New York Times Feature on Cortelyou Road

Did you ever see the New York Times coverage on us last year? We archived the story and thought you'd like to know that you can get the story here.

CoRMA Welcomes and Interviews Belle & Maxie

Vox Pop and Cortelyou Road Merchants Association are tickled pink to have a new children's toys and clothing store on the block
Please spread the word, Belle and Maxie is here, at 1209 Cortelyou Road, next to two of the other, newest stores, Imade and Brooklyn Hearth.

An artist and a local, Gilbert Flores designed and built Belle & Maxie by hand. It looks really professionally done. He's there all the time, in person, and his new hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 11 AM - 6 PM, Saturday 9 - 6 PM, and Sunday 10-5 PM.

If you have any questions, call or email him, 718 484-4136 * Gilbert Flores at belleandmaxie@optonline.net

In order for us all to get to know Gilbert, I thought I would do an interview with him....check it out.


Why did you pick Cortelyou?

My wife, daughter and I have lived in this area for well over two years. When we decide to open Belle & Maxie, Cortelyou Road was a natural choice. It was our love of the neighborhood, it's people, the architecture and the possibilities that lead our hearts to decide.

Do you live in the area?
Yes, we live on Argyle Road between Cortelyou Road and Dorchester Road.



What's your background as an entrepreneur, or children's store person?

We are an entrepreneurial family by nature, both of our parents own their own businesses. My wife is currently a partner and runs a custom framing company in New York City and I am an artist that has sold my works in galleries in New York City and other states as well. So, when we were bringing life to Belle & Maxie, we relied on my wife's extensive knowledge and experience as a business woman, my artistic background and abilities, and our experience as parents to formulate, design, construct and select the inventory for Belle & Maxie.

What's unique about your business?

First, we are the first children's store to the Ditmas Park / East Flatbush area. Second, our dedication to design is reflected in our selection of our merchandise. Belle & Maxie is committed to bringing new and interesting products to the forefront and presenting them in an artful manner. And last, we are reintroducing the idea of a genuine and sincere customer service in a clean, open and friendly atmosphere.

What would you like to improve about Cortelyou Road?

The changes that I would like to see happen to Cortelyou Road have already begun, with the influx of soulful, interesting and much needed business like Vox Pop, Cortelyou Vintage, Brooklyn Hearth, Picket Fence, Belle & Maxie and soon, the new restaurant, The Farm. Together we have chosen Cortelyou Road as our home, making this street a point of destination that truly serves the needs of a diverse population, offering the excitement of growth and an abundance of possibilities to this community.

Many Thanks,

Gilbert Flores, Owner
Belle & Maxie
1209 Cortelyou Road
Brooklyn, New York 11218
718 484-4136

Our New Logo!

Thanks to Friends of Cortelyou, for designing and donating this great new logo!