There’s something special about shopping at local stores. Purchases made at small businesses help support our economy and community. And you never quite know what unique treasure you’ll find to take home with you.
Continue reading to find a few of our favorite shopping spots near Lowell, MA to get you started.
Canal Street Antique Mall
Address: 181 Canal Street in Lawrence, MA
Hours: Open daily 10 am to 5 pm (7 pm on Thursdays)
The Canal Street Antique Mall is a must-stop (and shop!) for antique lovers. The mall features over 40,000 sq. ft. of antique and vintage items. Here, antique hunters can find furnishings, home decor, collectibles, artwork, vintage clothing, and vintage jewelry. And these are just a few! With so many treasures to discover in multiple styles, such as mid-century, modern farmhouse, and primitives, you never know what you’ll discover.
The Crafty Yankee
Address: 1838 Massachusetts Avenue in Lexington, MA
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday 12 to 5 pm.
The Crafty Yankee should be on your local shopping list if you’re looking for one of a kind items or gifts. The focus of the shop is to sell gifts made in America and responsibly sourced items from around the world. In the store, local shoppers can find artisanal items, jewelry, fashion accessories, and bath and body items. The shop also features various home decor, drinkware, candles, pottery, and other items to decorate your home. All of these items make perfect gifts for any occasion.
Western Avenue Studios
Address: 122 and 160 Western Avenue in Lowell, MA
Hours: varies by studio
Western Avenue Studios is the perfect place to find handmade items from local creators. Within this refurbished historic mill, artisans and craftspeople are hard at work, creating one of a kind items. Many of these items are placed on sale. This provides the perfect opportunity for shoppers to browse the various galleries and shops within the building and find the perfect gift or treasure to take home. Treasures include art, home decor, glassware, jewelry, wood crafts, sculptures, and pottery.
Some creators within Western Avenue Studios also host various classes in their craft. So you just might be able to create a handmade item of your own! After a day of shopping and exploring the property, be sure to grab a pint at Navigation Brewing.
Mill No. 5
Address: 50 Jackson St. No. 401
Hours: varies by store
Mill No. 5 is another refurbished historic mill from Lowell’s industrial history. Inside this location, shoppers can find many local shops, all offering unique services, experiences, and items.
A Little Bazaar is a marketplace that sells “handmade goods, peculiar finds & vintage commodities” by local creators. The shop often hosts weekly themed events on Saturdays. For example, this month (April 2022), features a “Halfway to Halloween” theme for creators to adapt into their products.
The Farm Market is open every Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm. The market brings together local creators, farmers, and food producers in a “joyful celebration of food in a vibrant gathering place.” While the market is food focused, there are also plenty of other items, kitchenwares, hot sauces, and flowers to shop.
And that’s not all. There are many local shops to be found within the Mill. These shops and studios are open Thursday and Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. An example of shops include:
- Victory Garden: a consignment, vintage, and second-hand shop.
- Curation: an urban art gallery and shop
- 250th Camera: vintage cameras and expertise
- Tune Loft: vintage guitars, keyboards, and music lessons
- Serpentine: books and other collectibles
And so much more. The only way to find them all is to head to the mill and explore the building yourself! Who knows what gems and gifts you’ll find to take home!
