Best use of a small space

These shops make a little storefront go a long way.

By Leah Faye Cooper Mon Apr 11 2011

Best new indie shops 2011

  • Photograph: courtesy of Occulter

    Occulter

    Occulter

  • Photograph: courtesy of Occulter

    Books at Occulter

    Books at Occulter

  • Photograph: courtesy of Occulter

    Black Sheep & Prodigal Son by Derrick R. Cruz silver hexagonal ring, $130, at...

    Black Sheep & Prodigal Son by Derrick R. Cruz silver hexagonal ring, $130, at Occulter

  • Photograph: Juliana Sohn

    Monocle Shop

    Monocle Shop

  • Photograph: Juliana Sohn

    Travel wares at Monocle Shop

    Travel wares at Monocle Shop

  • Brandbook.de linen-bound notebook, $35, at Monocle Shop

    Brandbook.de linen-bound notebook, $35, at Monocle Shop

Photograph: courtesy of Occulter

Occulter

Occulter

Winner: Occulter
A small slice of the Lower East Side was all Derrick R. Cruz needed to present his Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons brand of accessories and art objects to the masses: The space may resemble the narrowest of hallways, but it's just big enough for Occulter's selection of jewelry, books and indie records. Try on the silver hexagon rings ($130) or pony up for one-of-a-kind necklaces made from honeycomb cast in gold ($1,500). Owning such treasures might take the help of a financial planner, but Occulter doesn't skimp on affordable goods. Pick up classics like T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land and Other Poems or Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis ($33), which come bound and sealed in rubber and are opened with a rip cord. 83 Orchard St between Broome and Grand Sts (917-769-2220, occulter.org)

Runner-up: Monocle Shop
For its miniature size (a mere 188 square feet), this storefront carries a surprisingly diverse assortment of items, from clothing and housewares to fragrances and stationery. Launched by the namesake international global-affairs, culture and style magazine, Monocle hawks eclectic merch including Brandbook.de linen-bound notebooks ($35) and Aspesi nylon swim trunks ($160). Travel totes from Bag 'n' Noun ($185) are apt to inspire serious wanderlust—don't say we didn't warn you. 535 Hudson St at Charles St (212-229-1120, shop.monocle.com)

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