We're always super excited to share custom collections that we've created with retailers from across the country. For our second edition of custom spotlight we're featuring a local favorite!
Considered an iconic New York City institution, Pearl River Mart, has locations in SOHO and Chelsea, and they embody the resiliency, creativity, and ingenuity of Asian Americans in the United States.
Pearl River Mart's retail buyer, Tien Lardner, answered some questions for us. Keep reading below to learn more about their experience with us building a custom collection.
Please tell us a bit about Pearl River Mart.
Pearl River Mart was established in 1971 as a "friendship store." Over the years, we've grown into an iconic Asian emporium with locations in New York City’s SoHo district and Chelsea Market, which includes both our retail space and Pearl River Mart Foods. We offer a wide array of unique items, from home furnishings and fashion to snacks, all imported from Asia, alongside exciting locally made products (like Maptote!) Pearl River Mart has become a beloved destination for people worldwide, symbolizing the distinctiveness, authenticity, and multiculturalism of New York City.
How did you find Maptote? Why did you choose us?
Our president, Joanne Kwong, first discovered Maptote at a trade show back in 2019. Ever since then, we've been huge fans of all the Maptote products we've carried- our customers can't get enough! Maptote beautifully captures the essence of the city that our stores are fortunate to call home. We also feel both a deep admiration and strong connection as fellow women-led companies.
Can you describe how the design process was for you?
The design process was so fun! It was exciting to see the evolution from the initial ideas to the final products arriving in our stores. We felt the true spirit of collaboration in creating our two custom bags, as the Maptote team was so lovely and welcoming to work with. We are especially grateful to Jaime for her attentiveness and meticulous approach to every detail. The 'Dim Sum All Day' tote and the 'Pearl River Mart Font' tote feel very authentic and meaningful to our stores' cultural identity and location.
Favorite Maptote Custom item.
My personal favorite Maptote custom item has to be our Pearl River Mart Font Grocery tote! I love how it brings together all the unique and vibrant elements which make our store so special, from brocade qipaos and lucky cats to our founders Mr. and Mrs. Chen, all within the signature Maptote style.