The best independent shops for global gear in NYC

Kiosk

Pearl River Mart
This massive Chinese department store was a pioneer in Sino-American trade. Thirty years later, its three floors, crammed with everything from sturdy woks ($10.50) and ceramic sake sets (starting at $14.50) to colorful paper lanterns (from $5) and brocade satin slippers ($13.50), includes nearly every Chinatown ware you can imagine under one 30,000-square-foot Soho roof. Hunting through mounds of origami paper and mini jade statues can be a time-suck, so fuel up on lychee candy and crystal ginger slices (yep, they sell those, too). 477 Broadway between Broome and Grand Sts (800-878-2446, pearlriver.com)

Layla
Owner Alayne Patrick introduces Brooklyn to the charms of Bombay with her bright, airy store specializing in artisan-created Indian items she picks up on frequent buying trips abroad. In addition to Kashmiri pashminas ($250–$1,500), hand-loomed towels and table linens (towels $5–$55; tablecloths $45–$175) and antique jewelry in 18- and 24-karat gold ($250 and up), Patrick sells her own label of breezy tunics and dresses in exotic prints. Even if your budget’s tight, there’s always room to scoop up $3 glass bangles. 86 Hoyt St between Atlantic and State Sts, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-222-1933, layla-bklyn.com)

Amaridian
If you’ve ever coveted the African sculptures on display at the Met, this Soho gallery space, where sub-Saharan art meets commerce, is for you. South African owners Mary Slack and Fraser Conlon curate a rotating stock of ceramic pots (from $45), vases (from $95) and handwoven palm baskets (from $35) made by artists who hail from throughout the continent. Though an elaborate mud chandelier fashioned from thousands of hand-rolled, kiln-fired clay beads doesn’t come cheap (starting at $2,500), it’s still nice to know it could be yours, in theory at least. 31 Howard St at Crosby St (917-463-3719, amaridianusa.com)

Seasons International
Proving Japanese shopping needn’t be limited to kitschy Sanrio merch and manga toys, interior designer Shizuko Ikagawa’s Soho shop deals in 19th-century Japanese furniture (handsome wood armoires from $1,000 to $3,000) and modern home decor ($15 ornate lacquered chopsticks, $80 funky-shaped flower vases). Practical minimalists might prefer the multipurpose sumi charcoal ($10 for a quarter pound), used for water filtration, gardening and absorbing offensive odors. 115 Crosby St between EHouston and Prince Sts (212-226-0797, seasonsintl.com)

Scandinavian Grace
Proprietors Fredrik Larsson and James Anthony are bent on introducing lesser-known designers from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland to those who enter this well-edited, U-shaped showroom of all things home-related. Items range from the practical (sleek glassware, $26–$60 for a set of two) to ingenious (a removable bike basket with a shoulder strap, $65) to downright absurd: A handmade twosome blanket ($520) and a full-body wool “seal pelt” ($530) put even the Snuggie to shame. 167 North 9th St at Bedford Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-384-7886, scandinaviangrace.com)

Huitzilli
TONY Discount! Since spring break in Cancún is not looking likely this year, pick up a souvenir from owner Emily Cantrell’s travels to Mexico instead. Cantrell sources intricate silver jewelry ($20–$200), Mexican wedding shirts and peasant dresses ($54–$98), leather sandals ($25) and popular lucha libre masks ($15–$45) direct from individual artisans. Everything’s handmade and comes with a card detailing the who, where and how of its creation. Beats the hell out of a shot glass. Mention TONY and get 15 percent off a purchase of $20 or more through May. 624 Metropolitan Ave between Leonard and Lorimer Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-701-3195, huitzilli.com)

Opening Ceremony
Consider owners Carol Lim and Humberto Leon the sartorial version of a cultural attaché: Each year, the inventory at their chandelier-bedecked store changes to highlight a different country, with items they’ve personally plucked from foreign racks. Currently, it’s Japan. To cover all the bases, they select pieces from an established designer (in this case, a collaboration with Sanrio) and from several emerging ones, plus a few unique vintage and flea market finds. 35 Howard St between Broadway and Lafayette St (212-219-2688, openingceremony.us)

Kiosk
Follow the pink neon sign up a flight of stairs to find this veritable museum of eccentricities from all corners of the globe, one country at a time. Right now, it’s our own great nation in the limelight, but there’s a perpetual stock of affordable trinkets from past exhibits (it changes every few months), so you can still pick up Swedish lottery tickets ($23), German chalk ($12) and French metal stencils ($16) for that friend who has everything. 95 Spring St between Broadway and Mercer St (212-226-8601, kioskkiosk.com)

Mastihashop
TONY Discount! Talk about specializing: Not only does this mod apothecary solely carry goods from the Greek isle of Chios, it deals primarily in those spiked with the rare tree resin mastiha. Sisters Artemis and Kalliopi Kohas, whose ancestral roots stem from the island, work with a co-op in Greece to create a range of products that seize upon the herbal sap’s therapeutic qualities, like toothpaste ($10.75) and rose petal gum ($2.50) to combat halitosis and gingivitis; eggplant and leek chutney ($14) for aiding digestion; and shampoo ($17) and shower gel ($15.50) that strengthen hair and regenerate skin. Get a free gift with a purchase of $10 or more through the end of the month by mentioning TONY. 145 Orchard St at Rivington St (212-253-0895, mastihashopny.com)

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Shopping guide '09
Best independent shops Forget chain stores. It's the little guys we're loving right now.