On Broome Street, where high-rise condos and luxury brands reign supreme, a yellow storefront with a flamboyant window display disrupts SoHo's corporate retail offerings. Inside, among rack after rack of vintage garments, the walls are collaged with magazine clippings and photos, handwritten notes, and painted signs. And while the neighborhood has changed dramatically over the years, visitors to the store can still expect to be greeted by the gentle, Yorkshire-tinged voice of Jeffrey Norfolk, and by the same message."Hello! Do let me know if I can help you with anything."
Norfolk, a local artist, is the owner of Paracelso, a 53-year-old independent boutique that has survived SoHo's yuppification. He originally opened the business on West Broadway with his late wife and business partner, Luxor Tavella, as the area was transitioning from an industrial hub into an arts district.
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