Lower East Side Bookstore Sweet Pickle Books Expands Amid Growing Popularity
A charming bookstore on the Lower East Side is experiencing unexpected success—much to its delight.
Sweet Pickle Books, which uniquely trades jars of pickles for books, has garnered a celebrity clientele that includes stars like Harry Styles, Olivia Wilde, and Jacob Elordi. The shop is now considering a second location due to its increasing popularity.
“I never envisioned this store becoming so successful—it’s incredible,” remarked owner Leigh Altshuler, 34, in an interview.
Altshuler previously held the role of communications director at the renowned Strand Bookstore and made a leap into entrepreneurship during the pandemic. She launched Sweet Pickle Books in November 2020, equipped with 360 jars of homemade pickles.
To replenish inventory, she offers two-pound jars of pickles for every five books traded on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, capitalizing on the growing community of book lovers.
This Manhattan establishment has given away thousands of used books, priced from free to $14, and is bustling with eager readers, particularly during weekends and afternoons.
Its appeal has attracted notable figures in the entertainment industry, including singer Styles, actress Wilde, "Euphoria" star Elordi, actress Emma Roberts, musician Joe Jonas, and Australian singer Troye Sivan. Wilde notably stirred excitement on social media when she wore a Sweet Pickle Books hat in a 2022 “Elle” photoshoot. Styles’ visit to the store, prior to his Madison Square Garden residency, significantly boosted its profile among celebrity patrons, Altshuler noted.
Beyond its celebrity supporters, the store has tapped into a devoted clientele of pickle enthusiasts, as highlighted by Altshuler.
“People who love books show up, but the pickle fans have a special enthusiasm,” she explained. “Many customers exclaim, ‘Books and pickles are my two favorites! How did you know?’”
As inventory continues to grow—largely fueled by donations—Altshuler plans to establish a second branch in the area dedicated to rare and unique texts.
The new venue, dubbed “Sweet Pickle Books: Rare, Fine and Fancy,” will feature out-of-print and collectible books, showcasing notable items like a century-old edition of “Jack and the Beanstalk” and a signed copy of Michael Jackson’s autobiography, “Moonwalk.”
“Emma Roberts is a big fan of books and often visits,” Altshuler remarked, remembering how Roberts expressed surprise at the hidden location of the rare book collection.
Negotiations for the new space are ongoing, and Altshuler recently secured a five-year lease for her original Orchard Street location.
“This expansion will allow everything here to thrive a bit more,” she stated regarding her forthcoming bookstore.
An inspiration for her unique concept came when Altshuler, who was previously a public relations employee, found herself exploring used bookstores after being laid off amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I aimed to blend used books with another element to offset costs,” she added. “Naming the store was also an homage to the Lower East Side.”
The combination of pickles and books resonates with the neighborhood’s history, as it was once a Jewish hub renowned for its pickle markets—a tradition that connects with Altshuler’s own heritage.
The nearby Tenement Museum includes Sweet Pickle Books as a stop on its tours, allowing visitors to purchase jars of various pickles for $12.95.
“It’s crucial to preserve this local history,” Altshuler emphasized. “Eastern European immigrants fleeing conflict settled in tenements here; it’s a quintessential New York narrative that should be acknowledged.”
Altshuler provides insights into the area’s “pickle alley” history as she serves tourists, blending a love of literature with local heritage.
Reflecting on the rapid success of her venture, Altshuler initially believed her homemade supply of pickles would last a lifetime.
However, the demand proved to be far greater than anticipated, leading her to source additional pickles from a Texas farm. To date, the shop has distributed over 80,000 jars.
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