A.I. Friedman

Profile

Artists, designers and other creative types flock to this vast, airy space to find all they need to create their next masterpiece. A.I. Friedman doesn't try to cram stock into suffocating cubbyholes like some of their competitors; their 10,000-sq-ft store is all about space, organization, and making it easy for customers to navigate around the rows of paper, art supplies, and office furniture. Among the variety of paint tubes and brushes, you'll also find easels, Filofax organizers, and colorful chairs for the office. The store offers a custom framing counter (which closes an hour early) and a selection of coffee table books and novelty items for hostess gifts, a far cry from the rubber erasers and tracing paper they first sold when they opened in 1929. You can pick up a Timbuk2 bag to haul your goodies home, or have the store deliver the drafting table right to your loft. — Jeannette Park