Brooklyn-centric shop opens tomorrow

By Meredith Deliso

Attention, local shoppers: your one-stop-shop for all your Brooklyn product needs is almost here.

By Brooklyn, a new boutique opening in the old Stinky Brooklyn location on Smith Street this Saturday, has one rule — if it’s made in Brooklyn, it’s for sale.

“People are so ‘rah-rah Brooklyn’ now,” said Cobble Hill resident Gaia DiLoreto, who was inspired to hop abroad the Brooklyn bandwagon after getting frustrated that she couldn’t find all the things she loved in one convenient place.

So, By Brooklyn will feature all her favorite Brooklyn-made goodies, from stationery to T-shirts to jewelry to lotions, including Goldie’s Soap, which makes its products using lard from the Meat Hook. On the food front, there will be Early Bird Granola, jam from Anarchy in a Jar, and pickles from Sour Puss Pickles and, eventually, Brooklyn Brine (pictured).

Vendors, for their part, are excited to join the borough-centric venture.

“I’ve met many customers over the years who would love to buy more locally made products,” said MaryAnne LoVerme of Wabisabi Brooklyn, who will be selling her decoupage jewelry (pictured) at the store. “Being a Brooklyn native myself, I beam with pride at the thought of being able to shop in an all Kings County-made venue right here in my neighborhood!”

Not only are items made here, they often take inspiration from its environs. Take, for instance, pint glasses stamped with such iconic Brooklyn images as the Brooklyn Bridge and Cyclone from Smith Street’s Brooklyn Tattoo, and quilts from Atlantic Avenue’s Melting Pot that feature a map of the borough.

“I buy it for all my friends who have babies,” said DiLoreto.

In addition to featuring local vendors, it was important to DiLoreto that the offerings span the spectrum from old school to new. To that end, the shop will have Manhattan Special Soda, which has been making its espresso coffee soda in the borough for more than 100 years, next to Fresh Ginger Ginger Ale by Bruce Cost, the new kid on the block.

“Brooklyn has a great manufacturing history — the first pasta factory was in DUMBO — and a lot is still made here,” said DiLoreto. “It’s something to be celebrated.”

By Brooklyn (261 Smith St. near Degraw Street in Cobble Hill, no phone), opening April 30 at 11 am. For info, visit www.bybrooklyn.com.