This walk through parts of Soho and Little Italy highlights independent storefront businesses. The beloved neighborhood shop is becoming increasingly difficult to financially sustain, especially in neighborhoods like Soho and its surroundings where rents for a 350 – 500 sq ft space can cost $6,500 to $11,000 per month. Through my reporting for publications and my newsletter, NYC’s Mercantile Mayhem, I have found several independent shops that manage to stay afloat, but only through creative business models. We will visit both new and old school indy shops, with several brief store visits and histories given by the owners. Stores on the walk include: Pearl River Mart, Piemonte Ravioli, Di Palo’s Fine Foods, The Goods Mart, Champion Pizza, GEM Home, Kolkata Chai, among others.
Accessibility
There are many subways stops nearby: the Spring Street stop on the 6 is the closest. There are also multiple subway lines at the Broadway Lafayette stop (two blocks away) like the F and the R stops at Prince Street, also about two blocks away. There is a Citibike rack at Petrosino Square. We will be walking on sidewalks, crossing streets and dipping into stores. Wheelchairs are welcome and if there is a spot without a ramp, or access, we will make it work.
Location Information
RSVP is required and capacity is limited. Meeting location, ending location, and directions will be provided via email before walk date.
guided
Saturday, May 3, 202511:00 AM
1 hour
Borough: Manhattan
Theme: Advocacy, Food & Entertainment, History & Culture
Language: English
