Grove NYC
Originally Published June 9, 2008 on New2NYC.org
Even if you've only been in New York City for a short time, there are things that will quickly become obvious to you: Houston Street sounds nothing like a city in Texas, it's easier to find a pedicure than a public bathroom, and the new always replaces the old. Down goes one old run down tenement, and up goes a new fangled glass high rise. A tired restaurant is turned into the newest thing, and a store that's past its prime is replaced with a newer, more fabulous one. Such is the case with Grove, New York (212.673.8300), a newfound pearl located in the West Village, just south of the Meat Packing District. The store is best described as a "casual chic" shopping experience - this is an ideal store for gifts, home décor, and unique items for the kitchen.
Grove, New York brings sophistication to a space that had formerly served more as a pack rat's guilty pleasure. Previously, the space had been home to Peanut Butter and Jane -a random store known best for the creepy life-size child mannequin that the storeowners dressed-up according to the weather.
To get a sense of what Grove, New York is all about, start with a novel idea - throw pillows made from vintage scarves. If there's a scarf that you've always loved, simply bring it to the store. The staff will work with you to create a one-of-a-kind pillow with trimming and backing of your choice.
Among the many unique gifts at Grove, New York is a varied assortment of coffee table and lifestyle books, including a book on handbags shaped like a handbag with a handle designed into the book. They carry a full line of products by Dransfield and Ross, a New York-based home furnishing company known for its assortment of tabletop, desk and bathroom products. Among the collection offered at Grove, New York are wave edge napkins with distinctive blends of textures and colors, and "nail head"desktop and bathroom accessories collections.
For entertaining, Grove, New York provides a wide selection of products from Lunares Home, including an adorable pea pod inspired serving dish, angel wing platters, and silver "Chinese take out box" complete with chopsticks. Another favorite is the Winged Pig Coin Bank-for those who thought they would only have a savings when pigs fly. For glass and crystal lovers, Grove carries a large assortment of Juliska glassware's, including bowls, cocktail glasses, pitchers, dishes and even hanging pendant lamps.
Proprietor Sarah Tallman has brought her years of experience in both floral design and fragrance development to Grove, New York in the form of two special touches. The first is the "Flower Bar"-a section of the store where you can select from an assortment of seasonal bouquets and freshly cut flowers. The staff will prepare your flowers for take-away or for delivery within New York. Her second touch is the development of a wonderful signature scent, which she created exclusively for the store. It is available as a soy candle, as well as soaps, lotions, and mists.
Grove, New York is located at 617 Hudson Street, between Jane Street and West 12th Street. They are open seven days a week: Monday thru Wednesday 11 to 7, Thursday 11 to 8, Friday 11 to 7, Saturday 10 to 6, and Sunday 12 to 5.