Top 15 Umbrella Factories in Brooklyn

As a major industrial and cultural hub in New York City, Brooklyn's umbrella industry combines traditional craftsmanship with modern urban innovation. From Williamsburg's stylish commuter umbrellas to Coney Island's coastal windproof designs, the local market sees growing demand for functional and well-designed umbrellas. Below is a curated list of 15 top umbrella factories in Brooklyn, along with import guides and supplier recommendations for industry professionals.

1、Top 15 Umbrella Factories in Brooklyn

1.1 Brooklyn Umbrella Co.

Headquarters: Williamsburg

Core Advantage: Established in 1978, a historic Brooklyn factory specializing in handcrafted long-handle golf umbrellas with walnut handles and canvas canopies, including made-to-order large golf umbrellas tailored for corporate outings and community events. Provides custom services for Manhattan’s high-end department stores; the classic "Brooklyn Bridge" pattern umbrella sells over 100,000 units annually.

1.2 Williamsburg Wet Goods

Headquarters: Williamsburg

Core Advantage: A fashion-forward design pioneer focusing on minimalist folding umbrellas. Collaborates with local artists on graffiti-themed collections, using UV-resistant coatings. Perfect for New York’s fast-paced commuting, with exclusive displays in trendy stores like Urban Outfitters.

1.3 Coney Island Canopy Works

Headquarters: Coney Island

Core Advantage: A coastal umbrella specialist with wind resistance up to level 10, using salt-spray resistant fabrics. Designs extra-large dome umbrellas for Coney Island beaches, partnering with local amusement parks and seaside restaurants.

1.4 Greenpoint Gear

Headquarters: Greenpoint

Core Advantage: Represents industrial-style umbrellas with metal frames and recycled denim canopies, offering customized laser-engraved handles. Popular among Brooklyn’s DIY enthusiasts, with custom orders accounting for 60% of sales.

1.5 Bushwick Brollies

Headquarters: Bushwick

Core Advantage: A street culture leader, launching limited-edition umbrellas in collaboration with rappers and skate brands. Features fluorescent canopies with reflective strips, reaching global streetwear consumers via Amazon Handmade.

1.6 Dumbo Dry Goods

Headquarters: Dumbo

Core Advantage: A tech-driven factory developing automatic folding umbrellas with built-in pressure sensor wind resistance systems, FCC certified. This includes tailored automatic rain umbrella options with personalized handles and canopy designs, catering to the specific needs of Wall Street professionals and urban commuters.Targets Wall Street commuters, with patented technology featured in The New York Times.

1.7 Red Hook Rainware

Headquarters: Red Hook

Core Advantage: A retro-style factory reviving 19th-century wooden handle craftsmanship, using natural rubber waterproof coatings. Creates commemorative umbrellas for institutions like the Brooklyn Historical Society, with 40% of exports going to Europe.

1.8 Park Slope Parasols

Headquarters: Park Slope

Core Advantage: An eco-pioneer using 100% recycled PET bottles for canopies and FSC-certified bamboo handles. Products are stocked in Whole Foods; the "Central Park" themed umbrellas sell 200,000 units yearly.

1.9 Gowanus Gear Co.

Headquarters: Gowanus

Core Advantage: A multi-functional umbrella expert introducing "rain/sun + power bank" integrated umbrellas, with 5000mAh batteries in handles, UL certified. Raised over $500,000 on Indiegogo, popular for tech-savvy users.

1.10 Bay Ridge Breeze

Headquarters: Bay Ridge

Core Advantage: A Mediterranean-style factory with hand-woven rattan handles and linen canopies, suitable for Brooklyn's waterfront villas. Creates exclusive color schemes for Four Seasons Hotels, with 35% exports to the Middle East.

1.11 Prospect Park Umbrella

Headquarters: Prospect Park

Core Advantage: A cityscape-themed factory printing designs like Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park maps. Collaborates with local tourism bureaus on the "10 Scenes of Brooklyn" series, a must-buy souvenir for tourists.

1.12 Bed-Stuy Basics

Headquarters: Bedford-Stuyvesant

Core Advantage: A cost-effective leader focusing on basic folding umbrellas, distributed nationwide via Costco with an annual capacity of 500,000 units. Offers community-themed patterns like African drum prints and street basketball designs.

1.13 Boerum Hill Brolly

Headquarters: Boerum Hill

Core Advantage: A high-end customization expert, creating embroidered canopies for brands like Tiffany & Co. and Brooklyn Nets. Also specializes in logo golf umbrellas for high schoolers, featuring school emblems and team colors for sports events and graduation ceremonies. Hand-stitching precision within 0.5mm error, with single custom umbrellas priced up to $500.

