New York City may be known for its small apartments, but nothing beats a 50-square-foot store tucked into the heart of SoHo.
Dr. Silkman’s, a locally produced bath and body brand, has been dubbed the tiniest shop in the five boroughs by its own staff. Visitors can practically touch both walls by simply stretching out their arms.
“Come fact-check us on it,” said Josh Malett, the company’s sales and marketing manager.
Located at 401 W Broadway, Dr. Silkman’s recently celebrated the second anniversary of its first brick-and-mortar store.
Before Dr. Silkman’s moved in, the space, once an alleyway, housed a smoke shop, a money exchange, and even a pizza place.
From 2003 until 2024, the company operated exclusively online, shipping its all-natural products worldwide despite manufacturing everything in the Bronx.
“It was super important to us to be as locally focused as we possibly can,” Mallet said. “So we source all of our raw ingredients from within the United States, which we’re really proud about.”
Made with ingredients such as shea butter, avocado oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil, Dr. Silkman’s has carved out a niche within the bath and body care industry with products like its signature body lotion candle, which the company claims was the first of its kind.
“We wanted to bring a bit of whimsy and fun,” Mallet said. “With normal candles, you dip your finger, and it’s too hot, and the wax pools on your finger. Your parents probably told you not to do that, but with our products, it melts right at body temperature.”
Throughout the day, staff members invite visitors to try the body lotion candle for themselves. But that’s not all the tiny shop has to offer. Dr. Silkman’s also sells a range of beard, lip, and body care products, including soaps, lip balms, and beard oils.
The brand will also continue its annual tradition of participating in both the Bryant Park Winter Village, which opens Oct. 28, and the Union Square Holiday Market, which opens Nov. 13.
“After almost a quarter of a century of doing the holiday markets, we saw this 50-square-foot space,” Mallet said. “We’re the kings of micro retail. This is just enough space for us to sell all of our wonderful New York-produced goods.”
Dr. Silkman’s is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit drsilkmans.com.
