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Shop Like a Local in Philadelphia

Date January 10, 2024

Shop Like a Local in Philadelphia

Visitors can enjoy tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes in Philadelphia.

Visit hip, independent boutiques, which are perfect spots to pick up souvenirs or one-of-a-kind gifts. Explore these popular shopping destinations throughout Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods.

Center City

Spanning three city blocks, Fashion District Philadelphia is home to a mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences. In addition to name brand stores and boutiques, the mall also has factory and outlet stores.

A shopping mall is filled with people walking around. There are people going up the escalator to the right. Large posters and billboards are thrown throughout the indoor space.

Photo courtesy of Fashion District Philadelphia.

Just down the street from the Fashion District is Reading Terminal Market. The market is a popular spot to grab a bite to eat, thanks to the more than two dozen restaurants found inside. But it is also home to dozens of vendors selling art, crafts, and gifts. Amazulu sells handmade sterling silver jewelry. Or stop by De’Village where you’ll find African jewelry, artwork, fabrics, and accessories.

Philadelphia’s Gayborhood and Washington Square West is also home to many boutique shops. Find gifts and home décor at Open House which sells everyday objects like pillows, trays, and ornaments featuring Philadelphia icons, including the LOVE Sculpture and Rocky Statue. Choose from an array of custom handmade natural bath, spa, and skincare products at duross & langel. Or stop by Revival Phl, a boutique selling jewelry, handbags, and other accessories.

Along Rittenhouse Row, you’ll find chic boutiques and national retailers that cater to all sorts of tastes. The district includes mainstays like Joan Shepp, a swanky shop that stocks high-end, fashion-forward designers. There’s also Boyds, a luxury, Philadelphia-based department store.

An open space is filled with gold clothing racks with fashionable wardrobe pieces. Two mannequins are off to the left, one is wearing bright red pants, the other is wearing white pants. Clear light fixtures and chandeliers hang from the ceiling overhead.

Photo courtesy of Boyds Philadelphia.

Old City and Queen Village

Stroll Old City’s cobblestone streets to find unique boutiques like Philadelphia Independents. This popular shop offers handmade items, including pillows printed with the Philadelphia skyline and city-themed tote bags.

Quaint Fabric Row, on 4th Street in Queen Village, has been a destination for textile shopping for more than a century. Today, you’ll also find boutiques, restaurants, and galleries neighboring family-owned fabric shops.

Chestnut Hill

Independent boutiques dot tree-lined Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill, known as the city’s garden district. This posh northwest neighborhood is home to local gems. Artisans on the Avenue stocks women’s clothing, jewelry, and other accessories made by American designers. The Market at the Fareway is a modern farmers’ market meets country store.

A woman, man, and two young boys are shown walking down a quiet street. There is a bush to the right, along with colorful flowers lining the walkway. There is a white picket fence with artwork at the top. Beyond the family walking, there are storefronts in Chestnut Hill.

Stroll the picturesque streets of Chestnut Hill. Photo courtesy of the Chestnut Hill Business District.

Want to stop to grab a bite to eat while you shop? Check out our food and drink page.