Before the impending L train shutdown put the lid on Williamsburg’s tourist crowds, the sidewalks of Bedford Avenue were bustling with foreign shoppers intent on snapping-up a retail slice of the neighborhood’s iconic hipster cool. Now, the steady stream of Airbnb-ers gracing the streets are less likely to open their wallets, but window shopping remains on every Brooklyn travel guide to-do list. One standout is hidden gem Catbird, a tiny alcove jewel box featuring one-of-a-kind designs that sees thousands of visitors pass through its doors each week. Featuring its trademark fine necklaces, rings and bracelets stacked in vintage, Victorian-inspired display cases throughout, the store has benefited from the Williamsburg explosion, with shoppers keen to be seen enjoying brunch after a quick visit with one of Catbird’s iconic white and black bags. For the engaged, the store has a separate wedding annex, which welcomes walk-ins and appointments to view the dedicated wedding and engagement collections. Designed and made in the retailer’s Brooklyn studio using ethically sourced materials and conflict-free stones, locals appreciate the focus on sustainability. Founded by Rony Vardi in 2004, the store has evolved to include handmade women’s clothing, a beauty section and cute gift cards, the studio-sized store resembles the overstuffed closet of the indie girl of your dreams. Be sure to take home one of the brand’s knuckle rings, a trend which helped propel the store’s meteoric rise on the map.
