Pink Olive: Manhattan & Brooklyn, NY

With three equally adorable storefronts, Pink Olive is chock-full of charming treasures for young and old.

By Lyndsay McGregor

“As a new aunt, I always found myself searching for that gift that was unique and different,” explains Grace Kang (right), founder of Pink Olive, a three-store chain of gift boutiques in New York City. So, after 10 years working as a women’s ready-to-wear buyer for the likes of Bloomingdale’s, Barneys and Saks, she decided to follow her passion and start her own business. Initially an online emporium named after her niece’s favorite things, Kang opened a 500-square-foot store in Manhattan’s East Village in May 2007, followed by a second location in Park Slope, Brooklyn less than a year later in March 2008. “My customer comes to me looking for a unique baby shower gift but can also find something for loved ones or herself,” she says. There’s no doubt her background and keen eye have served her well: Business is booming, and she opened a third shop this April in Williamsburg.

“When you have a limited amount of space, you have to edit and work together with designers who not only make great product but whose stories resonate with what you’re doing,” she says. To that end, she curates her cozy stores with an eclectic mix, spanning quirky greeting cards and cuddly stuffed animals to softly sweet clothing and hair accessories. Prices range from $5 to $450 and bestselling brands include Egg Baby by Susan Lazar, Pink Chicken, Tane Organics and Jellycat. New York-centric gifts do well, too: a Metrocard rattle from Big Apple-based Estella; taxis on a Catfish Design organic bib; a Kira Kids bodysuit emblazoned with the words “Left my binkie in Brooklyn.” “I want Pink Olive to be a platform for community, for local people to come and discover new talents and great products,” Kang adds.

Community also plays a part in each location’s offering. “Depending on the neighborhood I try to tweak the mix based on the customer base,” she notes. That means more paper goods and décor in the East Village to tempt young creatives and students, and more baby stuff in Brooklyn. “Product is first and foremost the most important thing, but when that’s coupled with great branding, tags and packaging, it really rounds out the whole experience,” she says.

Jennifer Garner’s daughters tote Jellycat’s plush animals everywhere. The cuddly toys are a hit at Pink Olive, too.

Jessica Alba favors trendy threads from Egg Baby by Susan Lazar for her daughter, Honor, as does Kang’s clientele.

Sarah Jessica Parker’s twins love Ban.do’s line of playful hair accessories. The brand is one of Pink Olive’s bestsellers.