Red Pearl

I hardly come to Williamsburg so when I’m in the area, I always look forward to checking out the local indie shops. Red Pearl is one of those unique gift shops where they sell everything from clothes to DIY sets. Knowing me, I’m a sucker for cute, innovative, but useless things. Like do I really need a chalkboard pallet? No, but I think it will look cool to have in my kitchen so I can write my recipes. But do I even cook? Nope. While the store is not that big, they have a whole range of curated products for you to peruse. It’s perfect for those who live in the neighborhood and need to shop for a unique gift.

It’s a decent card & gift store for the neighborhood with some unique merchandise. Unfortunately, the service is lacking. The associate working could barely grunt a «thank you» for me making a purchase; the do-​it-​yourself registers at CVS are more friendly.

Don’t worry about putting your name or address on the window or anything… you wouldn’t want anyone to actually know where your store is. That might be good for business?
Oh, the name and address are stenciled on the wall that faces the door, which you can’t see when the door is propped open and even if it wasn’t, it’s not facing the street? Oh, that’s fine… great business plan there.
Oh, it’s too much of an effort to stop leaning on the counter when someone comes into your empty store? Well, I knew you weren’t a mannequin because you were able to roll your eyes at me as I walked in. But, seriously, good job. I think most customers want to feel like they’re really putting you out just by walking in the door.
Whoever manages this store should write a book on succeeding in retail… don’t promote your store, make sure it’s challenging to find (although only one store on that whole strip has their address on their window and/​or awning) and definitely hire people who give their customers attitude over customer service. You’ll have a line out the door… I can’t wait to go back! Or maybe I’ll just stick a red hot poker in my eye instead… probably about as enjoyable as shopping here.
I did like the card I purchased, though. Just didn’t like the experience of buying it.

I could drop some serious cash in this store! I like their taste. I like the soaps, candles, books, decorative items, jewelry, cards. If you’re in the area, red pearl is a must stop!

Small but cute collection of letter press cards. Nice collection of bath products like salts, toner, and wash. Nice to find a place where you can get something not too williamsburgy in williamsburg.

I love this store! It’s so adorable and well curated, and you can go in to browse without feeling any pressure. It’s always one of my first stops when looking for a gift for my girlfriends, sister, mother-​in-​law, etc. They have a wide range of splurge-​y gifts that women wouldn’t usually buy for themselves: luxurious lotions and soaps, unique jewelry and fun gift sets (i.e. teas, gardening, etc.) They’ve also got a great selection of greeting cards and cute clothing from small designers as well.

another cool shop to check out if you’re in the area, they have so many random stuff you can look at and the people working there are really friendly!

Stores like this are great for when you have to get a «normal person» a nice gift. I love my relatives, but they don’t collect records, they’re not snappy dressers… they’re just… relatives.
So I got two tiny adorable mushroom Christmas ornaments. The woman working at the counter was so super sweet about packaging them in bubble wrap and finding the right size box for them. She even offered me another box for the felt whale I got to be sure it would stay safe. I could have taken them dogsledding probably (or just to the Night Bazaar, equally perilous) because she did a great job.

Cute clothes, accessories & gifts! I love neighborhood gift shops like the Red Pearl because no one store is ever the same and each one showcases the owner’s unique tastes. Although I rarely buy things for myself from shops such as these, I do love visiting them to buy whimsical gifts for the women in my life. Fancy perfumed soaps and beautiful candles are like mini-​vacations you get to enjoy every single day. The aroma of pretty things often help me to get out of my rut or help me forget the bad mood I let myself fall into. I’m sure this shop gets very busy during the holiday season!

Red Pearl is one of those strange stores that don’t really specialize in one thing. They have stationary stuff, candles, eco-​friendly bags, shirts, and some socks/tights…and not much of a variety of those items either.
They do have cute socks and tights, but nothing that I was interested in. If they got some socks and tights in wacky bright colors, I’d start shopping here.

$ 90 for a pilled, «pre-​softened,» oversized white v-​neck t-​shirt?
I have one of those in my closet right now – at least when my boyfriend f*ck3d me, I got a good night kiss with the shirt.
This place needs to get over itself. Candles and jacked-​up prices on boring clothes? It’s like stepping into Hoboken.

I always have fun nosing around in here, for goodies for myself or friends. It’s really a good place for unique gifts. Probably it’s most useful function. If I want a last minute but really cute gift, I can probably find it in here. Good selection of yummy candles and other smelly items. Very overpriced however.
I don’t understand why they bother with selling clothing here. I don’t get it. It’s a kitch-​gift shop that randomly sells overpriced lingerie and dresses in the back. They would do better to eliminate their overpriced clothes and add more fun gifty items. That’s my professional opinion.
Interesting selection of jewelry and handbags and candles and things of that nature. I just wish it wasn’t laughably expensive.

Great jewelry and beautiful clothing. Good spot when you need to get a gift for someone. New baby, house warming, or just a dope birthday card — its all there.

