Fort Defiance General Store

Came for their heavyweight t shirt, but love the concept. Fun mix of new and vintage stuff, really nicely curated and presented

I recently discovered Front General Store in DUMBO, and it quickly became one of my favorite shopping destinations. This charming shop is a treasure trove of vintage garments and unique accessories that truly stand out in a sea of modern retail options. The moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the carefully curated selection of items. The store has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a well-thought-out layout that makes browsing a delight. Each piece feels handpicked, showcasing a blend of classic styles and contemporary flair. It's like stepping into another era. What I love most about Front General Store is the diversity of their offerings. From beautifully tailored vintage hats to one-of-a-kind accessories, there’s something for everyone. I was particularly impressed by their selection of jewelry and home goods which feature unique designs that you won’t find anywhere else. Each item tells a story, making it a perfect place to find a standout piece that reflects your personal style. Additionally, the store's location in DUMBO adds to its charm. After browsing, it’s easy to take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby cafés. The vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood makes the entire visit feel special. Overall, I highly recommend Front General Store to anyone looking for unique accessories in Brooklyn. Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast or just looking to add some character to your wardrobe, this shop is a must-visit.

Fab store - so unique and singular in their offerings. From Japanese-made utilitarian goods like T shirts, totes, and socks to an incredibly curated selection of vintage styles which all seem fairly and reasonably priced. Love this store!

April Isaac

Prime shopping destination for any vintage lover. They offer a variety of pieces, vintage and modern clothing and jewelry, from low end to high end designers. Although I wish they had lower price points, they do not miss when it comes to bringing the heat.

Zachary Rea

Came for their heavyweight t shirt, but love the concept. Fun mix of new and vintage stuff, really nicely curated and presented

Rita

Cute little shop for buying souvenirs and gifts! The tote bags are so nice

Kelly Koester

Fab store - so unique and singular in their offerings. From Japanese-made utilitarian goods like T shirts, totes, and socks to an incredibly curated selection of vintage styles which all seem fairly and reasonably priced. Love this store!

Jia Zhu

I am obsessed with this store. I always walk into it when I am around the area. They have a lot of vintage items in mint condition. It is a little steep, but there is something for everyone. Some items are reasonably priced. But even if you don't come out with anything, you would feel like your visit was well worth it because it almost feels like you're walking in a museum. There is so much to see!

Anais G.

I recently discovered Front General Store in DUMBO, and it quickly became one of my favorite shopping destinations. This charming shop is a treasure trove of vintage garments and unique accessories that truly stand out in a sea of modern retail options. The moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the carefully curated selection of items. The store has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a well-thought-out layout that makes browsing a delight. Each piece feels handpicked, showcasing a blend of classic styles and contemporary flair. It's like stepping into another era. What I love most about Front General Store is the diversity of their offerings. From beautifully tailored vintage hats to one-of-a-kind accessories, there’s something for everyone. I was particularly impressed by their selection of jewelry and home goods which feature unique designs that you won’t find anywhere else. Each item tells a story, making it a perfect place to find a standout piece that reflects your personal style. Additionally, the store's location in DUMBO adds to its charm. After browsing, it’s easy to take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby cafés. The vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood makes the entire visit feel special. Overall, I highly recommend Front General Store to anyone looking for unique accessories in Brooklyn. Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast or just looking to add some character to your wardrobe, this shop is a must-visit.

