For the second year in a row, Philadelphia City Council members and staff are sharing their recommendations on where to shop small and shop locally for the holidays.
Why should we support the city’s small businesses for holiday shopping? As a reminder:
- Small businesses reinvest in the surrounding neighborhoods.
- Local shops donate more to local causes.
- Small businesses work together as a team to create energetic, unified neighborhoods.
If you’ve made shopping small a priority in recent years, you’re not alone. Bloomberg reports that spending growth at small, “mom-and-pop” businesses has outpaced that of the big chains in the past two years.
When they’re not shopping online, Americans are seeking more personal connections and advice — something they can find lacking at national retailers.
Council Member Picks
Councilman David Oh (At Large) recommends shopping from the Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop. “The shop has served the community for over 50 years and has a great selection of cheeses and other gourmet items. The owner, Dan Weiss, is very supportive of community events and causes,” said Oh.
Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop | Directions
8509 Germantown Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 242-2211
Councilman Derek S. Green (At Large) has a community connection to Denise’s Delicacies in North Philadelphia. “Starting on Thanksgiving, we buy our holiday desserts from Denise’s Delicacies. I first met her dad when I was a small business lender at Meridian Bank at Broad and Glenwood and I have been a customer ever since,” said Green.
Denise’s Delicacies | Directions
2916 North 22nd St
Philadelphia PA, 19132
(215) 225-5425
Councilwoman Helen Gym (At Large) recommends that shoppers check out Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse in Kensington. It’s the first black female-owned comics store on the East Coast. Owner Ariell Johnson opened it in 2015 as a gathering space for kids who wanted a space to hang out and where the love of comics was shared. The store has since become a popular place for the community for book-signings, film screenings, gaming, and open-mic events. Not sure what to buy? Johnson and staff can make a recommendation for just about anyone on your list, or you can pick up one of the staff-curated comics gift packs.
Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse | Directions
2578 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 427-3300
For gifts that really make a statement, Councilman Allan Domb (At Large) has two local recommendations. He suggests Lagos on Rittenhouse Square for “unique and locally-designed jewelry.” He also suggests treats from Aurora Grace, which include handcrafted chocolate bonbons, macarons and pastries that are perfect for holiday parties or gifts.
Lagos | Directions
1735 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-567-0770
Aurora Grace Chocolates | Locations Vary
Email for daily locations: [email protected]
Councilman Bill Greenlee (At Large) admits that when shopping on the business corridors of Girard and Fairmount Avenues, his wife makes most of the shopping decisions while he focuses on the lunch decisions. His picks for a good, mid-shopping meal: Jack’s Firehouse on Fairmount and Little Pete’s.
Jack’s Firehouse | Directions
2130 Fairmount Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Little Pete’s | Directions
2401 Pennsylvania Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 232-5001
Councilman Greenlee isn’t the only Council member who has food shopping on his mind. When asked about holiday shopping, Councilman Mark Squilla (1st District) said “Italians think of food over the holidays” so his recommendations include the specialty food shops of the Reading Terminal Market in Center City and the 9th Street Italian Market in South Philly. Whether you’re shopping for produce, breads, cheeses and meats, or a specific ingredient for a family recipe you make just once a year, chances are you’ll find what you need from the vendors in these markets.
Reading Terminal Market | Directions
51 N 12th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-2317
South 9th Street Italian Market | Directions
919 South 9th St
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 278-2903
City Council Staff Picks
It might be hard to believe but in this age of big box stores and online mega-retailers, you can still find independent toy stores. If you have little people on your list, try Momo’s Tree House in Old City and Fitler Square. Their unique selection of toys, books and costumes skews more towards creativity and education than, say, blockbuster movie tie-ins.
Momo’s Tree House | Directions to Old City Location | Directions to Fitler Square Location
Old City
205 Arch St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 267-457-2803
Fitler Square
2207 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 608-8533
As with toy stores, it can be very tempting to shop big when looking for books but shopping small and local may connect you with lesser-known gems that can be the perfect gift. Our staffers recommend Head House Books in Queen Village (particularly for children’s and Young Adult titles) and Joseph Fox near Rittenhouse (for gift books and special orders).
Head House Books | Directions
619 S 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 923-9525
Joseph Fox | Directions
1724 Sansom St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 563-4184
Finally, for locally-made gifts and treats, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market currently in Dilworth Park is a great place to shop and support local artisans. You’ll find books, hand-knitted items, pottery, jewelry, art, chocolate and more. Procrastinators should note that the Holiday Market is open until 5:00 pm on Christmas Eve.
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Dilworth Park (west side of City Hall)
1 S 15th St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 268-7606
See more local gift ideas in our previous #ShopPHL roundups:
Holiday Shopping 2016
Valentine’s Day 2017
Be sure to share your favorite local small business finds on social media throughout the year using the hashtag #ShopPHL.
Photo: J. Fusco for Visit Philly, used with permission.
