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10 Must-Stop Shops to Explore in Philadelphia

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As vacation season approaches, we'll be rolling out guides to the best shopping in ten Racked cities. Up next: Racked Philly's can't-miss stores.

Image credit: Third Street Habit

It's known as the birthplace of democracy, but Philadelphia's cobblestone streets will lead you to more than just the Liberty Bell. The indie boutique scene here is as strong as it is diverse, manned by a proud bunch of innovative self-starters who'd surely receive Benjamin Franklin's wax stamp of approval.

Whether your tastes skew toward heritage brands and vintage or you prefer your clothes straight off the runway, these 10 must-see Philly stores have what you're shopping for.


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Aoki Boutique

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At this Rittenhouse Square shop, turquoise blue walls envelope women's apparel, accessories, and jewelry from a range of emerging, under-the-radar designers. This is the kind of place where you can shop the season's latest trends for yourself, then pick up a housewarming gift for your BFF on your way out.

Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

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The only store in Philly with its own in-house line of liqueurs, woodsy-vibed Art in the Age supplies both genders with clothing and accessories from a mix of indie and American labels like Penfield, Steven Alan, Woolrich--even Warby Parker. Frequent First Friday events transform the space into a community hub complete with appearances and workshops with local artists and makers. [Image credit: Chaucee Stillman for AITA]
An old-school department store in an era where there aren't many of those left, Boyds carries the highest of the high-end. It's not cheap, but the atmosphere makes it worth a visit even if you're not going to walk out with a brand-new pair of Manolo slingbacks.
[Image credit: Boyds]

Bus Stop Boutique

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London-born store owner Elena Brennan fills her famed footwear boutique with funky men’s and women’s shoes from designer names like Irregular Choice, United Nude, and Jeffrey Campbell. In fact, this Fabric Row shop was named the best boutique in the country by Footwear Plus magazine.
[Image credit: Bus Stop]

Joan Shepp

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If you're a celeb filming in Philly, this is the designer boutique you're most likely to shop between takes. A staple of Philly's Rittenhouse Square neighborhood since 1999, Joan Shepp keeps the city outfitted in Dries van Noten, Jil Sanders, Rick Owens, and Junya Watanabe.
[Image credit: Joan Shepp]

Knit Wit

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One of Philly's oldest women's specialty boutiques, Knit Wit houses a mix of European and American designers. Think Paul Smith, A.L.C., Alexander Wang, and Helmut Lang in a non-pretentious atmosphere. Bonus: You'll find swimwear and basic tees from the likes of Michael Stars here, too.

Omoi Zakka Shop

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Specializing in stationery, desk accessories, and gifts sourced from Japan and all over the world, Omoi is where Philly shops for the person who has everything.
[Image credit: Omoi Zakka Shop]

Sugarcube®

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American designers, some local, are highlighted at this " dynamic industrial lodge" in Old City. On the designer roster here? A.P.C., For Love & Lemons, Levi's Made & Crafted™, and Steven Alan, plus a curated selection of vintage.
[Image credit: Sugarcube]

Third Street Habit

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Shoppers can count on Third Street Habit to carry contemporary ready-to-wear from labels like Rag & Bone, Maison Scotch, and Mother Denim, but it’s the boutique’s exclusive selection of apparel from Isabel Marant’s Etoile line that really puts this shop on the map. Jewelry from Chan Luu and Pamela Love is just the icing on the cake.
[Image credit: Third Street Habit]
In the sneaker game for almost a decade, limited-edition collabs have earned Ubiq a cult-like following. Go for brands like Adidas, Stussy, and Vans, all of whom have collaborated with the store on special projects.
[Image credit: Ubiq]

Aoki Boutique

At this Rittenhouse Square shop, turquoise blue walls envelope women's apparel, accessories, and jewelry from a range of emerging, under-the-radar designers. This is the kind of place where you can shop the season's latest trends for yourself, then pick up a housewarming gift for your BFF on your way out.

Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

The only store in Philly with its own in-house line of liqueurs, woodsy-vibed Art in the Age supplies both genders with clothing and accessories from a mix of indie and American labels like Penfield, Steven Alan, Woolrich--even Warby Parker. Frequent First Friday events transform the space into a community hub complete with appearances and workshops with local artists and makers. [Image credit: Chaucee Stillman for AITA]

Boyds

An old-school department store in an era where there aren't many of those left, Boyds carries the highest of the high-end. It's not cheap, but the atmosphere makes it worth a visit even if you're not going to walk out with a brand-new pair of Manolo slingbacks.
[Image credit: Boyds]

Bus Stop Boutique

London-born store owner Elena Brennan fills her famed footwear boutique with funky men’s and women’s shoes from designer names like Irregular Choice, United Nude, and Jeffrey Campbell. In fact, this Fabric Row shop was named the best boutique in the country by Footwear Plus magazine.
[Image credit: Bus Stop]

Joan Shepp

If you're a celeb filming in Philly, this is the designer boutique you're most likely to shop between takes. A staple of Philly's Rittenhouse Square neighborhood since 1999, Joan Shepp keeps the city outfitted in Dries van Noten, Jil Sanders, Rick Owens, and Junya Watanabe.
[Image credit: Joan Shepp]

Knit Wit

One of Philly's oldest women's specialty boutiques, Knit Wit houses a mix of European and American designers. Think Paul Smith, A.L.C., Alexander Wang, and Helmut Lang in a non-pretentious atmosphere. Bonus: You'll find swimwear and basic tees from the likes of Michael Stars here, too.

Omoi Zakka Shop

Specializing in stationery, desk accessories, and gifts sourced from Japan and all over the world, Omoi is where Philly shops for the person who has everything.
[Image credit: Omoi Zakka Shop]

Sugarcube®

American designers, some local, are highlighted at this " dynamic industrial lodge" in Old City. On the designer roster here? A.P.C., For Love & Lemons, Levi's Made & Crafted™, and Steven Alan, plus a curated selection of vintage.
[Image credit: Sugarcube]

Third Street Habit

Shoppers can count on Third Street Habit to carry contemporary ready-to-wear from labels like Rag & Bone, Maison Scotch, and Mother Denim, but it’s the boutique’s exclusive selection of apparel from Isabel Marant’s Etoile line that really puts this shop on the map. Jewelry from Chan Luu and Pamela Love is just the icing on the cake.
[Image credit: Third Street Habit]

UBIQ

In the sneaker game for almost a decade, limited-edition collabs have earned Ubiq a cult-like following. Go for brands like Adidas, Stussy, and Vans, all of whom have collaborated with the store on special projects.
[Image credit: Ubiq]