Our Secret Identity - The Story Behind Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.

The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. is a real and actual retail store, serving as a front for 826NYC, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting students, ages 6-18, with their writing skills.

Our dedicated volunteers, storytellers, and workshop leaders help 4,000 New York students a year. All purchases from BSSCo. directly support 826NYC, and if you would like to make a direct tax-deductible donation, you can do so here.

If you're planning to visit our brick and mortar location, you can find us at 372 Fifth Avenue (btw. 5th and 6th Street) in Park Slope, near the 4th Avenue-9th Street stop on the F, G, and R trains. Free services include Cape Testing.

Our hours of operation are 12:00pm-5:00pm Tuesday to Sunday. While 826NYC runs programs seven days a week, BSSCo. is closed for maintenance and dimensional warp servicing on on Monday. 

ONLINE ORDERING REMINDERS

Our staff is small. Orders are processed as quickly as possible, and should arrive within two weeks. If you need your order sooner, please contact our store manager Chris to see if it can be expedited.

Because of the nature of our business and our merchandise, we don't accept returns on online orders. We are happy to answer questions before you order. If an item is damaged in transit, we will ship out a replacement. 

We will very very occasionally have to offer a substitution on some orders. We will notify you of the substitution prior to shipment, and if the alternative is not acceptable, we will offer a refund or credit for that portion of the order.

OTHER QUESTIONS THAT ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED

Why does a writing and literacy nonprofit need superhero supplies?  

When novelist Dave Eggers and educator Ninive Calegari launched the original 826 chapter in San Francisco, the building (at 826 Valencia) was zoned for retail. To accommodate this rule, they opened the Pirate Supply Store, a seafarer’s mercantile. When 826NYC opened in 2004 in the heart of Gotham/Metropolis/The Big Apple, a Superhero Supply store seemed like the natural fit. In the ensuing years, each chapter has developed its own unique storefront.

 The storefronts serve several purposes:

  • They engage the curiosity of the community and bring attention to the programs 826 chapters provide
  • They inspire the imagination and signal to students that our chapters are a place for creativity and freedom
  • Sales in the store generate income to keep our programs free for students and their families

How can I get involved as a volunteer?

There are many other ways you can help outside of working in the store. Read about these opportunities here.

Can I customize an item?

In the past we've created custom capes and superpowers for personal and corporate events. Please contact us if you have a superheroic concept not covered by our standard catalog of items.

Where’s my order?  It’s been a while.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch.  

Call us at (718) 499-9884 or e-mail Chris.  

Can I Host an Event at BSSCo.?

826NYC offers writing programs seven days a week during the school year, therefore space rentals for our library space are limited. In the past our Secret Library has hosted birthday parties, hosted concerts, readings, book release parties, filmings, and other events. While opportunities are limited, please contact us if you would have an event you would like to host.

 

Will you add a donation to 826NYC to your order?

BSSCo. is a project of 826NYC, a non-profit that encourages the exploration of endless possibilities through the power of writing.

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