“Pearl River Mart, New York’s first, and only, Chinese department store, is going the way of so many other classic mom and pop’s…” So begins Michelle Chen’s audio documentary on the story of her family’s iconic Chinese market in Manhattan’s Soho district, and the impact it has left in its wake as the store faces imminent closure.
Originally a Fi2W podcast, the story of Pearl River Mart was broadcast on PRI’s The World.
The story of the Pearl River Mart does not end with Chen’s family’s decision to close up shop and leave the area due to rising rents. The cultural imprint it has left on its customers over four decades has been indelible.
Listen to the Fi2W podcast
Saving Pearl River Mart, A Personal History of NYC’s Legendary Chinese Department Store.
Fi2W is supported by the David and Katherine Moore Family Foundation, the Ralph E. Odgen Foundation, The Ford Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The J.M. Kaplan Fund, an anonymous donor and readers like you.
