For over 30 years a trip to New York City would not be complete without visiting Pearl River Mart in SoHo (477 Broadway, NYC, between Broome St. & Grand St., 800-878-2446). According to their brochure, Pearl River is:

“New York’s most celebrated Chinese-American department store….Pearl River features a staggering assortment of traditional products from across Asia including Chinese fashion…, Japanese ceramics, Chinese cookware, ornamental lighting … and much, much more. With over 30,000 square feet of items flowing across three giant floors, Pearl River invites urban trekkers into the heart of the Far East…[to visit] a New York cultural institution. (Pearl River brochure)”

The store has a large selection of Chinese fashion including: Kung Fu & Tai Chi clothing, ladies dresses, children’s clothes, Kung Fu & Tai Chi shoes, scholars robes, tailored suits, Japanese kimonos, embroidered slippers etc…

They also have a large assortment of tea sets, sake sets, Chinese and Japanese bowls, woks, as well as snacks which come in handy walking NY’s streets. What Pearl River lacks in food (this is not a grocery store or restaurant), they more than make up for in authentic Chinese clothing and merchandise.

The upstairs tea bar serves more than 100 varieties of loose leaf tea from China, Japan and South Asia, which can be purchased by the pot or the pound. There is a lovely seating area where you can sip handpicked tea while watching the shoppers below. They periodically offer tea ceremony demonstrations and are more than willing to answer any questions you may have regarding tea. Keep in mind that the prices may be more than you are use to since the quality of the tea offered at Pearl River is much higher than you would typically find in a grocery store, even in an Asian grocery store.

“Best value for anyone wanting to experience NYC on a budget. (Today Show)”

“New Yorker’s secret of affordable Asian goods now has a SoHo address. (House & Garden Magazine)”

“Pearl River … has long been considered a hidden gem by fashionistas and others in search of everything from affordable silk jackets to hand-painted dinnerware. (Crain’s New York Business)”

For those unable to travel to New York City, or for those who can’t get enough of Pearl River, you can enjoy the store via www.PearlRiver.com which offers many of the items from the store. A tip regarding the website: if you do not see an item listed, then call the store directly rather than assuming they do not carry it.

Also, if you are ordering clothes, the sizes listed are Chinese sizes and usually are one size smaller than many people would usually purchase. The staff provide excellent customer service, even over the phone, with ensuring the proper sizes are ordered, they will even walk you through the method of measuring someone for their shirt or jacket size etc…

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