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With almost one full month of 2014 behind us, it's time to update the Racked 38, our list of Philadelphia's most essential stores. It's impossible to sum up Philly's shopping scene, but this is our rough guide—a north-to-south round-up of the places worth browsing, whether you're a tourist or a Philadelphia lifer.
Today, we're making a few minor tweaks to our round-up. The subject of 2013's most shocking store closure, SA VA, has been removed from our list. We're removing Midtown Village's Verde to make room for made-to-measure menswear label Commonwealth Proper, the founders of which unveiled a new retail store/showroom last fall. SEE Eyewear, a fashion eyewear retailer with a new location within Ardmore's Suburban Square, is now part of our 38, as well. Our map is in no particular ranked order; rather, we're taking a look from north to south. (Also see our Indie 38, a listing of the area's 38 best independent boutiques.)
Got other suggestions? State your cases for (or against) stores in the comments or email the tipline.
04/02/13: Added Omoi Zakka Shop, Jinxed, and Material Culture 07/09/13: Removed Antiquarian's Delight; Added I. Goldberg Army & Navy 10/03/13: Removed Franklin Square, Menagerie, Loehmann's, and Concrete Polish; Added Plage Tahiti, Eaves, Tselaine, and The Geisha House 01/23/14: Removed Verde, SA VA; Added Commonwealth Proper and SEE Eyewear
Whether or not you're a fan of the mall "scene," you can't ignore the presence of our beloved KOP. The largest shopping mall on the East Coast, the King of Prussia Mall is home to over 400 stores, including Nordstrom, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor, and a collection of luxury retailers.
Whether you're a true outdoorsman or just want to look like one, Trove General is a one-stop-shop for labels like Pendleton, Filson, Woolrich, Levis, and Blundstone. The Main Line store also carries housewares and apothecary.
This fashion eyewear retailer recently unveiled its 31st location—Pennsylvania's first—within Ardmore's Suburban Square shopping center in 2013. Trendy, thick-rimmed frames in funky colors make this shop worthy of the drive from Philly.
Arcadia takes the reins as one of the city’s best places to shop under-the-radar designers. A section for curated vintage and menswear (Alternative Apparel, Penguin) rounds out the NoLibs boutique.
In need of a wedding gift or a housewarming present? This longstanding boutique is a go-to for tasteful housewares plus jewelry and accessories from local and global labels.
The winner of our 2013 So Hot Right Now Racked Award, this relatively new addition to Old City's North Third Street houses women's apparel and accessories from labels you probably haven't heard of yet.
The most sought-after trends and designers are represented at this trendy Old City boutique. Shoppers can count on Third Street Habit to carry contemporary ready-to-wear from labels like Rag & Bone and Rodebjer, but it’s the boutique’s exclusive selection of apparel from Isabel Marant’s Etoile line that really puts this shop on the map.
We love Lost + Found for its wallet-friendly finds. Its racks are packed with affordably-priced sundresses in the summer, and discounts are deepened with regular sales.
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, and Woolrich.
The sister store to Briar Vintage, Sazz is known for its selection of womens 1950s-1960 dresses, blouses, and skirts; select vintage 1970s-80s tshirts; mens western shirts; jackets; cowboy boots; and seasonal apparel.
This men's-only vintage boutique outfits the modern-day gentleman in apparel, accessories, and oddities dated from the 1800s to the 1960s. Look for antique cufflinks and '50s-era letterman sweaters.
Not only does this swanky Old City boutique stock the latest looks from designers like Stella McCartney, Lela Rose, and Peter Som, it’s the only shop in the Philadelphia area to house apparel by The Row.
This Old City boutique displays a well-edited selection of vintage alongside women’s duds from the coolest emerging designers. Think shoes from Rachel Comey and Swedish Hasbeens, jewelry from Philly’s own Bario Neal, plus apparel from a mix of local and national labels.
