Shop 43

«Antique store» is the wrong label. The right one is, «Purveyor of myriad things Alex wants to buy RIGHT NOW.»
A month back, I first discovered Shop 43 when I spotted a black and white bar stool and table combo that I immediately began slobbering over. I thought, «This is perfect for my new flat,» and immediately began telling friends and loved ones about its place in my space. Well, by the time I went in to buy it, it was gone. Sigh. Well, I did find something today, a little mid-​century modern night table in a shocking aqua blue… and at a fantastic price!
Their inventory is largely mid-​century modern, either vintage or rehabbed. It’s hip. Er… sorry, it is hipsterish. Er… to clarify, the types of items you will find here are the types of items you would see in the dingy flat of some trust fund brat living on Bedford near North 8^th or 9^th. To clarify, I’m speaking of a good assortment of bold colors and designs and far less of the plague of dark leather and wood that afflicts offerings at Ashley Furniture.
The couple who own it, run it are very low key but friendly and non-​pushy for «antique» dealers. Their attitude for me is a refreshing change versus the folks who will try to hawk crap while trying to upsell you a la «Deal or No Deal.» I was in and out of the shop several times a week for a month much to the owners’ consternation, I’m sure, without ever purchasing a thing. They never lost patience with me… as so many others would have in their situation.
Prices are quite competitive versus the Elmwood/​Hertel crowd while offering, in my view at least, far more desirable products. The only competition I can see in their product range is Off the Wall Emporium, but the differences in price are night and day. Shop 43 offers far better prices, sometimes even boasts, «Make me an offer» on inventory they are trying to clear.
So in need of some furniture? My suggestion would be to walk, run, bike, bus, or drive down to 43 Allen. If your sensibilities run as mine do, you won’t be disappointed.
Daily hours now extend till 7.00.
Credit accepted.