There’s still plenty of time to soak up the sun this summer and so many New Jersey activities to enjoy as the warm weather lingers. Local businesses can help you maximize the rest of the season with an array of gifts and items to treat yourself, from plants to bikinis to pet-friendly accessories. No matter how you plan to spend the rest of the summer, locally-owned shops can help you prepare — and look great while doing it. Check out our list of summer shopping from locally-owned businesses in Hoboken + Jersey City.
(Photo Credits: @shopkanibal)
Hoboken
a x d | 503 Washington Street
(Photo credits: @shopataxd)
At a x d boutique, everything is under $100 — so it’s a great spot to do some summer shopping without breaking the bank. It’s the sister shop to Hoboken-based alba boutique (located at 716 Washington Street) and has lots of summer shopping options. Whether you’re hunting for a maxi dress (like the Avenue Maxi Dress for $95), some jean shorts ($75), or a shoreline sandal ($35), a x d has you covered.
As such, alba boutique is another great summer shopping option and also carries certain a x d lines in its store. The Savannah dress ($68) is a fun summertime choice for clothing.
Brooke + Bel | 60 4th Street, Hoboken
(Photo Credits: @brookeandbelhoboken)
Owners Brooke Stowers and Samantha Belfer Braham met when they were both buyers at Saks Fifth Avenue, and now, the duo uses their boutique to offer a curated selection of clothing especially catered to Hoboken residents. You can shop Brooke + Bel’s vacation must-haves for staycation essentials — from bikinis to knit skirts, tops to floppy hats, and everything in between.
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Noellery | 123 Washington Street, Hoboken
(Photo Credits: @shopnoellery)
This is a great spot to up your summer style game. Noellery features many accessories, with everything from seasonal scarves to anklets alongside rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Handbags, hair accessories, and backpacks are also available, meaning there’s something to finish off a look for every kind of summer adventure — from beach days to hiking.
Peper + Parlor | 938 Washington Street
(Photo credits: @peperandparlor)
This is definitely a chic boutique — meaning it’s a little more on the expensive side, but the quality items are worth the splurge. Plus, according to its Instagram, many summer/spring items are being marked down as much as 70% to prepare for the fall. There’s a whole beach collection here, which features beach bags, bathing suits, shoes, dresses, cover-ups, and more for all of your down-the-shore needs.
The Little Local | 519 Adams Street
(Photo Credits: @thelittlelocalhoboken)
Not only is this a great spot to stop in for an iced coffee, but it’s also the place to snag some summer merch — bfrom Stojo cups that transport hot drinks and fold down to store easily, to t-shirts, totes, and hats that show off local pride. This business is big on supporting other local businesses, too, working together to source coffee and other items to help build the community.
Washington General Store | 509 Washington Street
(Photo Credits: The Washington General Store)
Of course, this Hoboken main street staple offers a little bit of everything — from wall decor to fragrances and everything in between. But it makes summer shopping easy with its curated seasonal scents, which are a selection of candles, pillow sprays, and even an outdoor citronella spray for repelling bugs. The entire seasonal summer section features everything from lobster cocktail napkins to picnic baskets and after-sun cooling sprays. If you’re looking for summery trinkets, knickknacks, and other useful products, this is the place to go.
Jersey City
Another Man’s Treasure Vintage Store | 195 Montgomery Street
(Photo Credits: @amtvintage)
Locally-owned AMT carries a wide array of clothing for both men and women and has actually been included in both USA today and Elle.com’s best places to shop vintage in America — not to mention, Refinery29 even listed its finds as a reason to move to NJ. The “vintage showroom” boasts a range of high-end designer, couture, and bespoke pieces — featuring brands such as Schiaparelli, Alaia, and Yves St. Laurent. If you’re looking for a new dress for a summer wedding or any other special occasion, AMT is a great place to start.
Hound About Town | 218 Montgomery Street + 17 McWilliams Place
(Photo Credits: @houndabouttown)
If you’re looking to take your furry friend on outdoor adventures this summer, look no further than this locally-owned business. The entrepreneurs behind this pet boutique also own Hazel Baby & Kids, but the pet shop offers any warm-weather pet accessories you may need, like the Snoozer Dog Bicycle Basket, ideal for bringing your dog for a ride along the waterfront. There’s also a collapsable bowl that you can bring on the go to make sure your pup stays hydrated on the brutally hot days outside.
Kanibal + Co. | 197 Montgomery Street
(Photo Credits: @shopkanibal)
You can shop lifestyle goods of all kinds at this locally-owned general store, which even has a section for goods made in Jersey City. There are stemless tumblers for outdoor drinks and baseball hats bearing the town’s name to show off some hometown pride while out enjoying the weather. There are also DIY sparkling rose kits if you want to make your own beverage for enjoying on a deck or balcony, as well as grow kits for various herbs.
The Lucky Honeybee | 487 Palisade Avenue
(Photo credits: @theluckyhoneybee)
The Lucky Honeybee is a gift shop that is full of both apothecary and eco-friendly finds. There are quite a few fun summery items here, whether it be a campfire scented candle, a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, or mosquito-repellent incense.
TIA Planta | 135 Erie Street, Studio 316
(Photo Credits: @tiaplanta)
Nothing says warm weather more than plants. Owner Shayla Cabrera calls herself the Plant Aunt, and she runs her business with a deep, lifelong love of plants. Before opening TIA Planta, Shayla had 15 years of experience as a nanny, cultivating her nurturing nature. Here, you can partake in a plant workshop and learn how to properly care for your plant babies or visit the tiny greenhouse while the weather is warm to shop plants for inside or outside.
See More: A List of Must-Shop Boutiques in Montclair
WORD Bookstores | 29 McWilliams Place
(Photo Credits: @wordbookstores)
This independently owned bookstore and cafe also has an additional location in Brooklyn. It highlights Jersey City talent with a local author program to incentivize shopping small and supporting the community. It offers many summer reads, from The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, among many other best-sellers that are amazing beach (or subway) reads.