A Brooklyn-based gift shop focusing on local and independent makers is expanding its reach with its new online shop.
Rider is a modern-day general store that brings one-of-a-kind items to Park Slope shoppers. Founded by Alma Lacour, the first Rider shop was opened in 2022 at 1016 8th Ave.
Having worked in the entertainment and advertising industry for over 15 years, Lacour decided it was time to make a career pivot after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Once people started to emerge in all of the different ways that they did post-pandemic, it felt really difficult for me to go back into advertising in the way that I had previously done it. Life was not the same anymore,” said Lacour. “My mom had passed away during that time, and things were just different for me and I kind of reprioritized things in my life.”
Rider’s 8th Avenue location previously held a laundromat, which Lacour told amNewYork had closed after 25 years. She inquired with the landlord about taking over the space and then got to work on building out the store.
“It was kind of one of those things like, I think I’ll kick myself if I just don’t ask. So I inquired about the space and the landlord is very neighborhood-minded,” said Lacour. “He’s owned the building for decades, and I pitched him on this concept that was really about being a community-driven gift shop space that could be owned and run by someone who lives a block away. So, he said yes.”
Since opening its doors in 2022, Rider has focused on selling items from women-owned and independent makers, ranging from home goods and pantry staples to accessories and jewelry and so much more. Lacour opened a second location on 5th Avenue last year, with this same goal in mind.
“I’ve always worked with artists in different capacities throughout my life, and so I really wanted to find the makers that were creating these gifts themselves and really highlight the process, the materials and the craftsmanship and everything that went into it,” said Lacour. “And then I really started to understand the totality of what the neighborhood felt I was filling the void for, like what I could potentially serve as a hub for, which was really kind of the all-encompassing gift.”
Though there is some overlap between the two stores, the 8th Avenue store has more physical space, so shoppers can find some larger items there. However, at both store locations, Lacour says that greeting cards immediately became popular, as well as party supplies, accessories and items geared toward women.
“I really feel like I’m just kind of the steward to this space and to this brand, but it’s really sort of been so informed by the community and the people that come through the doors. What’s cool about being in New York and Park Slope specifically is that there’s so many people who, even within a five block radius of the store, make great things,” said Lacour. “So there’s a few makers that I’ve carried from almost the beginning who are just neighbors who came in and showed me their ceramics, their jewelry, their cards, their art. That’s been really cool to be able to grow those relationships with people who are in the neighborhood and just want to have a platform and a place where they can collaborate with someone in real time.
Just before the holidays last year, Rider officially launched its e-commerce site, allowing shoppers from all over the country to shop their selection of unique gifts. Lacour says that the demand was there for an online shopping experience, with many customers bringing in friends and family from out of town.
“I would get the question all the time: do you ship? Can I go online? [The e-commerce site] really started very simply born out of local residents and regulars who are coming in who were telling and singing my praises (very thankfully) and other people saying, well, we want to be a part of this,” said Lacour.
Lacour says that she finds the online shoppers really stock up on products, and even as an online retailer, Lacour tries to give those shoppers a personalized touch when she can.
“There was one woman who had bought a collection of nice things in addition to a stocking that I offered. I reached out to her and I said, ‘Hey, I see that you bought these things that they would all fit in the stocking. Do you want me to pre-stock the stuffing and send it out?’ And she said ‘Yes, that’s exactly my vision!’” said Lacour. “She actually bought another one and I essentially just pre-stuffed the stocking and sent it out, and she shared with me that it was for a friend who was going through a hard time. It’s really fun to see how people can curate the selection, especially when I can tell that it’s a gift and something that really means something to someone.”
For Lacour, the future of the store lies beyond what a traditional gift shop may offer. Lacour is starting up summer programming at the stores, starting with this past Brooklyn Pride.
“I’m really focused on the space becoming a community hub in all of the ways that it can. Programming is really important to me, having 1:1 relationships with makers who are seeking new platforms, exposure, and spaces is really important to me,” said Lacour. “I want us to feel welcoming in a communal space that people can see as a third space for themselves and also a resource for themselves.”
For more information, visit ridergifts.com.
