Two Pioneering Vintage Shops Have Closed in Williamsburg

Williamsburg just became a slightly less fun place to shop for home goods, as two browsers’ paradises have packed up their steamer trunks.

Moon River Chattel, a early proponent of the neighborhood’s “rough luxe” aesthetic (if you want to call it that), opened in 1995 and at one point ranked among Racked’s 38 Essential New York Shopping Experiences, along with Beacon’s Closet, The Strand, and Barneys. But the store quietly closed in June, leaving a note on its website that explains: “While the retail climate and changing neighborhood do factor into our decision, it is more about assessing the fact that this was also a creative project for us, and it’s run its course.”

Over on Bedford Avenue, the storefront that held Ugly Luggage has been completely gutted. The “local pioneer” opened in 1993 and sold the kind of mid-century furniture and knick-knacks so readily found at Brooklyn Flea these days. We must’ve window shopped there a million times, though it was always a little too pricy for us.

The store closed without any fanfare. Here’s Moon River Chattel’s goodbye message.

Dear Friends, Customers and Fans of Moon River,

“They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourselves.” Andy Warhol

Everything in life has a beginning and an end. The end time has come for Moon River Chattel. By the end of this summer, Moon River Chattel will cease trading. As with many of life’s big changes, this decision was not made lightly or in haste. Also, as happens with many of life’s turning points, many things factored into this decision.

While the retail climate and changing neighborhood do factor into our decision, it is more about assessing the fact that this was also a creative project for us, and it’s run it’s course. We are ready for a new challenge and to have a different life experience.

Again, this was incredibly hard to let what we’ve created go, as we’ve been able to meet and be a part of so many wonderful people’s lives. Your home or business you’ve created is the most personal space one can have. We are honored to have been involved with helping you create the perfect space for you to retreat to, entertain in, grow your families, start your lives over in, or open your own business where you provide your own haven for your customers.

We have developed lifelong friendships and memories that are cherished. We are proud of the products and services we have provided over the past 20 years. We must also give thanks and huge appreciation to the many wonderful employees who have greatly contributed to the success of Moon River. We count many of them as more than friends, now and always. They are family, have been with us through thick and thin, and we think the world of them. Thank you to our friend Jim Morgan. We can’t say enough thanks to the amazing and wonderful Kit Schultz. We can’t begin to express to her how grateful we are for her hard work, commitment, and being in the presence of her goodness.

We will always be connected to the home furnishing, design, and makers world. We look forward to the next adventure, and wish you all health, happiness, and the best for your futures. It has been a pleasure, truly, and we will miss all greatly.

All our best,

Paul Sperduto and Christine Foley

“Let go of the past and go for the future. Live the life you imagined.” Henry David Thoreau