With a bubblegum pink exterior fit for a modern day Barbie, Smak Parlour satiates the shopping itch with frilly frocks, embellished cardigans, and more from lesser-known names like Many Belles Down and Ark & Co. The boutique also attracts attention for its house-label, rockabilly-meets-pin-up style clothing line. (Image credit: B. Krist for GPTMC)
Philly custom menswear label Commonwealth Proper debuted a new, 2,000-square-foot showroom at 1839 Chestnut Street in October 2013. The retail showroom's inventory of tailored ready-to-wear makes a visit here mandatory for nattily-dressed gentlemen.[Image credit: Andrew Bonacci for Commonwealth Proper]
An old-school department store in an era where there aren't many of those left, Boyd's 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.
In its nearly 110-year history, Mitchel & Ness has provided on-field uniforms for the Eagles and the Phillies, not to mention the Philadelphia Athletics. Now, the store carries new and vintage-style team jerseys, hats, and tees. Looking for an authentic 1960s satin baseball jacket? You're in the right place.
This corner mainstay houses three floors of outdoor and athletic apparel, plus camping accessories, backpacks, and workwear. The basement level is a bargain lover's paradise—especially if he or she is a fan of buffalo plaid.
Steve Duross and James Langel specializes in natural, hand-made soaps, candles, and bath products, using locally grown ingredients whenever possible. It's like farm-to-table for your face.
Ubiq has been selling streetwear for over a decade now, so it's safe to assume they know their stuff. Go for brands like Adidas, Stussy, and Vans, all of whom have collaborated with the store on special projects.
Crash Bang Boom is South Street's resource for dog collars and Manic Panic. Born out of iconic punk shop Zipperhead, the store has been keeping Philadelphians in leather and studs in one form or another since 1980.
Hipsters flock to South Street vintage outpost Retrospect for the large selection of men's and women's apparel and accessories. Head to the rear of the shop for housewares and furniture.
Owners Julie and Isaiah Zagar opened this gallery in 1968 after three years in the Peace Corps in Peru, and ever since, they've been selling Latin American crafts and jewelry. Even if you don't know Isaiah Zagar's name, you'll recognize his work instantly; he's the man responsible for South Street's mosaics, as well as the tilework that covers the interior of the store.
Store owner Elena Brennan fills her
under-the-radar footwear boutique with funky men’s and women’s shoes from designer names like Irregular Choice, United Nude, and Jeffrey Campbell.
Newly relocated to a bigger, badder spot on East Passyunk Avenue, Metro Men's Clothing keeps its customers looking natty with selections from Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, and Penguin.
Every inch of Sara Selepouchin's EPA gift boutique, Occasionette, oozes charm, from the stationery, art prints, and gift wrap to the store owner's own line of Girls Can Tell wares.
Whether or not you're a fan of the mall "scene," you can't ignore the presence of our beloved KOP. The largest shopping mall on the East Coast, the King of Prussia Mall is home to over 400 stores, including Nordstrom, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor, and a collection of luxury retailers.
Whether you're a true outdoorsman or just want to look like one, Trove General is a one-stop-shop for labels like Pendleton, Filson, Woolrich, Levis, and Blundstone. The Main Line store also carries housewares and apothecary.
This fashion eyewear retailer recently unveiled its 31st location—Pennsylvania's first—within Ardmore's Suburban Square shopping center in 2013. Trendy, thick-rimmed frames in funky colors make this shop worthy of the drive from Philly.
Arcadia takes the reins as one of the city’s best places to shop under-the-radar designers. A section for curated vintage and menswear (Alternative Apparel, Penguin) rounds out the NoLibs boutique.
In need of a wedding gift or a housewarming present? This longstanding boutique is a go-to for tasteful housewares plus jewelry and accessories from local and global labels.
The winner of our 2013 So Hot Right Now Racked Award, this relatively new addition to Old City's North Third Street houses women's apparel and accessories from labels you probably haven't heard of yet.
