Best Shopping In Boston's South End

Talk about shopping in Boston and a few hot spots probably come right to mind. Downtown Crossing, Newbury Street and the Shops at the Pru are probably high on that list. But Boston's best shopping is away from the chain stores in the mall and away from the tourist traps. If you're local or looking for something unique, there are plenty of great shopping destinations for you in Boston. The South End in particular has a ton of great spots that are perfect for a day of shopping.

SOWA Market

460 Harrison St. Boston, MA 02118
www.newenglandopenmarkets.com

Through Oct. 26, 2014Boston's popular SOWA Marketplace has only grown and grown over the years. What started as a small art market has evolved into a day-long event that takes places all summer long, and even into the holiday shopping season, known as SOWA Sundays. The SOWA Market now includes, along with the handmade market, a grade A farmers' market, a vintage market and a section dedicated solely to food trucks. Spend all day shopping at SOWA, take a break for lunch at the market and keep on shopping into the afternoon.
Related: Boston's Best Places For Handmade Accessories

Flock
274 Shawmut Ave. Boston, MA 02118
(617) 394-0222
www.flockboston.com

Flock was started in 2009 by a mother-daughter team dedicated to beautiful, wearable works of art. The shop teams with unique fashion finds, gorgeous jewelry and accessories and stylish shoes. The shop even contains a small selection of home goods that will add character to your house or be a great gift for a friend who is moving into their own. The items are a casual bohemian mix that are great for a day strolling around the South End.

South End Athletic Company

652 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02118
(617) 391-0897
www.southendathleticcompany.com

Boston's running specialists call the South End their home. Inside, you'll find every kind of niche running gear you can think of, along with expert advice on the right kind of shoe for your style of running. The shop produces some of its own athletic apparel, so you can show your South End pride, and also offers a mix of national brand name running shoes. It's a great stop for any athletic clothing or for the casual to professional runner.
Related: Spectator's Guide: How To Be A Runner's No. 1 Fan

Gifted
2 Dartmouth St. Boston, MA 02116
(617) 716-9924
www.madebymarie.com

As the name implies, Gifted is a gift shop. But this is not your typical Hallmark-style gift store. The shop is filled with local handmade goods that are hip enough to give to your best friend and nice enough to give to your grandmother. The shop is owned by local artist Marie Corcoran and many of the amazing goods are handmade by her. The rest she has lovingly curated from local artisans.

Michelle Willey
8 Union Park St. Boston, MA 02118
(617) 424-6700
www.michellewilley.com

Michelle Willey is like a gift shop for your own home. It is teeming with necessities, and all of those little necessities you didn't even know you needed until you saw them sitting on the shelves. Things can be a little pricey, but if you appreciate quality, then you will fall in love with this store. It is as well curated as a museum, with each piece picked for its craftsmanship and beauty.

Renee Mallett is the author of several books about art, culture, and New England. She was the owner and director of an art gallery and has written about arts and entertainment on a national level for several print and online journals. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.