Local Time with
Leigh Altshuler
Owner of Sweet Pickle Books on the Lower East Side
What Leigh’s NYC bookstore lacks in space, it more than makes up for in personality—from the disco ball and handwritten signs to the shelves of pickle jars (for sale, or for free with any book donation). We met Leigh before opening hours to learn more about the business of used books, her global community of customers and our shared love of clothes with a story.
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The Lower East Side is a historical pickling district. So when I opened the store, I wanted to pay homage to the businesses that came before mine, my family and my Jewish heritage. Pickles are a common denominator.
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So much of my life is about old and new, and figuring out how those work together.
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Q&A
with Leigh
What kind of experience were you looking to create with Sweet Pickle Books?
LA: I learned so much of what I love about the book business by working at The Strand. I wanted to make a place that felt like everyone’s favorite bookstore—whether you’re looking for the classics or Twilight. Even if you don’t like books, there’s plenty to stumble upon—kind of like your grandparents’ house, or your weird aunt’s living room.
What have you loved about connecting with the SPB community?
LA: There are people who came in the first day who still visit my store. I’ve met babies who can walk now. The other day, a couple from Scotland came in, who had just gotten married in Central Park. They said this was the first place they wanted to come afterward. It’s nice that people like it and feel at home here.
We love your merch! What’s the most popular item?
LA: The merch is crazy. Every single day I send out like 50 online orders and 90 percent of them are merch, 5 percent are pickles and 5 percent are books. I send it all over the world—to Japan, Korea, Germany… And ever since Harry Styles wore our hat, it sells out every time it’s restocked.
How do you get dressed for a day in the store?
LA: I like to find a mix between fashion and function—and still have the option to get creative in such a fun, colorful space. Every bookstore I’ve ever worked in has told me I had to wear close-toed shoes, and I hated it. But now, it’s the most important thing, because books fall on my feet all the time!
What makes something a forever piece for you?
LA: Something that has a story to it. I hold on to things, like T-shirts from camp or clothes from my Bat Mitzvah. There are so many wonderful ways to remember moments—not just through books and word of mouth.
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It’s so lovely finding little notes, photographs or boarding passes between the pages. These books have so many stories in them and deserve a second chance.
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3 favorite books Leigh recommends to anyone & everyone…
1
Heartburn
by Nora Ephron
“It’s an autobiographical novel about her divorce, so it’s like an anti-rom-com. It’s so funny, and can really get you out of a reading slump.”
“It’s an autobiographical novel about her divorce, so it’s like an anti-rom-com. It’s so funny, and can really get you out of a reading slump.”
The Art of Loving
by Erich Fromm
“A book about love, not only in the romantic sense, but as an answer to human problems in society, and in ourselves. Easy to read and introspective.”
2
“A book about love, not only in the romantic sense, but as an answer to human problems in society, and in ourselves. Easy to read and introspective.”
3
How to Write an
Autobiographical Novel
by Alexander Chee
“One of the best contemporary pieces I’ve read. It will help you look at yourself and the world with more compassion.”
“One of the best contemporary pieces I’ve read. It will help you look at yourself and the world with more compassion.”
Shop Leigh’s looks
Follow @sweetpicklebooks
on Instagram
And find the store at 47 Orchard Street in NYC—or visit
their website to order books, pickles and merch online.