1.14 Midwood Monogram

Headquarters: Midwood

Core Advantage: A personalized customization factory supporting laser-engraved canopies and gold-foil name initials on handles, with a 10-unit minimum order. Serves Brooklyn’s wedding market, achieving a 70% repurchase rate for "couple-exclusive" designs.

1.15 Sheepshead Bay Shield

Headquarters: Sheepshead Bay

Core Advantage: A wind and rain resistance leader passing ASTM F1809 level 12 wind tests, using aerospace-grade aluminum frames. Supplies specialized umbrellas to the U.S. Coast Guard, with salt-spray resistance exceeding 500 hours.

2、A Complete Guide to Importing Umbrellas to Brooklyn from China

2.1 Market Research and Positioning

Regional Differences:

Williamsburg/Bushwick: Young consumers prefer trendy co-branded designs (60% of demand), purchasing 2-3 umbrellas annually.

Coney Island/Sheepshead Bay: Coastal areas prioritize wind resistance (45% of products ≥ level 8) and UV-protective fabrics (UPF50+ demand up 30%).

Competitor Analysis: Local factories focus on handmade customization and regional culture; imported products can highlight "cost-effective + fast sampling" to target small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) customization. Additionally, businesses may consider partnerships with Netherlands umbrella companies known for innovative design and sustainability, which can complement offerings in the Brooklyn market.

2.2 Legal and Compliance Requirements

Certification Standards:

CPSC Certification: Umbrella tip radius ≥5mm (anti-stabbing), handle materials tested for lead and phthalates (16 CFR Part 1303).

FCC Certification: Required for electronic features (e.g., LED lights, Bluetooth), testing electromagnetic compatibility (47 CFR Part 15).

Tariff Policies:

HS Codes: 6601.9100 (umbrellas)/6601.9900 (sun umbrellas), with Basic US Customs Tariff+8.875% New York State Sales Tax.

Duty Exemption: Apply for USMCA certificate of origin for potential raw material tax exemptions as per current regulations.

2.3 Screening Reliable Suppliers

Channel Recommendations:

Online Platforms: Alibaba Global (filter "Brooklyn Hot Sales"), Thomasnet (industrial supplier directory).

Trade Shows: New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), Outdoor Retailer Show in Miami.

Qualification Checks: Prioritize factories with ISO 9001, CPSC certification, and Sedex 4P social responsibility certification; request U.S. market compliance proofs (e.g., UL test reports). For businesses exploring diverse sourcing options, India umbrella companies offer competitive pricing and large-scale production capabilities, which can be evaluated alongside Chinese suppliers.

2.4 Contract Negotiation and Terms

Key Clauses:

Pricing Terms: FOB Shenzhen (for trial orders) or DDP Brooklyn (including customs, for long-term cooperation), with exchange rate lock clauses (30-day validity).

Customization Details: Specify printing methods (digital direct print for gradients, screen printing for single-color logos); packaging must meet Amazon FBA requirements (single package ≤20lb, with UPC codes).

Payment Methods: 30% deposit (T/T), 70% against bill of lading; accept letters of credit (LC) or PayPal installments.

2.5 Quality Control and Logistics

QC Focus:

Functionality: Wind resistance test (60mph, ASTM F1809), UV protection (AATCC 183, UPF50+), opening/closing lifespan (≥5,000 times).

Compliance: Tip roundness (caliper measurement, radius ≥5mm), material composition reports (free of Proposition 65 restricted substances).

Logistics Solutions:

Sea Freight: Shenzhen Yantian Port → New York Port (25-35 days), 1,200 units per 20ft container, ideal for bulk orders.

Air Freight: Shenzhen Bao’an Airport → JFK Airport (5-7 days), suitable for urgent orders, requires IATA dangerous goods certification for lithium battery components.

2.6 Customs Clearance and Taxes

Document Preparation:

Basic Documents: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, CPSC compliance statement, FCC certificate (if applicable).

Preferential Documents: USMCA origin statement, GRS certification (for eco-material duty exemption).

Clearance Process: Engage a local New York customs broker (e.g., Clearit USA), ensuring accurate HS code classification to avoid inspection delays. Businesses importing from the UK should note that UK umbrella companies often have established logistics networks that simplify customs processes, though post-Brexit regulations may require additional documentation.

