, 09:55)

• Household by Nikki Kehoe (49 E. 10th St.)

  • High-design home goods store; practical, beautifully crafted gifts under $50, e.g., hand brooms, jar openers.
  • “It feels like you’re walking into the mudroom of your fanciest friend…but everything is extremely utilitarian.” (Caroline, 13:13)

5. Real Life Partners

• Poetry of Material Things (220 Columbus Ave.)

  • Welcoming, open jewelry store; original pieces from 24+ designers in a wide price range. Also sells household items.
  • “You feel very welcome when you go there. You don’t have everything hiding behind cases.” (Caroline, 15:16)

• Creel and Gow (131 E. 70th St.)

  • Unique, curiosity-driven shop with natural-historical artifacts, objects of wonder, and “silvered vegetables.”
  • “This store is full of curiosities…it’s almost like a little natural history museum.” (Caroline, 16:28)

6. Listener Picks – Memorable Moments

• Eat Gifts (1062 Madison Ave.)
  • “A treasure trove of a million little things and big things…from things you’d want to give new parents all the way up to adults and intellectuals.” (Eli, 10:53)
• Maison 10 (4 W. 29th St.)
  • 10 artists, 10 weeks, 10% to charity. “If you ask, they’ll give you a glass of wine between us.” (George, 12:17)
• Fred Wilson Chessbooks (41 Union Square West)
  • “Fred only sells chess books, just chess books. Very knowledgeable guy.” (Rita, 17:54)
• NiLu (191 Malcolm X Blvd.)
  • Harlem-owned shop specializing in author/artist gifts, particularly James Baldwin gear. (Serena, 18:32)
• Grandma’s Place (Harlem: Lenox & ~120th)
• John Derian (East 2nd Street, multiple storefronts)
  • Decoupage plates with old NYC maps, famed for holiday ornament store.
  • “I have a friend…they go there every year and each member of the family picks out one ornament at John Derian.” (Caroline, 19:55)
• Mast Books (72 Ave A.)
  • Art and culture bookstore with rare and out-of-print gems; perfect for creative/intellectual gifts.
  • “If you have a friend who’s an intellectual...this is a wonderful place where you can go and probably find something that they’re not going to find someplace else.” (Caroline, 21:18)

7. Home & Self Gifts

• Stel (Nolita; perfume boutique)

  • Perfume shop focused on indie brands. Clay chips for sampling scents.
  • “They spritz all of the perfumes on these little clay chips that retain the fragrance so well. It’s magic.” (Caroline, 24:24)

• Big Night (236 W. 10th St.)

  • Entertaining and tabletop store. Caroline’s self-gift: heavy, luxurious butter knife by Sabre ($28).
  • “I don’t need a fancy butter knife, but do I love using it every day? Absolutely.” (Caroline, 25:31)

8. Hot Shopping Streets & Borough Trends

• Upper East Side: Fashion getting a “glow up.” Old-school: Scully & Scully (est. 1935), lots of fine trinkets and heirlooms.
• Lower East Side: Orchard Street named one of the “coolest streets ever,” home to new indie fashion brands.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “Everything in the store is made within about 100 miles of New York City by an independently owned brand.” (Caroline, 01:31)
• “Teens love skincare...this is a great place to go if you just, even if you don’t know anything, you can go there and tell them ‘I’m shopping for a 14-year-old who is on TikTok.’” (Caroline, 07:00)
• “So no matter who you’re shopping for, where they live in the country, you will find something really unique and cool that they can’t get at the stadium shop.” (Caroline, 08:31)
• “It feels like you’re walking into the mudroom of your fanciest friend…but everything is extremely utilitarian.” (Caroline, 13:13)
• “If you want to just do some shopping, that’s a great block to go to.” (Caroline, 21:13)
• “I shop there often. And one thing that I bought myself a couple of years ago there that I think is the coolest, most frivolous little gift is the brand sabre. They make cutlery...and it’s $28. I don’t need a fancy butter knife, but do I love using it every day? Absolutely.” (Caroline, 25:31)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:31] – Introduction to The Locavore store
• [02:42] – Unique cyclist gift (Mugshot coffee cup valve caps)
• [03:20] – Kidding Around: NYC’s classic toy store
• [04:50] – Spiral Books: New children's bookstore
• [06:29] – Centi Centi: Asian skincare for teens
• [08:31] – Mr. Throwback: Vintage sports apparel
• [09:55] – SOS Chefs: Spices for the “work spouse”
• [13:13] – Nikki Kehoe: Utilitarian gifts for colleagues
• [15:16] – Poetry of Material Things: Jewelry/gifts for partners
• [16:28] – Creel and Gow: Museum-like curiosities
• [17:54] – Listener Rita: Fred Wilson Chessbooks
• [18:32] – Listener Serena: NiLu (Harlem shop)
• [19:55] – John Derian: Ornaments and decoupage plates for best friends
• [21:18] – Mast Books: Art/culture bookshop
• [24:24] – Stel: Independent perfume boutique
• [25:31] – Big Night: Self-gifting and the $28 butter knife
• [26:19] – Upper East/Lower East Side as hot shopping neighborhoods

Tone & Style

Warm, energetic, and playful. The exchange is fast-paced and full of personal anecdotes, practical tips, and a shared love for New York’s retail surprises. Caroline’s recommendations are knowledgeable yet approachable, emphasizing local pride, sustainability, and the joy of discovery.

For Shoppers & Locals Alike...

This episode doubles as both a holiday gift guide and a love letter to Manhattan’s creative retail culture. Listeners come away not only with specific store names and gift ideas but with a fresh appreciation for the city’s diversity, community spirit, and the special magic of supporting neighborhood businesses.