Retail’s the game

New York

October 16, 2011|By Christopher Muther, Globe Staff

It was difficult to hide my shock and disdain. In the middle of Manhattan, I asked my friend Laura the innocuous question, “Where do you want to go shopping?’’ Here’s a savvy, fun friend certain to be ready for a retail adventure, I thought.

“Well, I really want to go to the M&M’s store in Times Square,’’ she said slowly as she carefully weighed her options. “I know they also have a huge Sephora there as well.’’

I didn’t intend to yell - we were standing on a sidewalk in Hell’s Kitchen - but I couldn’t help myself.

“I can get M&M’s from the vending machine at work! That’s really where you want to go?’’ I barked. Then I realized that at one time I was also intimidated by the thought of leaving the familiarity of Midtown to visit any of the thousands of independent boutiques in what I then considered the exotic boroughs. Multiple trips and tasteful (and not so tasteful) New York friends have since steered me in new directions.

I felt obligated to help Laura (last name withheld to protect her dwindling reputation). After stopping at a convenience store to buy her a bag of M&M’s (I have some compassion), I dragged her around Manhattan and Brooklyn on a very muggy Saturday afternoon, making our way into retail-heavy neighborhoods. Eventually our tired feet forced us to stop, so I compiled a list of shops for Laura for future trips, relying on advice from friends, particularly the suggestions of my shopaholic friend Peter Reyes.

What follows is a highly subjective selection of favorites heavily skewed to my tastes (so no “You left out …’’ e-mails). But I am always open to suggestions - as long as they don’t include M&M’s.

FOOD

Chelsea Market This space that once held the National Biscuit Company is now a shopping mall for foodies. Despite the recent addition of Anthropologie, most of the businesses here are independent and feature everything from a lobster takeout shop to a lunch counter that specializes in milk. The danger zone is a string of bakeries on the first floor. The High Line is nearby and an ideal spot to enjoy your caloric treats. 75 9th Ave., 212-243-6005, www.chelseamarket.com

Bedford Cheese Shop This petite grocer is worth a visit for the smell alone, a lovely olfactory assault of perfectly curated cheeses. Regional and artisan cheeses include Blauschimmel, a German blue cheese, and Chabichou, a French goat cheese. For those who lack an appreciation for moldy milk, the store also sells a surprising number of non-cheese items, such as international sweets. There is no way to leave this store without buying something. 229 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, 888-484-3243, www.bedfordcheeseshop.com