Columbus Avenue welcomed a new boutique this past week, one you surely haven’t missed if you walked up or down the avenue between West 75th and 76th streets since August 27.
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The colorful display inside the window at Teddy’s Collection (324 Columbus Avenue) is more than enough to catch the eye. The eclectic mix of decor practically draws you through the doors that once belonged to Boisson, a non-alcoholic beverage shop that closed this spring after less than two years. Thanks to reader Betsy Cadel for the tip.
Teddy’s Collection, named after the lovable German Shepherd we found napping inside the front door when we visited, features a carefully curated arrangement of artisan items ranging from home decor to toys, glassware, pottery and art. The inventory may seem random but has two things in common: it’s all quite colorful, and it all supports social or environmental causes.
“You won’t find anything that’s here anywhere else in the city,” said Stefanie Fischel, who opened the store after a 25-year career in management consulting.
“It was time to do something that was mine.”
Fischel sources the store’s items herself and aims to create an in-person retail experience. Many of the decorative and children’s items are animal-themed, including a collection of hand-painted, ceramic elephants from Elephant Parade, an organization dedicated to elephant protection. Fischel says she has the exclusive rights to sell Elephant Parade’s products in the Northeast U.S.
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Another display features more child-friendly items such as giraffes, turtles, frogs and more that are made from recycled flip-flops and sourced from Ocean Sole. The proceeds here help contribute to unemployment resources and ocean conservation in Kenya.
The store’s offerings are meant to serve a wide range of ages and price points (some items are available for $25-$50 while the glassware and pottery can exceed $1,000). Fischel has set up a small children’s art area in the back where kids can paint the elephants or other items. She also plans to host events, and not just for children.
“I really want to get to know customers and create what is the heart and soul of the Upper West Side: a mom and pop experience,” said Fischel, who grew up in Montreal but has lived in the neighborhood for 25 years. “I felt really lucky finding this spot.”
Teddy’s Collection is open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit the store’s website or Instagram.