2.7 Distribution and Marketing Promotion

Channel Selection:

E-Commerce: Amazon USA (Outdoor category), Etsy (handmade customization), targeting Brooklyn's niche markets.

Physical Retail: Local chains (Bookoff, Artists & Fleas markets), Manhattan high-end department stores (Bloomingdale's).

Corporate Customization: Partner with local brands via New York Advertising Association for "community culture + corporate logo" solutions.

Marketing Highlights:

Highlight "Brooklyn-inspired designs" and compliance with U.S. safety standards, appealing to both retailers and end consumers.

2.8 Long-Term Relationship Management

Supplier Management:

Quarterly factory audits to ensure production capacity and ethical standards (SA8000 compliance).

Emergency inventory (20% backup) for hurricane season surges (August-October peak demand).

Customer Service:

New York time zone support (9 AM-5 PM EST), multilingual assistance for pre-sales and after-sales inquiries.

Regular sales data sharing to refine product designs based on Brooklyn consumer preferences.

3、Reasons to Choose Hongjie as Your Supplier

3.1 Designs Tailored to Brooklyn Market

Offers regional patterns like "Williamsburg Graffiti" and "Coney Island Roller Coaster," supporting IP co-branding for local events (e.g., Dumbo arts festivals) with client authorization.

3.2 Compliance with US Standards

Factory certified to ISO 9001 and Sedex 4P, ensuring all products meet CPSC safety requirements: fiberglass frames (level 8 wind resistance), UPF50+ sun protection, and child-safe 6mm rounded tips.

3.3 Flexible Customization

100-unit minimum order, supporting handle materials (Williamsburg industrial metal/Park Slope bamboo), canopy shapes (Coney Island large dome, 1.8m diameter), and packaging designs (French-language options for local retail).

3.4 Eco-Friendly Solutions

Optional 100% recycled ocean plastic canopies (GRS certified) and biodegradable cornstarch packaging, compliant with New York's Plastic Recycling Law and ESG consumer trends.

3.5 Price Competitiveness

Bulk orders (1,000+ units) priced 30-40% below local Brooklyn factories, maintaining quality comparable to Williamsburg Wet Goods at 60% cost—ideal for e-commerce Hot selling item strategies.

3.6 Seamless Logistics to Brooklyn

DDP service including customs clearance and last-mile delivery via USPS/FedEx, with real-time tracking and standard 30-45 day delivery (15-day rush production for urgent orders).

3.7 Full-Process Service Support

Free 3D design proofs, 7-day sampling, and real-time designer collaboration to match Brooklyn’s iconic color palette (red/black/gold) and cultural motifs (Bed-Stuy street art, Prospect Park wildlife).

3.8 Local Cooperation Experience

Long-term partnerships with New York retailers (Brooklyn Bowl, Smorgasburg), familiar with U.S. labeling laws (bilingual fabric/wash instructions) and Amazon FBA operational requirements.

4、Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which Brooklyn factories focus on eco-friendly umbrellas?

A: Park Slope Parasols (recycled PET canopies) and Greenpoint Gear (FSC-certified bamboo frames) are local leaders, available at Whole Foods and REI with GRS certification.

Q2: What's the minimum order quantity for customized umbrellas by Brooklyn enterprises?

A: Most suppliers, including Hongjie, start at 100 units for logo customization, with free design services and packaging upgrades for orders over 500 units.

Q3: How are tariffs calculated for importing umbrellas to Brooklyn?

A: Tariffs include U.S. customs duties + 8.875% New York state sales tax. Use USMCA origin certificates to apply for duty exemptions, with brokers assisting in real-time rate verification.

Q4: What products are popular in Brooklyn’s high-end gift market?

A: Boerum Hill Brolly's hand-embroidered umbrellas and Brooklyn Umbrella Co.'s retro wooden umbrellas, often paired with custom storage bags printed with the Brooklyn skyline for corporate anniversaries.

Q5: What features do Brooklyn consumers value most in umbrellas?

A: Wind resistance (45%, coastal areas), portability (30%, metro users), design uniqueness (25%, street culture), followed by UV protection and eco-friendly materials.

Conclusion

Brooklyn's umbrella market thrives on a blend of artisanal heritage, urban innovation, and community-centric design. By leveraging the specialized strengths of its top 15 factories and following a compliant, localized import strategy, businesses can effectively meet the diverse needs of consumers—from Williamsburg's fashion-forward crowd to Coney Island’s coastal resilience demands. Partnering with suppliers like Hongjie, who prioritize customization, compliance, and regional understanding, ensures a competitive edge in this dynamic, rain-and-shine economy.