Penn Bookstore
Neighborhood: University City

3601 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104

celia r. writes: After calling around to a number of places (including other Barnes & Nobles stores who didn't offer to connect me or check stock at other locations), my call to the Penn Bookstore was answered immediately by a human, and a nice, friendly and helpful…

Bella Boutique
Neighborhood: Queen Village

624 S 3rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Alexandra S. writes: this is no goodwill.  so it is a bit expensive.  but they have such a great selection of things to choose from in all different styles.  i got a great pair of beaded sandals that looked like they were worn once for $20.  i loved them so much that i…

Sugarcube
Neighborhood: Olde City

124 N 3rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Sam P. writes: For all my New Yorkers out there, this is the sort of boutique you'd expect to find on Smith Street in Brooklyn.  Heavy on the wood, heavy on the trendy-vintage-kitschy, heavy on the wallet.  My aforementioned fashionable friend considers this to be…

Reebok
Neighborhood: Society Hill

414 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Russ C. writes: Recently I have kind of become "girly" when it comes to shoes.  I want cool, unique shoes and sneakers, and the Reebok store on South St. has a large collection that fit both criteria. In addition, last time I was there they had a huge sale, with 40%…

Springboard Media
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

2212 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Laurel M. writes: As Center City is without an Apple Store I feel that Springboard Media is your best bet when in the market for Apple products or care.
The store isn't huge or fancy, but it'll most likely have what you're looking for whether it be a new desktop or…

Tigerlily
Neighborhood: Society Hill, South Street District

428 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Nicole R. writes: To my surprise, Tigerlily had some clothing I would actually like to wear.  As Caitlin mentioned, they might not be the best made garments but they are cool to look at, and I can see mixing and matching with items that are a little bit more…

Evantine Design
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square

210 W Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Caitlin C. writes: You'll find this tiny store off of Rittenhouse Square in the Rittenhouse Hotel.

As a florist, this place is expensive but carries some really exotic and beautiful stems. As a gift shop, you will definatley find something you are looking for. They…

Avalon Carpet Tile
Neighborhood: Pennsport

1100 Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Lori H. writes: I went to Avalon a couple of weeks ago with my mother to pick out tile for her new kitchen and hallway and we had a great experience.  A sales associate greeted us within a couple of minutes of walking in and my mother quickly decided on two…

Paper On Pine
Neighborhood: Market East, Avenue of the Arts South

Midtown Village
124 S 13th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107

michelle p. writes: I wondered around this neighborhood looking for Duross & Langel (I was unlucky in my random search) but I did manage to stumble upon this cute shop.  In fact, there's a whole row of cute shops!  I walked in to look for a "I'm sad that you aren't here…

Head House Books
Neighborhood: South Street District, Queen Village

619 S. 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

karla g. writes: Head House is one of those local treasures that often gets overlooked by the Big B's [being Borders and Barnes and Noble of course] with their internet coupons and nifty membership cards.

The front of the store is usually filled with newer titles…

Mr. BarStool
Neighborhood: Olde City

167 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19195

Jon L. writes: See, I don't know how to write a review about a place that only sells bar stools. But then, I don't know how you can make a store that only sells bar stools.

Mr. Barstool has just about every imaginable bar stool available, from the most traditional…

Phila Cigar Co
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

Welsh Rd & Roosvlt B
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Jon L. writes: I'm definitely not a cigar smoker (and definitely not an aficionado), but I give Phila Cigar Co 4-stars for it's lovable atmosphere.

You walk in the door, and there's a giant, bear-like dog snoozing on a beaten up old leather couch. Across from the…

Jacks Camera
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

2135 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Jake P. writes: There was a time in my life (which I'd like to forget) where I was shooting worlds of film. I tried numerous places in the city, and never was satisfied with service or price...

Until I discovered Jack's. The prices are unbeatable, you get free…

Beaux Arts Video
Neighborhood: Washington Square West

1000 Spruce St
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Stephanie M. writes: Back when I used to live right around the corner from it, I was a regular at Beaux Arts. It always made me think of the movie Clerks for some reason, probably the slightly smirking attitude of the staff and the snarky notes taped up around the…

Dudes Boutique
Neighborhood: Society Hill

646 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Nicole R. writes: Midnight Cowboy would have loved this place, although he thought he was unique, what with being a cowboy in the city.  Apparently it's not all that special.  Walking in to Dudes, one is overwhelmed by the smell of rawhide (well, it's probably tanned…

Muse Gallery
Neighborhood: Olde City

60 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Bill M. writes: The Rooster display sure was different. This gallery can usually be hit or miss (as is the case with all of them). But I'm generally intrigued by it's selection. It always has artists who manage to add an interesting theme into their work.
Aside from…

Treasure Eyeland
Neighborhood: Society Hill, South Street District

620 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Caitlin C. writes: Shocking, but this place has a great selection of high-end fashion sunglasses and really cool, modern jewelry. Skip the cubic zirconium-plated crosses (kitsch that is a must for it's location) and check out their selection of B. Tiff rings and…

Vintage Modern
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties

906 N 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123

David F. writes: YES!  Another place that gets IT!  Be unique, modern, contemporary, and look to the past for inspiration.  I love this store for everything is offers both in product and in spirit.  Only a great local store like this can be compared to a great local…

Space 1026
Neighborhood: Chinatown

1026 Arch Street
Second Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106

karla g. writes: I have only been to 1026 once. It was for a free silk screening class in May but I found the place to be pretty cool.

