Going shopping doesn’t mean you have to put your values aside. Dollars can be more powerful than bullhorns in fueling community economies and supporting local producers.
With a little thought, your purchases can become a form of activism, supporting the causes and communities you value, and giving back when you shop. Philadelphia offers hundreds of options for Amazon and big box stores.
In this city, “shop small, shop local” is the way of life. Here are some ideas for where to do it now and throughout the year.
Note: This list is not intended to be comprehensive, but if there are any others you think we should add, please let us know: tips@billypenn.com.
Sustainable fashion
You’ve probably read about the fast fashion industry’s excessive textile waste, overconsumption, and exploitative labor practices. Thankfully, Philadelphia is a hotbed of green fashion, offering ethical, eco-friendly options.
A long wolf
700 S. 6th St.
Nicole and Jordan Haddad describe their “slow fashion” clothing line as zero-waste. They use organic cotton and printing inks and potato materials without wasting anything – even scraps of leftover fabric are used for pillow stuffing. You’ll find clothing, accessories, ceramics and ethically made furniture.
Grant Blvd
3605 Lancaster Ave.
This black-owned, women-owned sustainable shop sells small-batch lines and one-of-a-kind clothing made from thrifted clothing and recycled fabrics. Founder Kimberly McGlone and her design team are activists, selling shirts with messages like “End the Cash Guarantee” and sharing their profits with organizations like Books Bars. (Note: This is also a B Corp, see below.)
Wear it
Online
This Philly-based sustainable fashion marketplace curates responsibly made clothing and accessories on its website and works with stylists to help users find their look. Customers can shop by values and filter by reason: black-owned brands, women-owned brands, vegan, gender-inclusive or secondhand.
Green Street Transportation
700 South St.
21 Snyder Ave
8524 Germantown Ave.
The first green fashion is economical, an important part of the circular economy. In the year Founded on the Main Line in 1997, this consignment shop has expanded across the region and now operates three locations in Philadelphia. Store managers take some of the labor out of the hunt by lining up the best options to hang on their shelves.
B Corps
What does the B logo on your powder or coffee mean? It’s short for “benefit,” and means that the company behind the product has made sure it exists to serve the common good. In the era of greenwashing, the brand shows that a company has A strict process was carried out To ensure environmental and labor practices, management and community participation. Bonus fact: This global movement was actually born in a Philly neighborhood.
United in blue
205 Race St.
3421 Walnut St.
If you’re shopping for outdoor wear, travel packages, or boho furniture and decor, this is the place. For every product purchased, the company removes one kilogram of waste from oceans and waterways. Every local store is also a cafe, so it’s easy to browse with a coffee while you browse, or you can find gifts like Greta Thunberg jewelry online.
Triple bottom brewing
915 Spring Garden St.
Named for its triple bottom line – people, planet and beer – this brewery will make an impact in the Spring Arts District and beyond. Powered by renewable energy and committed to equity, Triple Bottom is also a second-chance employer for those experiencing homelessness or incarceration. You can stop in for drinks and snacks, but you can also pick up craft brews and merchandise to go.
MIO furniture
Online
Sustainability is at the heart of Salm Brothers, a Philly-based interior design company that offers “furniture for the creative.” These tiles, dividers, furniture and accessories are versatile, made in America, packaged, recyclable and playful. Think a sycamore bench, ‘shroom lamp or colorful bowls made in one of the last working factories in the US.
Activist bookstores
Where you buy your books matters. In addition to providing another way to support small business, the local bookstore is a gateway to the community. Shopping this way allows you to discover new people and ideas and make unexpected discoveries that no algorithm can replicate.
Uncle Bobby’s coffee and books.
5445 Germantown Ave.
“Kind people. Dope books. Great coffee.” Mark Lamont Hill’s Germantown Cafe and Book Emporium is a fitting tagline that serves the area as a meeting place and think tank. This black-owned bookstore hosts author readings and community events, all in a cozy setting.
Julia de Burgos Bookstore
2600 N. 5th St.
The bookstore at Thaler Puerto Ricano, a Puerto Rican community center in Kensington, sells books in English and Spanish by Latino authors, focusing on cultural heritage, history and social justice. The center hosts author events, educational programs and local art exhibitions.
Harriet’s Bookstore
258 E. Girard Ave
Janine Cook’s Fishtown Bookstore is named for Harriet Tubman, and the shelves focus on women authors, artists and activists. You can also find activist t-shirts with interesting messages like black women poets (Sonya, Ursula, Yolanda, Trapetta), “tie me up” running shoes, or a plain sweatshirt. “Jawn, read it carefully.”
Book Haven
2202 Fairmount Ave.
Used books are the ultimate eco option, especially when you can buy from a thriving independent small business. Book Haven is one of the best, convenient and well-organized stores in the heart of Fairmont, and has everything you need.
Philly-proud makers
When showing your Philly pride, is it easy to keep your money local and support small businesses and makers? There are many options from mass-produced vintage and nationally licensed sportswear.
open house
107 S. 13th. St.
In the gay borough known as Midtown Village — which shop owners Marcy Turney and Valerie Safran helped transform into a buzzing space — this boutique offers a collection of home furnishings and artisanal Philly merchandise, including 215 pillows, neighborhood key tags, funky glassware, baby gear, urban wear, Translated flashcards and tons more.
Philadelphia independent
35 N. 3rd St.
This charming old town boutique features the work of local artisans and makers, charming jewelry, ceramics and prints, and plenty of hometown pride. Look for Philly Manhole cover coasters, “Jawnaments” and other locally made and created merchandise.
Anna Thorne.
Online
Illustrator and textile designer Anna Thorne crafts cushions, baby blankets and tea towels from intricate hand-drawn patterns. What’s in the designs? Think wooden ice, pretzels, Reading Terminal Market, Independence Hall and sports icons. Look for jewelry, keychains, stickers and bags at pop-ups around town or on her website.
Paul Carpenter
Online
You’ve probably seen his hand-drawn designs – the sky-adorned Fanatic and Vice-weary Gritty are becoming iconic. Illustrator Paul Carpenter will be selling Philly-themed apparel, posters and pint glasses at the pop-up and on his website, and you can download coloring pages when you donate to Philabundance.
fair market
Certified fair trade means that farmers, artisans and other producers are paid a living wage for their work. It attempts to redress the long history of labor exploitation, particularly in the global South in the production of goods such as chocolate and coffee.
10,000 villages
1315 Walnut St.
8331 Germantown Ave.
With shops in Philly and the surrounding suburbs, this outfit is one of the pioneers of the fair trade artisan movement. The maker-to-market model brings furniture and accessories from around the world into colorful shops. You can buy beautiful jewelry, tableware, pottery, candles and decorations with a clear conscience.
Philly Fair Trade Roasters
Online
You have many options for fair trade java, but this one is best for ethical, organic, small-batch coffee. It’s roasted in North Philly and sold at markets and cafes around the city. Company founders are composting and recycling and working toward zero waste. The website offers coffee subscriptions, flights and gift packages or single-source coffee by the pound.
Weaving way
559 Carpenter Lane
8424 Germantown Ave.
One of the country’s oldest food co-ops, Weaver’s Way sells fair trade groceries from all over the place — coffee, chocolate, bananas — and a small selection of craft and bath and body goods in its wellness shop sections.
