Photo by Hickorees, Lonely Leap

By Corsillo and Parton Brothers

We are privileged to release the Apolis + Hickoree’s Brooklyn Market Bag, exclusively sold at Hickoree’s Floor Two in Brooklyn, New York. This is our 19th Local + Global project, connecting regional retailers with our global advocacy and helping to create consistent employment for artisans in rural Bangladesh. The first ten Apolis mobile app users to visit Hickoree’s and purchase their exclusive Brooklyn Market Bag and Apolis Transit Issue Table Candle will receive $30 savings.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn is defined by a combination of enthicity and geography. One block south of Hickoree’s is the boundary of an Orthodox Hasidic Jewish neighborhood that is home to the Satmar sect — the largest Hasidic sect in the world. Walking north of the Williamsburg Bridge is the rest of South Williamsburg, a rapidly changing neighborhood. Traditionally Puerto Rican and Dominican, the explosive growth of Williamsburg is pushing south along Bedford Avenue, with new restaurants and shops opening constantly.

The other defining characteristic of Williamsburg is the food. Be it “old guard” Peter Luger’s (it has been open since 1887), the wonderfully throwback waterfront Italian restaurant, Giando’s, or the ultra-hip ultra-delicious Marlow & Sons and Diner, the first trip to Williamsburg is a culinary adventure. The personal favorite of the Hickoree’s team is Gordon Bennett — an English-y bar with excellent food that’s directly downstairs from the shop.

The owners of Hickorees, Emil and Sandy Corsillo, moved to South Williamsburg in 2009. Originally, they chose the location for an office, not expecting to also open a shop there. It wasn’t until the tenant below them on the second floor moved out that the idea of opening a shop in South Williamsburg took hold. Opening a second floor shop in an area that is a bit of a walk from the nearest subway would seem to have some serious drawbacks. However, as they discussed the idea of Hickoree’s Floor Two more and more, they realized that they had something truly unique on their hands.

The greatest thing about Hickoree’s is that it feels like a discovery, which is very similar to how the neighborhood feels in general. People are always telling the owners that they’ve never been to this neighborhood but they really love it. Like Hickoree’s and the neighborhood of Williamsburg, Apolis identifies overlooked manufacturers in remote corners of the earth and shines a light on their story and craftsmanship. For this and many other reasons, we are honored to call Hickoree’s our newest Local + Global partner and we were beyond grateful to be hosted by the Corsillo brothers during a recent visit to their Brooklyn neighborhood.

Follow Apolis Journal: RSS Feed | Twitter | Facebook | Apolis Mobile App | Correspondence