Hipsterish and cool vintage shop, prices are a bit high and the staff not super friendly, but I think it’s part of the vibe

Elena Pittatore

Hipsterish and cool vintage shop, prices are a bit high and the staff not super friendly, but I think it’s part of the vibe

I had purchased a pair of FGS original jeans last month, already sizing up my usual size by 2. When they arrived, there was no way I could button them, so I emailed CS asking them how to size up. I was told that "none of our sizes might be a fit" and to take my measurements using the 10" rise of said jeans as a reference, so around my hipbones and not my natural waist. I am a US 6/8 or a 28-to-30 in jeans and pants. I do so and we land on size Y based on their suggestion, even though they warned me they might still be too small. I manage to initiate an exchange and, after a lengthy delay in communication, I get the new pair of jeans. I am SWIMMING in them, and, crucially, the measurements of this pair are completely off. The rise is now 13" which makes all the measurings I did beforehand completely void. I let them know and they said that yeah, all jeans in size Y have that rise. Unclear if I'll be able to do a return, but so far return shipping is paid by the buyer, so I am at least 20 dollars in the negative, and all I can get is STORE CREDIT. Customer service is completely condescending and also tried to fat-shame me. I am leaving 2 stars just hoping I can do one last return. If not, it's down to 1

Angelica Frey

I had purchased a pair of FGS original jeans last month, already sizing up my usual size by 2. When they arrived, there was no way I could button them, so I emailed CS asking them how to size up. I was told that "none of our sizes might be a fit" and to take my measurements using the 10" rise of said jeans as a reference, so around my hipbones and not my natural waist. I am a US 6/8 or a 28-to-30 in jeans and pants. I do so and we land on size Y based on their suggestion, even though they warned me they might still be too small. I manage to initiate an exchange and, after a lengthy delay in communication, I get the new pair of jeans. I am SWIMMING in them, and, crucially, the measurements of this pair are completely off. The rise is now 13" which makes all the measurings I did beforehand completely void. I let them know and they said that yeah, all jeans in size Y have that rise. Unclear if I'll be able to do a return, but so far return shipping is paid by the buyer, so I am at least 20 dollars in the negative, and all I can get is STORE CREDIT. Customer service is completely condescending and also tried to fat-shame me. I am leaving 2 stars just hoping I can do one last return. If not, it's down to 1

This place usually has great stuff but this time they sold me a used hat and wouldn’t allow me to return it. They said they don’t sell items at this quality but they did this time.

Myles Rayfield

This place usually has great stuff but this time they sold me a used hat and wouldn’t allow me to return it. They said they don’t sell items at this quality but they did this time.

On October 12 at 5:30 pm, we were in the store browsing and purchasing small items for our children. I wish the staff had shown more empathy and accommodated my 3-year-old who suddenly needed to use the bathroom. I understand that in high-traffic tourist areas, the general rule is "bathrooms for employees only," but c’mon—a child here!

The staff is so rude. I said Hi when we entered and they just squared me up and down without notice. Like some other people said, we were also followed around to see if we were staling, which was senseless - we were obviously tourists, as if someone would fly from Europe to steal a 200$ stained sweater. The whole shopping experience was really uncomfortable. They were not helping at all and would look away when one tried to talk to them. At check out the cashier was borderline confrontational. I get it that retail is no fun but these people really go out of their way to make you feel crap. Don't buy from here ( I wish I didn't ).

The store has a nice, vintage vibe, but the staff weren’t very welcoming. The atmosphere felt unfriendly, which made me quite uncomfortable

Terrible customer service and fraudulent business practices. Bought a belt a size larger than I normally do as per the stores recommendation. Belt came in and it is sized for a child; at least 4 sizes too small. front General will not take return or exchange. Garbage company and garbage products. Customer service is laughable.

good selection and some unique products but INSANE prices. Really nothing in there justifies these kinds of prices.

Rude staff , I now understand why so many reviews mention issues with their attitude. I visited in a Sunday, and the cashier seemed annoyed in general. Maybe she doesn’t want to work on Sunday and was upset about having to be there, whatever. All I was politely ask for a paper bag for a postcard, and her attitude was so rude. I hope the owner reads all their reviews and takes steps to improve their customer service. I won’t be coming back. It’s better to visit a vintage shop in other places

I love the basic solid shirts and buy them in bulk. I did not like or appreciate immediately being followed by the two loss prevention employees as soon as I entered the store. They pretended to be shopping and trying on clothes but they were quite obviously watching me. I understand they have a job to do but they just made me feel uncomfortable and unwelcomed.

