The End of History

What an amazing store. So many beautiful items! I went in looking for a glass objet for a gift and had a budget in mind but I wasn’t sure what I could find. My price point of $ 200 was a little low for this store — most of their items are much more expensive than what I was looking for on this day — but the two people working there (owner?) set out to help me find something. They showed me several things but they knew I wasn’t really excited by anything (nice items, just not right for the recipient) Finally there was this really cool vintage Murano bowl with funky cut outs — but it was marked $ 275. They discussed between themselves that they could sell it to me for my price (!) so perhaps deals can be made from time to time. Personally, I’m not used to fluid pricing in NYC stores… so I was really not expecting that. But I do love that there are still boutiques with unique items in this city, which is becoming more and more like a giant mall. :(I think it’s really important to patronize stores like this if we don’t want our city to turn into a strip mall of Targets, 7−11s and West Elms. Those stores have a place (except 7−11s, WTF?!) but if we’re not careful soon that could be all we have. Anyway, this incredible store was a key part of a lovely, successful afternoon in the west village, and I will definitely go back for more.

Rebecca G steered me wrong, as I fell asleep on standing up within seconds of walking in here.

If you have the slightest proclivity toward mid-​century modern glass, get thee to The End of History. The proprietor, collector and keeper of the store, Stephen Saunders, has amassed a mid-​century modern glass collection worthy of a museum. And, during these recessionary times, this vintage boutique is turning its inventory quite nicely, thank you very much.
Rebecca’s 5 Point Rating Scale (1-​not-​so-​great and 5-​fabulous):
Store Size /​Inventory — 5 (OMG)
Merchandise Quality — 5 (incredibly unusual and beautiful pieces)
Organization — 5 (very organized by color, thank you very much)
Pricing — 3 (museum pricing for museum pieces, but still achievable for the common man)
Service — 5 (Stephen is knowledgeable, helpful, ships fast, and remembers me year after year)
Total Rating is 4.6 (5 stars)
Saunders doesn’t need to advertise, because pieces from his store are frequently mentioned in decorating books, online articles and in print. His collection easily includes thousands of pieces, and he has more in storage and out on loan for magazine shoots. The store is somewhat dazzling. It takes a minute to focus at the front door, assaulted (in a good way) by lime green, Halloween orange, sky blue and lemon yellow. Give it a moment and don’t swoon. With careful searching and the advice of Saunders, you can find something unique for your home, office or friend.
Full review and shop photos: