A stroll down Greenwich Avenue will get you more than just a peaceful afternoon in the heart of the West Village. While plenty of shops like Tina Tang Studio (and Tina Tang II across the street) and Bigelow Pharmacy (just diagonally across the street on 6th Ave) are reasons enough to shop around this neighborhood, a peek into Joseph Hanna will probably not disappoint. A secret in the West Village, this leather shop looks dark and a little dingy from the outside and its bargain basement discount signs adorning the windows do little for its décor. But inside lies a small gem: a leather shop where handbags and luggage can be custom made and where serious bargaining can be done.
- Best Bets: This shop is rife with possibilities of what my mother would call ‘hondling’. No price should be taken at face value. Find what you really want and make them an offer. Their leather carry-on bags are made of rich, fine, durable leather and some of their handbags have classic, simple lines and are also beautifully constructed. I recently inquired about a Pullman suitcase for my dad which they said could be made in the range of $500.00. That’s quite a deal for luggage in this town- and the leather is as nice, or nicer, than you’ll find at Ferragamo or Vuitton.
- Beware: Don’t expect to shop in peace. While there is bargaining to be done it does come at a price: expect noodgy salesman offering you all kinds of deals. Still, they’re endearing.
- Don’t Bother: Don’t waste your time on their small selection of lower-end, big designer wallets and bags by Kenneth Cole. If this is what you’re in the market for, go to Macy’s.
Subscribe to Little Pink List
Hello,
I was wondering if you have the address for the store? Thank you.
Joseph Hanna is located at 33 Greenwich Ave, between 10th and Charles Street. Good Luck!
I had the pleasure of the store Labor Day weekend when everything else was closed except Joseph Hanna. I saw a beautiful red backpack in the window and noticed that i share the same last name as Mr. Hanna and had to take a peak. The store was filled with mostly handmade bags. the little red bag i wanted was out of my price range and i wish i would have negotiated some. we did leave with complementary key chains with our initials embossed on them which was really nice. i picked up a few little change purses for gift and they embossed for free. we spent about an hour in there and really enjoyed their conversations and hospitality. i kept their card and will definitely order from them in the future.
I have tried several times to order the handbag Sabina. The color says olive. I will take the purse in brown or black if olive is not available. I went to New York this summer and saw a lady with this particular purse fell in love with it at first sight. I love that purse. Can they be purchased anymore? please please find this purse for me
yes! there’s a store in cobble hill brooklyn called “exit 9 gift emporium”. they should be able to help you if joseph hanna cannot. it’s a great bag… i use it all the time.
check out: http://www.shopexit9.com