Incredibly upsetting experience in this store today caused by the attitude of the staff. After reading a spate of similar recent reviews, I’ve identified a disappointing pattern. The first time I visited the store I was pleasantly surprised, but after spending time combing through the store, I became increasingly disenchanted with the selection. The overall curation seems very derivative and prescriptive of what “cool” looks like, as if an ignorant hipster with a complete lack of self-awareness manifested a physical store for innocuous tourists to overspend. This affect permeated the atmosphere of the store, from an employee (long black hair) having a loud discussion mocking styles different from what the store espouses to the blatantly rude way my casual product inquires were handled. Much of the benefit of shopping local is better service, personable staff, and customer-forward policies. Front General Store offers none of these. On top of that, Front General Store boasts an abysmal return policy that, compounded with a crowded shopping environment that rushes customers without complete product information, unabashedly works against the customer. This is not an establishment worth anyone’s support. As a born and raised New Yorker, this isn’t what New York style is. I’d recommend looking elsewhere.

zura bartishvili

good selection and some unique products but INSANE prices. Really nothing in there justifies these kinds of prices.

María Jesus

The store has a nice, vintage vibe, but the staff weren’t very welcoming. The atmosphere felt unfriendly, which made me quite uncomfortable

JJ KANG

Rude staff , I now understand why so many reviews mention issues with their attitude. I visited in a Sunday, and the cashier seemed annoyed in general. Maybe she doesn’t want to work on Sunday and was upset about having to be there, whatever. All I was politely ask for a paper bag for a postcard, and her attitude was so rude. I hope the owner reads all their reviews and takes steps to improve their customer service. I won’t be coming back. It’s better to visit a vintage shop in other places

J S

The staff is so rude. I said Hi when we entered and they just squared me up and down without notice. Like some other people said, we were also followed around to see if we were staling, which was senseless - we were obviously tourists, as if someone would fly from Europe to steal a 200$ stained sweater. The whole shopping experience was really uncomfortable. They were not helping at all and would look away when one tried to talk to them. At check out the cashier was borderline confrontational. I get it that retail is no fun but these people really go out of their way to make you feel crap. Don't buy from here ( I wish I didn't ).

Jenn McDermott

On October 12 at 5:30 pm, we were in the store browsing and purchasing small items for our children. I wish the staff had shown more empathy and accommodated my 3-year-old who suddenly needed to use the bathroom. I understand that in high-traffic tourist areas, the general rule is "bathrooms for employees only," but c’mon—a child here!

Worm In The Big Apple

Incredibly upsetting experience in this store today caused by the attitude of the staff. After reading a spate of similar recent reviews, I’ve identified a disappointing pattern. The first time I visited the store I was pleasantly surprised, but after spending time combing through the store, I became increasingly disenchanted with the selection. The overall curation seems very derivative and prescriptive of what “cool” looks like, as if an ignorant hipster with a complete lack of self-awareness manifested a physical store for innocuous tourists to overspend. This affect permeated the atmosphere of the store, from an employee (long black hair) having a loud discussion mocking styles different from what the store espouses to the blatantly rude way my casual product inquires were handled. Much of the benefit of shopping local is better service, personable staff, and customer-forward policies. Front General Store offers none of these. On top of that, Front General Store boasts an abysmal return policy that, compounded with a crowded shopping environment that rushes customers without complete product information, unabashedly works against the customer. This is not an establishment worth anyone’s support. As a born and raised New Yorker, this isn’t what New York style is. I’d recommend looking elsewhere.

C L

I love the basic solid shirts and buy them in bulk. I did not like or appreciate immediately being followed by the two loss prevention employees as soon as I entered the store. They pretended to be shopping and trying on clothes but they were quite obviously watching me. I understand they have a job to do but they just made me feel uncomfortable and unwelcomed.