With the new year comes new discoveries. So, while many of us are unable to travel due to the pandemic, taking flight only in our minds, one Hoboken storefront invites customers to explore products from all over the world.
UNJUMBOLD, located at 257 1st Street, has an eye for detail and a heart for the different. Customers can find everything across self-care, home decor, baby, pet, artwork (including Hoboken’s very own, Ricardo Roig)— as well as organizational services for hire (for that messy closet you swore you’d tackle in the new year). Peruse the shelves and notice items from Canada, France, Kenya, Nepal, Peru, Turkey, and across the United States. If you cannot travel physically, UNJUMBOLD will take you where you need to go in spirit.
Partners in life and business, Michael Knight and John Forslund opened UNJUMBOLD on December 4, 2020. Knight comes from a lifelong background in retail, starting as a sales associate before growing into a corporate role. “I took all my knowledge and picked out all the parts that I’ve really enjoyed in my career and placed it into the store,” Knight explained.
Forslund shares a similar start, starting at Eddie Bauer at only 16 years old. Except, unlike Knight, he transitioned over to opening bars and restaurants. “I grew up the son of an avid home decorator, and the son of a home builder, so opening a business is in my blood!” Together, the two took on all of the opening’s responsibility themselves, from the shelves to the items that now stock them.
It is the brands themselves that takes center stage at UNJUMBOLD. Knight and Forslund carefully vet each product they carry. They look at where an item is made and how it’s made, ensure a company is fair trade and gives back to their community, and that no item can be found on Amazon.
Beyond authenticity, UNJUMBOLD places a strong focus on black, women, and LGTBQ owned businesses. “We are about equal rights for all. We want to empower local communities; we want children to grow up seeing successful entrepreneurs and a thriving community,” Knight said. As a white, gay couple, Knight and Forslund are dedicated to raising social awareness around marginalized groups. “These types of businesses aren’t given the credibility they deserve. They deserve to get the same exposure as other brands. That comes with setting the right example and doing everything in our power to pave the path for others who aren’t inherently privileged.”
Forslund continued, “We’re hoping to build a place the community feels comfortable coming to, to help them with their everyday home and lifestyle. We’re spending the most time in our homes. It’s our safe space. We want that home to feel comfortable and we’ve curated a range of products and services to do that.”
Products to love right now:
Skin Gourmet – RAW PURE WILD so pure you can eat it… seriously.
UNJUMBOLD Sheets – Designed by Knight and Forslund. 600 thread count percale sheets.
Rock Dispensers– The coolest way to dispense your favorite alcoholic beverages.
Chunky Knit– feel it and fall in love.
Amore Diffuser– a Nikki On The Daily personal recommendation