The WonderMart in Greenpoint highlights New York artisans with a shop devoted exclusively to locally made treasures.
On a quiet street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a passerby might stumble upon a storefront that feels more like a gallery of possibility than a gift shop. Sunlight pours across shelves lined with hand-poured candles, colorful art prints, and one-of-a-kind ceramics. For owner and curator Perri Salka, this is more than retail. It is a mission to showcase the creative lifeblood of New York State.
The WonderMart began as an idea rooted in community and grew into a neighborhood treasure where craft meets connection. From its inception, Salka knew she wanted a store that carried more meaning than merchandise. “We are one of the few shops in New York City that exclusively carries products made or designed by independent brands from across New York State,” she explained. It is a rule she enforces with unwavering commitment. Every piece tells a local story, every product links to a maker’s hands, and every purchase strengthens the fabric of a creative economy.
Building a Platform for Makers
Launching The WonderMart was not without challenge. Stocking only small-batch, locally made goods required Salka to forge relationships with more than two hundred independent brands, hobbyists, and established makers. Unlike traditional shops that mix local products with mass-produced imports, she chose the harder path. The reward, however, has been clear: a shop filled with products that radiate individuality and authenticity.
Visitors often remark on the sense of discovery inside the shop. Each corner holds something unexpected, a detail that feels personal. A hand-poured candle becomes more than a gift; it becomes a conversation with the maker who designed it. A ceramic mug is no longer an object but a story baked in clay. This connection transforms shopping into a community experience.
Standing Apart in a Crowded City
In a metropolis overflowing with retail, The WonderMart stands apart by insisting on a single guiding principle. Every product must be made or designed in New York State. No exceptions. This clarity of vision sets the store apart from other boutiques that blend local with imported. Shoppers know that when they walk into The WonderMart, they are supporting their neighbors, their city, and their state.
This difference has made the shop a blueprint for what community-driven retail can look like. Salka hopes other business owners take note of the benefits of spotlighting local makers. “It is a labor of love to solely stock small batch locally made goods, and we make it look easy,” she said. The approach challenges the idea that retail must be profit-focused above all else. Instead, The WonderMart proves that building an ecosystem of creativity can be both sustainable and inspiring.
More Than Just a Shop
Beyond its curated shelves, The WonderMart serves as a platform. By giving hobbyists and part-time creators the same visibility as established indie brands, Salka opens doors to audiences that makers may not otherwise reach. For some, the shop is their first opportunity to sell in a physical retail space. For others, it becomes a launchpad for scaling a growing brand.
Customers can sense this deeper purpose when they walk through the doors. They are not just buying gifts; they are engaging with a movement that values authenticity, creativity, and local pride. The atmosphere is welcoming, bright, and designed to spark joy. Even for those who claim they “have everything,” there is always something unexpected waiting in the next nook.
Experience the Wonder
For Brooklyn residents and visitors alike, The WonderMart is more than a store; it is a celebration of local artistry. By choosing to shop here, every purchase supports the work of New York makers while giving shoppers the satisfaction of discovering something rare and meaningful.
To explore The WonderMart and its collection of handcrafted treasures, visit thewondermart.shop or stop by their flagship location in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. For behind-the-scenes glimpses and the latest arrivals, follow @shop_thewondermart on Instagram. Reviews and customer experiences can also be found on Google Reviews.
At The WonderMart, every item has a story, and every story begins in New York. Step inside, and experience the wonder for yourself.
