Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Boston

Boston is the capital city of Massachusetts and over time it has made a name for itself in several different industries. It is home to the iconic Boston Marathon as well as many famous museums, restaurants and shopping areas known around the world. You can make a great vacation out of visiting Boston, whether you want to walk around the beautiful green spaces in the Emerald Necklace, learn about the culture and history in the numerous landmarks and historic sites, or treat yourself to a Boston shopping spree in the high-end stores and markets.

If you choose Boston as your shopping destination there are some local chain stores and areas that you just have to visit. You are going to need both hands to carry all of the things that you buy, so be sure to leave your travel baggage safe at a luggage storage locker in Boston. Then, shop to your heart's content!

Popular Shopping Malls and Outlets in Boston

Prudential Mall in Back Bay

Back Bay is a good place to start when you are shopping around the city, and one of the biggest and best malls in the area is Prudential Center Mall on Boylston Street. This building is full of clothing and jewelry stores, hair salons, eateries and fun events or activities. There are places for men, women and children to shop around making it an optimal spot for a family outing or social gathering.

Some of the clothing brands found here include Janie & Jack, Kate Spade, Lululemon, The Handle Bar, Sam Edelman, MAC Cosmetics and Barnes & Noble. There is also a pharmacy and convenience store on site and access to local tourist activities, like the Boston Duck Tours and Skywalk Observatory.

Copley Place in Back Bay

Copley Place is another shopping center connected directly to the Prudential Mall but is a completely separate establishment. Here you can find some big name brands like Banana Republic, Victoria's Secret and Ludlow Shop as well as other luxury brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Fendi and Gucci.

There are almost 70 stores to discover here in the two-level shopping center. The close proximity of Copley Square to the Prudential Mall makes it a great second stop on your shopping journey around Boston.

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets in South Boston

These outlets have a huge selection of designer goods at an affordable price. You can find clothes and beauty products from stores like Adidas, Aerie, Old Navy, Tory Burch, Sketchers, Guess, Gap and so many more. Outlets usually sell products with deep discounts which means that this area could have the best shopping in Boston for bargain hunters.

The area is enormous with more than 170 different stores and it is easily accessible by bus or public transportation. They are open every day of the week from 10 am to 9 pm with the exception of some holidays. On Sundays, they close at 6 pm.

Designer Stores in Boston

Shake the Tree in the North End

Shake the Tree at 67 Salem Street is an indie shop that has been unique to Boston for over 20 years now. Their collection includes handmade jewelry, women's clothes, stationery, cookbooks and home décor goods. This store was inspired by the shops in Paris but sells items that you won't be able to find anywhere else in the world.

There are often pop-up events going on here, like The Paint Project Pop Up Trunk Show which hosts a guest artist from Vermont, Meagan Hurd, and showcases her individual designs. This event donates its proceeds to some great charities, so you can treat yourself and help others at the same time.

Injeanius in Seaport District

This is another local shop that has been specializing in women's jeans and tops since 2005. They are the best place to find quality denim and since their selection changes regularly, you never know what you will find.

This shop also sells t-shirts, sweaters, accessories and jackets to make the perfect everyday outfit. Their experienced and friendly staff are ready to welcome you at 85A Northern Avenue.

M. Flynn in the South End

M. Flynn is one of the independent boutiques unique to Boston. This shop was founded by two sisters, Moria and Megan Flynn, and sells some beautiful everyday jewelry. They have been in business for over a decade now and have made a name for themselves around the city.

You can find everything from wedding rings to classic accessories in their own exclusive jewelry line. They also stock fine jewelry and costume accessories from their favorite designers around the world.

Matsu on Charles Street

This is one of Boston's unique boutique shops that sells distinctive clothes, accessories and a one-and-only jewelry line created by Dava Muramatsu, the store owner. Visiting this shop will be an experience like no other, and afterward, you may feel a closer connection to nature, life and yourself.

Dava has the experience and a passion for helping her clients feel more comfortable and confident in themselves by choosing the right style in terms of wardrobe and accessories. Matsu is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11 am to 5:30 pm and can be found at 75 Charles Street.

Bobby From Boston in Sommerville

Bobby From Boston is known as the best vintage shop in the city. It was opened by Bobby Garnett back in 1995 but after his passing, the business was taken over by his daughter Jessica. What first began as a personal showroom and collection has evolved into a top location for premium men's and women's clothing.

