Union Max

I don’t like giving 1 star to a store I haven’t stepped foot in. But here’s the problem: clearly there is no rhyme or reason as to when this place will be open and that’s a bit of a crappy business practice if you’re a business open to the public. One reviewer states Friday and Saturday only, one said no problem on a Wednesday, and just to get a clear answer [as those reviews are a few years old] after a call directly to the store this week was told ‘Thursday-​Sunday from 1pm-​7pm.’
So of course two days after that call on Thursday at 2pm it was shuttered. With absolutely no signs anywhere on the windows/​door with days/​times they’re open to even corroborate what they said on the phone. After browsing around the neighborhood a bit, came back and Union Max was still closed.
While this may be cute and quirky and oh-​so-​Brooklyn if you live near it and can pop by whenever to check it out, not so much for the people who don’t and are never in the area and just made the convoluted one hour trek from Queens for it. I know, how dare I say negative things about a local business [especially one in Brooklyn, lordy loo, y’all will tar and feather me now] but come ON.
If you live nearby, great, walk by everyday until it’s finally open — all the other reviews make it sound pretty sweet. If you don’t, I wouldn’t suggest leaving your house unless you call the day you want to go and someone picks up the phone and says they’re open at that moment and will stay open by the time it takes you to arrive.
I’ll certainly change this if I’m ever in the area again while UM is open and can actually see it but I don’t see either of those stars aligning anytime soon.

Union Max might fall under the ‘Grandma’s messy attic’ category of vintage/​thrift stores, and is a little off the beaten path in the «Waterfront District» of Cobble Hill/​Carroll Gardens area. Approximately half the store is devoted to beads/​jewelry (I guess they are ‘vintage’ beads?), with the other half containing a jumble of clothes, shoes, purses and housewares.
It’s not as well/​carefully curated or organized as other vintage stores in the area, but thankfully that also means lower prices. I’ve made some great, bargain finds here. Definitely worth a trip!

I went to Union Max looking for antique trinkets to make jewelry with, and was amazed by the selection of vintage stock they had to offer. If you enjoy sifting through endless piles of tangled chains and buckets of buttons, you will be in love. There is also an amazing selection of vintage clothing, I could not resist a vintage Victorian inspired lace gown, for only $ 40. The prices are completely reasonable and they will work with you on that as well. ANtique photos, jewelry and beads. you can spend hours in here! Call before you go, though, they aren“t open all the time… Located in really great neighborhood– Red Hook, Brooklyn, fun day for shopping and treasure hunting.

I have a new obsession for vintage — dinnerware, furniture, clothes, jewelry, chotchkies, etc. Vintage stores are plentiful in NYC/​Brooklyn and I love it. Found this place while searching for a coffee shop and before I know it, I look down at my watch and realize I’ve been in there for more than an hour!
Union Max has an abundant supply of beads (if you’re into making jewelry this would be considered heaven) and jewelry. You’ll also find a great selection of housewares, mirrors, pictures, shoes, clothes, toys, and adorable baby clothes!
I left with a $ 5 dress and a $ 5 pair of mittens. However, be patient and be prepared to dig!

Love this hidden gem! The owner is so nice and helpful!

I wandered over here after browsing down the block at Brooklyn General and came out with a larger stash than planned.
The vintage clothing and kitchen stuff is great, but I go here for the jewelry findings. I spent $ 3 here for clasps and beads I would’ve paid $ 30 for in the garment district.
You never know what you’re going to find, so I’d suggest going when you don’t have anything specific in mind to purchase. It’s also great to browse here when you want inspiration for a new piece of jewelry.
The only downside for me: it’s a long walk from the subway.
Definitely one of my top go-​to stores for craft-​related happiness — or just happiness in general.

A treasure trove of fabulous and unique items. I’m into making jewelry, so I can easily spend an hour or more looking at all the great vintage beads and buttons in the store. Luckily it doesn’t break the bank– there are $ 3 containers of cool beads, a lot of great deals, and countless combinations to get creative with! Get what you want while you can, though– the beads are truly vintage and from an old bought out factory, so good luck finding them elsewhere!

union max is fantastic! i heard about this store and had to go check it out. it is a tiny shop but it is packed to the brim with goodies. everything is reasonably priced for new york especially! they have a couple racks of really great clothing. i picked up a really cute printed silk skirt for $ 10 and my friend picked up a gorgeous vintage black dress for $ 25. They have vintage house wares like juice glasses and sifters. And then the other half of the room is all jewelry, beads, buttons, broaches, earrings — it’s a jewelry lover’s dream! They have all the fixins to make your own jewelry also. Definitely worth a visit and a venture down Union Street.
I believe they are open better hours now — I went on a Wednesday afternoon. They do take credit cards — min $ 15 and they charge tax if you charge.

union max is one of the rare vintage shops in nyc that doesn’t overprice their wares. they have a great and ever-​changing array of vintage items, including wonderful kitchen and barware.

just went to Union Max and am in love with a new shop! They have an amazing selection!
~VIntage clothes that are amazing quality, styles, and prices.
~a HUGE selection of vintage jewelry. Everything from bakelite, to rhinestone to 70’s costume and everything in between.
~A great selection of housewares. From fantastic cocktail stuff to super cool magazine racks and old records.
~the biggest selection of the most kick ass vintage buttons and beads I have ever seen, and for cheap as hell prices.
I can go on and on. The place is so small and is stuffed to the brim with cool vintage. spend a few hours in there and you’ll have only seen a snip-​it.
Cash is preferred (if you must pay with a credit card they gottah charge you tax)
bad: only open friday-​Saturday 1 – 7.
GO GO GO GO!!!