I’ve been a fan of this shop for years. As the neighborhood has changed, they’ve always stayed on top of what the people want… everything from cute cards and paper, decorative housewares, to gorgeous cashmere sweaters. They always have an excellent selection of accessories in all price ranges too. Ooh, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Love it!

good service; kinda expensive products, but i managed to negotiate a discount on the handbag i bought. $ 65 to $ 50
yay

First off, I’ll admit to never having shopped here, so I’ll start with this disclaimer. Only to provide moral support to a friend who wanted to return an item.
I’ve passed the store many times, as it’s on my usual Bedford strut, and have always wanted to come in. From a moment’s glance, the items are cute, trendy, pretty, and desirable — just the type of boutique that makes a girl happy. But their poor customer service left me cold and I’ll take my business elsewhere.
My friend wanted to return a purse — $ 177 — not like a pair of $ 10 socks — but it was apparently against their «all sales final» policy. While that type of policy is standard, it was very poorly marked in the store and not on the receipt. Any other shop bearing that mandate will have it very clearly posted, not obscured, print on the receipt and tell you when they ring you up. If they won’t provide a refund, store credit, or even a discount would be the right thing to do in the name of customer service. Especially in this economy. And when you’re the owner, you’re pretty much entitled to do what you want, not just stand there with your arms crossed and repeatedly say «it’s our policy.» Even in high school when I worked retail, the first rule was «the customer is always right.» And my friend made it very clear she still wanted to shop there, had been happy before, but wanted to return this item, which was in pristine condition. She was not bullying or harassing in any way. Seriously, in my 5 months in New York, I’ve seen people act like assholes to get their way, and this was not the case.
I’m not out to destroy anyone’s business or livelihood, especially a female-​owned, nonchain, small shop. But when money is so tight, consumers have to really stand up for their rights.

Where is the incentive to buy from cute Bedford Ave. boutiques?
I had a pretty great experience here… originally. I spent a fair chunk of my non-​profit monkey, recession-​time money here on a desperately needed new purse and a necklace that I fell in love with.
I love the necklace but, my fiancé absolutely vetoed the purse. Admittedly a yellow handbag may be too bold for Manhattan not for profits.
So…a few days later, I went back to Red Pearl to return (or exchange) the purse.
NO WHERE DID IT SAY SALE ITEMS ARE FINAL ON MY RECEIPT.
IT DOES NOT SAY THAT SALE ITEMS ARE FINAL ON THE POSTED RETURN POLICY ON THE WALL!
ONE OF THE SALES CLERKS COMES OUT FROM BEHIND COUNTER, MOVES A BOX TO SHOW ME THE «ALL SALE ITEMS ARE FINAL» SIGN.
(so the fact that their merchandising covered the sign means I’m out $ 177? How is that right?)
ANOTHER THING… WHAT’S SO JANKY ABOUT THESE SALE ITEMS THAT RED PEARL HAS TO PLAY «TAP-​TAP-​NO-​TAKE-​BACK» ???
Doesn’t that seem DODGY???
The sales girls seemed genuinely sad that they didn’t have authority to do a return or exchange, but the owner left a voice mail sounding totally resolute with no care or recognition that I like her store but they were in the wrong for not making the policy known. The end.
After this kind of experience, WHY would I shop at a boutique when I can go to Macy’s,
~receive warranties on my high-​end hand bags,
~return with a receipt,
~and spend less in mark-​ups?
Seriously. If I’m treated like shit by the under dog why support them? I think I’m gonn go to Borders today too!
I’ll call the owner again so wait for an update but, honestly-​I hope you all will visit me on Bedford when I protest in front of the store if things don’t go well.

Red Pearl is a wonderful little shop on the hippest stretch of Williamsburg called Bedford Ave. It’s a mere block from the Bedford subway station so it’s very easy to get there. Along with Buffalo Exchange, Beacon’s, Catbird, and Pema, it’s always on my list of places to go when I’m shopping in the area.
They have lots of great gift ideas like scented candles, lotions, and soaps, as well as tons of cute wrapping papers, gift bags, ribbons, and cards. Their packs of thank-​you notes are adorable and also make a good gift or to send out after YOU are given gifts.
I love their selection of unmentionables, although I will mention them here: panties, bras, camisoles, tights, stockings abound. They sell the best brand ever, Hanky Panky, along with several other slinky/​comfy undergarments.
The have a great jewelry selection, and also loads of super cute hats by local designers as well as some more low-​key (translation: cheaper) pieces. Speaking of prices, their clothing price tags are a bit over the top. They often have sales however, and that is where I focus my energy in there. Sorry Red Pearl, but I just don’t drop $ 300 on a simple jersey dress when I can get a very similar version at Forever 21 for $ 14.99. It just ain’t happening.
That being said, I still shop there regularly and suggest that you do the same. Retail therapy, anyone?

I stumbled upon Red Pearl on my way from my friend’s apartment. The cute aprons and interesting candles drew me in. However, my random browsing for a birthday gift quickly changed to jewelry shopping for myself!
Red Pearl sells Andrew Hamilton Crawford’s jewelry!!! I absolutely love his work. I couldn’t resist and I bought the most interesting little boy Buddha ring. I will definitely be back for earrings and a necklace. I always browse AHC’s stuff online but now I know where to check out his latest creations!
Thanks Red Pearl! You definitely made my weekend! :)

I’m pretty sure most things in here are overpriced in the manner of fashionable boutiques everywhere. (Well, that and I’m also broke which makes everything seem more pricey, too.)
Still, it’s quite charming and has a bunch of lovely things, from baby things to naughty unmentionables, from frocks to a plethora of knickknacks. I bought my friend some bear-​shaped salt and pepper shakers that were reasonably-​priced, and I bought myself a pair of the World’s Greatest Tights™ that luckily lived up to the hype. At $ 22 a pair, they ought to, but it can be hard to tell without wearing them first. I can happily report that I wore them all night, felt warm AND fashionable, and now aspire to someday have enough disposable income so I can buy those tights with impunity.