The Story of Catbird: From a Tiny Boutique to a National Brand
On a sunny afternoon in spring, Rony Elka Vardi and Leigh Batnick Plessner reminisced outside the Bedford Avenue storefront in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This space once housed their beloved jewelry boutique, Catbird, which has now transformed into a cozy cafe offering coffee and delicious Argentine pastries. Despite its petite size of just 200 square feet, the location holds a special place in their hearts.
Established in 2006, Catbird quickly outgrew its original home after gaining popularity in the jewelry scene. In 2022, Vardi and Batnick Plessner decided to relocate Catbird to a larger space in Williamsburg, nearly ten times the size of the original store. The brand’s success led to the opening of additional stores, including a downtown Manhattan flagship and a second store in Rockefeller Center.
The Catbird experience is a unique blend of dainty jewelry pieces, stylish trinkets, and curated items from various designers, displayed in a charming setting adorned with white-lace curtains, vintage furniture, lush houseplants, and whimsical mirrors. Each store exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere that reflects the brand’s aesthetic.
| Locations | Expansion Plans |
|---|---|
| Williamsburg | Opened larger store in 2022 |
| Manhattan | Flagship store in downtown area |
| Los Angeles | Established presence in the West Coast |
| Washington | Expanded to the capital city |
| Boston | Added East Coast location |
| San Francisco | Upcoming store opening in August |
| Future Locations | Planning 10 more stores by 2026 in cities like Atlanta and Chicago |
