If ever there was doubt that Brooklyn is a brand, look no further than By Brooklyn, the new store on Smith Street showcasing all things “Brooklyn.” There’s no shortage of Brooklyn-made pickles, jams, shirts or jewelry in the shop recently opened by Gaia DiLoreto at 261 Smith Street in the old Stinky Bklyn location (Stinky is now at 215 Smith Street).
DiLoreto stocks goods made in, or by, Brooklyn artisans. The 500-square-foot space covers the gamut — books, cards, dinner plates, ties, onesies, kale chips, chocolates–the list is as varied as the borough.
Though non-food goods currently dominate the shelves, DiLoreto says that her immersion in the Brooklyn foodie scene was what sparked the idea for the store. Since opening, DiLoreto says she’s had many budding Brooklyn entrepreneurs contact her—including a fish sauce maker from Brooklyn Heights (who knew?).
DiLoreto knows many of the vendors whose goods line the shelves, and when pressed, would only confess to one favorite: Liddabit Sweets’ sea salt caramels ($1 a piece).
What makes By Brooklyn stand out from the competition is that DiLorento is working to source different products than the ones often seen. Instead of Mast Brothers Chocolate, she stocks Fine & Raw; instead of McClure’s Pickles, it’s Sour Puss Pickles. But many standards—like the Frankies Sputino cookbook—are here, too.
Some of the wares are even a little saucy. Metal Taboo necklaces stamped with explicative phrases and adult-themed books are displayed, as well as the requisite Mo Willems pigeon books.
DiLoreto says she plans to use the expansive backyard for events, such as jewelry trunk shows or vendor meet-and-greets.
By Brooklyn
261 Smith Street
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 643-0606
Monday –Thursday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