The most sought-after trends and designers are represented at this trendy Old City boutique. Shoppers can count on Third Street Habit to carry contemporary ready-to-wear from labels like Rag & Bone and Rodebjer, but it’s the boutique’s exclusive selection of apparel from Isabel Marant’s Etoile line that really puts this shop on the map.
We love Lost + Found for its wallet-friendly finds. Its racks are packed with affordably-priced sundresses in the summer, and discounts are deepened with regular sales.
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, and Woolrich.
The sister store to Briar Vintage, Sazz is known for its selection of womens 1950s-1960 dresses, blouses, and skirts; select vintage 1970s-80s tshirts; mens western shirts; jackets; cowboy boots; and seasonal apparel.
This men's-only vintage boutique outfits the modern-day gentleman in apparel, accessories, and oddities dated from the 1800s to the 1960s. Look for antique cufflinks and '50s-era letterman sweaters.
Not only does this swanky Old City boutique stock the latest looks from designers like Stella McCartney, Lela Rose, and Peter Som, it’s the only shop in the Philadelphia area to house apparel by The Row.
This Old City boutique displays a well-edited selection of vintage alongside women’s duds from the coolest emerging designers. Think shoes from Rachel Comey and Swedish Hasbeens, jewelry from Philly’s own Bario Neal, plus apparel from a mix of local and national labels.
With a bubblegum pink exterior fit for a modern day Barbie, Smak Parlour satiates the shopping itch with frilly frocks, embellished cardigans, and more from lesser-known names like Many Belles Down and Ark & Co. The boutique also attracts attention for its house-label, rockabilly-meets-pin-up style clothing line. (Image credit: B. Krist for GPTMC)
Philly custom menswear label Commonwealth Proper debuted a new, 2,000-square-foot showroom at 1839 Chestnut Street in October 2013. The retail showroom's inventory of tailored ready-to-wear makes a visit here mandatory for nattily-dressed gentlemen.[Image credit: Andrew Bonacci for Commonwealth Proper]
An old-school department store in an era where there aren't many of those left, Boyd's 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.
In its nearly 110-year history, Mitchel & Ness has provided on-field uniforms for the Eagles and the Phillies, not to mention the Philadelphia Athletics. Now, the store carries new and vintage-style team jerseys, hats, and tees. Looking for an authentic 1960s satin baseball jacket? You're in the right place.
This corner mainstay houses three floors of outdoor and athletic apparel, plus camping accessories, backpacks, and workwear. The basement level is a bargain lover's paradise—especially if he or she is a fan of buffalo plaid.
Steve Duross and James Langel specializes in natural, hand-made soaps, candles, and bath products, using locally grown ingredients whenever possible. It's like farm-to-table for your face.
Ubiq has been selling streetwear for over a decade now, so it's safe to assume they know their stuff. Go for brands like Adidas, Stussy, and Vans, all of whom have collaborated with the store on special projects.
Crash Bang Boom is South Street's resource for dog collars and Manic Panic. Born out of iconic punk shop Zipperhead, the store has been keeping Philadelphians in leather and studs in one form or another since 1980.
Hipsters flock to South Street vintage outpost Retrospect for the large selection of men's and women's apparel and accessories. Head to the rear of the shop for housewares and furniture.
Owners Julie and Isaiah Zagar opened this gallery in 1968 after three years in the Peace Corps in Peru, and ever since, they've been selling Latin American crafts and jewelry. Even if you don't know Isaiah Zagar's name, you'll recognize his work instantly; he's the man responsible for South Street's mosaics, as well as the tilework that covers the interior of the store.
Store owner Elena Brennan fills her
under-the-radar footwear boutique with funky men’s and women’s shoes from designer names like Irregular Choice, United Nude, and Jeffrey Campbell.
Newly relocated to a bigger, badder spot on East Passyunk Avenue, Metro Men's Clothing keeps its customers looking natty with selections from Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, and Penguin.
Every inch of Sara Selepouchin's EPA gift boutique, Occasionette, oozes charm, from the stationery, art prints, and gift wrap to the store owner's own line of Girls Can Tell wares.
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