I found myself back in my childhood playing around in the pillow fort-like art which was actually hundreds of couch cushions covered…

SPECTOR Gallery
Neighborhood: Queen Village

510 Bainbridge St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Nicole R. writes: Shelly, Shelly I love seeing you hard at work in your gallery, your tot in tote, slouching over your laptop or priming the walls in preparation for another show.

SPECTOR Gallery is home to many Philadelphia artists who might have otherwise been…

Samsun Footwear

18 S 52nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19139

Jake P. writes: Samsun has a slept-on selection of sneaks. They do a lousy job sometimes indicating which shoes are for which gender (maybe that says something about me), but the selection and the prices are good.

I still think Philly Sports has the best deals, Ubiq…

Ritz Camera Centers
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

1533 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Russ C. writes: There's not much to say about a chain camera shop, but every time I go in here the staff is very friendly and helpful.  Just today I was in the market for new rechargeable batteries and the guy dug in the back just to give me other options to choose…

TLA Video
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square

1520 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Bill M. writes: In the age of Net Flix there's not too many reasons to rent at stores any more. But TLA always manages to give you rare reasons. their obscure themed racks are the perfect reason to walk around and give in to the cinema gods.

I also got to give it up…

Fusion Denim
Neighborhood: Society Hill, South Street District

327 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Caitlin C. writes: EXXXXXXXpensive. But they have really cool urban outfits. The best selection are their jeans. They have Antik jeans and other brands they sell in Miami and LA but you will really pay for the styles here. If you can afford it, you should definitely…

Giovanni's Room
Neighborhood: Washington Square West

345 S 12th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Brian K. writes: If you're hard up for gay anythings, this place probably has it. Plenty to amuse, intrigue, and maybe even make you blush.

But really, my favorite part was the middle-aged straight couple that walked in looking for some kind of reference book. After…

Hocus Pocus
Neighborhood: Society Hill

523 South 4th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Caitlin C. writes: What a strange little cave this is - exactly what you would expect from a magic shop. (Theres even a eccentric guy behind the counter who will try and shock you with a pen or trick you with cards.

This is a fun place to take kids, but be sure you…

Inka's Hands Fine Decor
Neighborhood: Society Hill

507 S. 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Caitlin C. writes: This woman handcrafts all of the vases and pots in her little boutique in Headhouse Square.

If you search you can find a few modern pieces (bright orange tall vase with holes throughout) and there is always the unique artsy piece.

TIP: She doesn't…

Dietz Hats
Neighborhood: Washington Square West

820 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Nicole R. writes: Dietz is to Hats in the Belfry what bop is to a bad highschool musical.  There are cool kats selling hip caps to the wrens and dudes. In fact some of these hats require licenses.*  They have the new and the old, from Kangol to straight-up jazz dude…

Benjamin Lovell Shoes
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

119 S 18th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Rachel L. writes: i give this second BLS store four stars only because i have been to the south street location as well, so i know what their selection is really like. but it is nice having a BLS closer to home, because I like their shoe selection. It isnt INSANE or…

Toviah Thrift Shop
Neighborhood: Spruce Hill, University City

4211 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Alex C. writes: A let-down in men's clothing, but an A+ for the shopkeeper's bright smile.

I went to check them out for my first time recently, like 12 hours ago. I was mainly scouring the men's racks for some hi-quality goods of yesteryear. Unfortunately, the…

CVS Pharmacy
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

1826 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Daniel D. writes: What can you say, it's a CVS. They have almost everything you need. The best thing about this once is that it's open 24/7. And since I enjoy doing my shopping late at night it's perfect. However, often when you go late at night there are long lines,…

BoConcept
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

1719 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Caitlin C. writes: I can't say enough about this place. I am also mad they opened one up in CC 'cause now it's not my secret.

Do you like the look of Crate and Barrel and West Elm? Well Bo is a bit more like the latter (modern), but cheaper than both. Beautiful…

Open House
Neighborhood: Market East

107 South 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19195

Carrie E. writes: Open House has a great selection of the kind of housewares you see in magazines and drool over. They also carry one of my most favorite, highly indulgent gift I give myself whenever I need a pick me up: Votivo candles. The Red Currant and Rain…

Usona
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

113 S 16th St
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Caitlin C. writes: Think West Elm style but less mainstream and corporate.

Think European, Bosche- and Bang & Olfusen-decorated homes. Usona furniture fits right in there.

It's not affordable to the masses however. Expect to pay in the four digits for a platform bed,…

Aenigma
Neighborhood: Queen Village

709 S 4th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Nicole R. writes: Need a tiara? This is the place to go.  With about ten different tiaras to choose from, you should be set for princessly gear for years to come. But the selection does not end there.  The quality bling in this store left me speechless.  The…

Value City

Cheltenham Ave
Cheltenham, PA 19012

Jake P. writes: Value City is a step down from Ross/TJ/Marshalls, but it can be worth your while to hit the burbs for it. For me, I only stop when I'm already in the area, but for considerably less than those other guys, you can get, like Jon mentioned, suits here…

Franklin Mills
Neighborhood: Byberry

1455 Franklin Mills Cir
Philadelphia, PA 19195

Will D. writes: For the record I hate shopping and or malls... This is perhaps the greatest mall in North America.  I could marathon people watch here.  When I was 11 my mom took me here to get a pair of Z Cav seconds.  Putting this mecca of bargains into words is…

Newtown Book & Record Exchange

102 S State St
Newtown, PA 18940

Jon L. writes: The woman that runs this store has been around for years and years, and she's still happy to serve you. This great old book store has so, so much more character than Barnes & Noble, and while it doesn't have a cafe right inside, you'll find a…