The holidays are a great time to support local businesses! No matter who you're shopping for this holiday season, Philly's commercial corridors are the perfect place to check off your list.
What is a commercial corridor?
Whether you live in South Philly or the Far Northeast, you are most likely near at least one commercial corridor. Commercial corridors are blocks, usually on main streets, with many storefronts and businesses. These corridors are often associated with a Community Development Corporation (CDC) or a Business Improvement District (BID). CDCs, BIDs, and other place-based nonprofits support businesses and communities by fostering economic and civil development within an area.
Read on to learn about some of Philadelphia’s amazing commercial corridors and small businesses. Unfortunately, we can't highlight all commercial corridors and small businesses in Philly. However, you can check out this interactive map to learn about all the corridors, especially the ones not mentioned below!
East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District
Nice Things Handmade | 1731 East Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Nice Things Handmade is a little shop filled with handmade goodies from near and far, including jewelry, prints, and housewares.
South Fellini | 1507 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
This Philly-themed store remixes the city’s iconography into fun parodies and colorful mash-ups printed onto shirts, hats, and more.
A Novel Idea | 1726 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
This independent bookstore also hosts classes, tarot readings, author events, and book clubs. They will even order titles for you if they don’t carry them in-store!
Occasionette | 1825 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
This independently owned gift shop carries goods from a variety of vendors. Occasionette has other locations, including one in Chestnut Hill and its flagship in Collingswood, New Jersey.
Proper Goods | 2032 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Proper Goods is a plant, home, and gift shop stocking handmade goods, jewelry, crystals, and cards, in addition to houseplants and their accessories.
Minnow Lane | 2029 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
This is a boutique children’s store with ethically sourced, sustainable, and non-toxic developmental toys, clothing, and nurturing products for young kids and their families.
Philadelphia Percussion and Drum | 443 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
This is a music shop specializing in percussive instruments such as drum kits, hand drums, tambourines, and accessories.
Martian Toys’ Mothership Gallery | 314 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
This is a store/gallery specializing in unique and collectible toys. Check out their subscription service!
Baltimore Pet Shoppe | 4532 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Baltimore Pet Shoppe is a one-stop shop for all of your pet’s needs. They also partner with several animal shelters and always have cats available for adoption on site.
Bindlestiff Books | 4530 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Bindlestiff is an independently owned bookstore with a curated selection of fiction, nonfiction, children’s and YA titles.
Common Beat Music | 4916 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Common Beat is a music store carrying records, musical supplies, used equipment, and instrument repair.
Third Wheel Cheese Company | 705 S 50th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
This cheese shop specializes in farmstead and artisan cheeses from the Northeast region.
Fairmount Community Development Corporation
Fairmount Bicycles | 2015 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Fairmount Bicycles is a queer-owned bike shop selling new and used bicycles, biking gear, and bike rentals. Check out the associated Philly Bike Tour Company for a guided bike tour through the city!
Cultivaire Plant Store | 915 N 28th St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Cultivaire is a retail plant shop for experienced plant lovers and beginners alike, also selling locally made art. Check out their plant installation services as well!
Ali’s Wagon | 2017 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Ali's Wagon is a woman-owned boutique carrying housewares, candles, jewelry, clothing, toys, books, and more.
Kith + Kin | 3060 W Jefferson St, Philadelphia, PA 19121
This play space is intended to support early childhood development and parenthood through child-led play, educational classes, and support groups. Check out their memberships and play packages!
Germantown United Community Development Corporation
Bargain Thrift Store | 5261 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
This thrift store has a large selection of clothes, home goods, knick-knacks, books, and vintage items.
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books | 5445 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Uncle Bobbie's is a coffee shop/bookstore created to provide underserved communities with access to books and a safe, community space.
The Weave Bar | 5603 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
The Weave Bar is an express-service hair salon specializing in hair extension (weave) services. Check out their West Philly location, too!
Artist and Craftsman Supply | 307 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19106, US
This is an employee-owned shop carrying supplies for fine arts, crafting, hobbies, and more. Check out their Chestnut Hill location, too!
Omoi Zakka Shop | 41 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
This is a quirky, Japanese-influenced life goods and stationery shop.
Art Star | 111 S Independence Mall E (The Bourse), Philadelphia, PA 19106
This is a marketplace for handcrafted goods including wall art, jewelry, holiday ornaments, greeting cards, and more.
A Four Foot Prune | 142 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
This is a vintage and antique shop with reasonably priced, unique home goods, knick-knacks, and apparel. Check out their Instagram page to shop online!
Happy holidays from the Free Library's Business Resource and Innovation Center!
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