Plum's new sister store Pear reveals some fruitful—and affordable—footwear options on Ludlow Street. By Loryn Hatch
Two years ago, Plum opened its doors to Lower East Side shoppers with a fresh selection of up-and-coming designers showcased in a cozy, Victorian-style parlor. To mark their recent November anniversary, co-owners Jackie Atkins and Jeannie Goldman branched out with Pear, a baby-sister shoe store right next door that's now home to a nifty little selection of must-have footwear and other hand-picked accessories.The perfect complement in theme and décor to Plum's rich woods and shimmery gold tones, Pear has the distinctive feel of a mini 1930s Parisian boudoir: a white flokati rug rests atop pale-wood floors, and a beige tufted ottoman and pink antique bergêre chairs offer decadent seating for perusing locals. The collection of shoes isn't your typical NYC mix of Louboutin and Hardy. Instead, the owners have stocked their wrought-iron stands with designs by Rachel Comey, Tashkent, Modern Vintage, and Pink Studio. Jewelry, wallets, and candles fill a blue antique glass cabinet, and an original Art Deco mirror lets shoppers get a wide view of the goods. Atkins believes the comfortable yet elegant atmosphere they've created at Plum and now also Pear appeals to a diverse crowd that comes to discover one-of-a-kind pieces at an amiable price. "We cater to everyone from downtown hipsters to Upper East Side moms," says Jackie. "Our prices start at $88 for a pair of flats and go up to $500 for leather boots—basically, we've made sure there's something for everyone."
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And in case you didn't catch the duo's puns, Atkins and Goldman are ready with an explanation. "Plum refers to a choice thing, which we provide with our unique, fashion-forward clothing, and Pear is a play on 'pair,' like a pair of shoes." Got it.
Pear, 124 Ludlow Street, between Rivington and Delancey streets; 212-529-3460.
Plum's new sister store Pear reveals some fruitful—and affordable—footwear options on Ludlow Street.