The Locavore Variety Store
★ 4.9 · 124 reviews New York Opened June 2024
A corner store stocked entirely within 100 miles of NYC
Caroline Weaver closed CW Pencil Enterprise, her beloved Lower East Side pencil shop, in 2021. She spent the next years cataloging the city's independent retailers for The Locavore Guide, then opened this Greenwich Village store in June 2024 as its real-world version.
Toothpaste, scented candles, pantry staples, all sourced from over 130 local makers within 100 miles of the city. The Financial Times called it a case study in shopping local. Regulars just call it the corner store.
Good to know
- It works as a one-stop souvenir shop that isn't a souvenir shop: toothpaste, candles, snacks and gifts, all genuinely made in or near New York.
- Weaver also publishes The Locavore Guide, a free directory of hundreds of NYC indie shops; grab the recommendations while you're there.
What guests say
Reviews by Google-
Bella Abeles 1 review 20 May 2026
Such a fantastically marvelous curation, ranging from deeply practical goods and household items (spoons, brooms, tape, pet supplies) to gifty treats (perfumes, skincare), to the weird and whimsical (felted pigeons, stickers). Affordably priced and so well managed. The Locavore offers the practicality of a town hardware store blended with an art museum gift shop. Great knowledge about local shopping available through brochures and maps or conversation. What a paragon of small businesses. 10 stars!
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Ashley McDonald 12 reviews · Local Guide 13 April 2026
A beautifully curated shop, dedicated to local makers. Full of home goods, pantry items, stationary and more! The staff is consistently friendly, knowledgeable and all around lovely. And if you don't know of the owner, Caroline, her dedication to the cause of mom and pop shops and craftsmanship spills over onto her socials, lifting up everyone. Support her and her crew so they can continue the good fight! Love you Locavore!!!
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Andrea Matteo 29 reviews · Local Guide 2 April 2026
This store gives me hope that the independent spirit of NYC isn’t dead yet. They carry an eclectic mix of delights. Whether you’re looking for a high quality and thoughtful gift, some pencils for your homework or just a quick snack, they’ve got you covered. And it’s all sourced locally by humans which makes the AI robot takeover feel a little less imminent.
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Kristen Floersheimer 45 reviews · Local Guide 20 March 2026
Love this spot and Caroline the owner is a huge ray of sunshine and gives me hope for the future of small (and big) business. Great selection of local goods that are quirky and useful, and tasty (try the cannoli bar!)! I also have their guidebook which is my bible- I always look here whenever I need anything “specialty” or “niche” and want to buy in the city. It feels good to buy local- try it out!!!
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Lulu LoBue 97 reviews · Local Guide 11 February 2026
Amazing shop! Been back a few times. Great for gifts, food, home wear, and full of fun treats! People discuss the price here but I think that is a cheap take because so is everywhere else, truly, but the difference is you’re paying for quality here. I love knowing where everything in this store was sourced. I’d really like to be more mindful about what I use everyday and this is a great place to start locally.
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