Pearl River Mart

Chinese Zodiac Animal Ornament

Pearl River Mart, the world’s first Chinese American department store, is an iconic place of commerce with an enthralling history. In 1971, diplomatic relations between the United States and China were at a standstill, and direct trade between the two countries was strictly forbidden. Despite the difficulties of embargo restrictions, Mr. Chen, along with his student activist friends, founded Pearl River Mart. They all shared a vision of introducing Chinese products to a Western audience and bringing a sense of home to Chinese immigrants. Thus, Pearl River Mart as a “friendship” store was born.

In the beginning, Mr. Chen would drive great distances between New York and Toronto to acquire merchandise from China and Hong Kong. There was no competition at the time as the concept of Pearl River Mart was unrivaled. After President Nixon and Chairman Mao shook hands in Beijing, trade restrictions were lifted, and products from China were easier to bring in. Over the next five decades, Mr. Chen — eventually joined by Mrs. Chen — would expand their selection to products from all over Asia and grow Pearl River into a beloved NYC institution where generations of New Yorkers and visitors from all walks of life come together to delight in treasures that were beautiful, fun, meaningful, and comforting.

Pearl River Mart has moved multiple times due to increased rent challenges in the city. However, this has not deterred the 50-year-old business from continuing to live out its vision. In 2021, they reopened their flagship store in SoHo, including an art gallery with a rotating series of mostly AAPI artists. In addition, they have two locations in Chelsea Market: a retail outpost on the main concourse and Pearl River Mart Foods on the lower level.

📍 Pearl River Mart (Flagship)
452 Broadway, New York, NY 10013