This mysterious shop—where you can buy such novelties as capes, X-ray goggles and gallon tins of immortality—is actually a front (and money earner) for the nonprofit 826NYC, a kids’ writing, tutoring and publishing center (a chapter of the San Francisco outfit founded by novelist Dave Eggers). Hidden behind a concealed door, your antigravity elixir and sidekick cape are waiting.
There are plenty of reasons why New York is the greatest city in the world and Gotham’s kick-ass retail scene is totally one of them. Some of the best shops in NYC come equipped with coffeeshops, serve complimentary booze or provide personal-shopping assistance, which is great (obviously). But do you want to know our favorite thing about shopping in New York? Stumbling upon off-the-wall boutiques and gift shops selling kooky merchandise and maybe even doubling as party venues. So if you're looking to fly your freak flag, find that magical piece of merch, or just looking for an out-of-the-norm shopping experience—welcome.