The fun thing about vintage shops is that you never know what hidden gems you might find. This location has everything from clothing to household accessories and trinkets. Visit them from 5 pm to 10 pm Monday to Thursday or anytime between 8 am to 11 pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Concepts on Newbury Street

Concepts was voted as the best place to find streetwear in the city. They have several locations around the world, including a shop in Dubai, New York and Shanghai. Their Boston location doubles as an art gallery and theater with a DJ booth and cafe on site, giving you an incredible shopping experience.

They sell a selection of sneakers, jackets, apparel and accessories from a large selection of similarly styled name brands like VisVim, A Bathing Ape, Alexander McQueen or Stussy. They have merchandise for men, women and children too.

Saks Fifth Avenue on Boylston Street

This is the best place in all of Boston to find shoes although they also sell clothing, handbags and fashion jewelry. You can shop for everything from chic sneakers to fashionable shoes and stilettos that are perfect for a night out on the town.

They sell footwear from more than 100 different brands including Jimmy Choo, Fendi, Adidas, Gucci, Stella McCartney, Chanel and many more. The items sold here can be expensive but are stylish and of great quality.

Frugal Bookstore in Roxbury

If books are what you are looking for, head just outside of town to the Frugal Bookstore in Roxbury. This shop is proudly black-owned by two Boston locals and has an impressive selection of books written by black authors and with protagonists that are people of color. Their mission is to promote reading for adults, children and anyone in between.

Their collection includes unused books from categories like sci-fi, fiction, memoirs, children's books as well as national or local history novels. Everyone is welcome to shop here and it is a great place to buy some books to read during your downtime.

Popular Shopping Areas in Boston

Newbury Street in Back Bay

One of the top areas for Boston shopping is Newbury Street. This place is located right next to the beautiful Public Gardens and it is the perfect spot to take a stroll among the shops and boutiques that line the street.

There is more than just shopping here as you can also find some adorable cafes, fine dining restaurants or hair and beauty salons to stop by. The area is sometimes blocked off from cars during the summer which makes it the best time to explore the stores, pop-up booths and events going on in Newbury Street.

SoWa Open Market in the South End

If you find yourself in Boston during the warmer months, make your way to the SoWa Open Market. This weekly event is open from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and is the best place to find unique shops and local products. Food trucks, local artists, breweries, farmers and live entertainers all meet in one place making it a great gathering spot and shopping area.

You can find an array of products here, from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry or artwork. There are around 150 different stores to explore in the farmers market, beer garden and shopping center. Staying in South Boston? This is a must-see area in the neighborhood.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace on the Freedom Trail

Faneuil Hall is found right off of the Freedom Trail and is a great place for tourists to do some shopping while sightseeing. There are some of your usual big chain shops here like Ann Taylor and Urban Outfitters, as well as quirky gift shops and unique stores.

You can find all sorts of Boston-themed souvenirs alongside designer brands at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. After you are done shopping you can grab a bite to eat at the restaurants and food stalls nearby in Quincy Market. Stilt walkers, knife-juggles and other live performers frequent the marketplace and can keep you entertained while you browse.

Charles Street in Beacon Hill

If you find yourself in the neighborhood of Beacon Hill you can make your way to Charles Street to find some nice shops and boutiques. You will find some great clothing purchases here no matter what your style is.

On Charles Street, there is a store called Wish that has some nice contemporary clothing for women in stock. If you want to add some variety to your closet, check out Moxie for bags, accessories or shoes.

Downtown Crossing near the Old State House

Another one of the top shopping destinations in the city is at the Downtown Crossing. Boston's Old State House is in the same area, so make sure to visit it for a quick history lesson. The exact location with the most shops is at the intersection between Winter Street and Summer Street.

A big store that you will find here is Macy's, which is one of the worldwide department stores. Nearby is The Corner Mall which will have everything that you need to get your shop on, including a food court in case you need to refuel between stores.

Harvard Square in Cambridge

This area is not found inside of Boston but can make for a great day trip just outside of the city. This is a popular gathering spot and a nice place to relax with friends or do some people watching.

The best shopping here will be at Mint Julep, which sells unique accessories and clothes for women, or LUSH Cosmetics that has a wide selection of natural beauty products like handmade soaps or scrubs. You can stop by the Harvard COOOP Bookstore for some educational reads, or Follow The Honey to find gifts for anyone who likes bees.

Shopping Your Way Around the City

The local Boston area has an impressive selection of specialty stores, antique shops, vintage boutiques, salons and markets. Visiting all of the stores in this Boston shopping guide is a great way to see different parts of the city as many of the best stores are spread out around town. Visit an upscale mall if you are searching for registered trademark clothing, go outlet shopping for the best prices on name brand products or see what you can find at a Boston public market.