Introduction to Boston

Boston is one of the oldest and most unique cities in the US. Founded by Europeans in 1630, Boston features many historical landmarks such as the Freedom Trail, the Old North Church, Faneuil Hall and the oldest baseball stadium in use, Fenway Park. Universities such as Boston University, Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Northeastern add a youthful, educated flair to the city. This younger demographic has helped shopping hotspots such as Copley Place, Newbury Street and the Prudential Center flourish.

Demographics

Boston has an unusual demographic due to its many suburbs and colleges. It is home to a population of nearly 700,000, with suburbs of around 4 million in the greater metropolitan area. Boston’s population doubles during the workday and can sometimes even triple during major events. Boston is also home to 35 schools for higher education including Harvard and MIT, attracting over 150,000 students annually. This concentration of young adults supports night life, dining options and shopping.

Top Five Shopping Districts

1. Newbury Street: Located in the Back Bay, Newbury Street is known for its wide variety of shopping options. It is lined with a variety of designers including big name, upscale shops such as Chanel, Armani and Burberry as well as smaller boutiques such as Akris, Crush and LIT. Newbury street also offers more affordable shopping at stores such as Jack Wills, H&M and Forever 21. Cafes, restaurants and salons complete environment along the street.
2. Copley Place: Copley Place is a high end, luxury mall, located in the Back Bay area. The center features two levels of shopping, direct access to two hotels, a wide restaurant selection, a concierge desk and a large parking structure. Copley Place is home to over 50 luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Neiman Marcus. Although the majority of stores feature upscale products, it also has more affordable shopping such as Gap and J. Crew.
3. Prudential Center: Located in the center of the city, the Prudential Center sits at the base of the Prudential tower. The shopping center features over 75 shops and restaurants. The center hosts luxury brands such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Canada Goose and even tech giant Tesla. Shoppers enjoy a large corridor with glass ceilings as well as a large food court.
4. Faneuil Hall Marketplace: Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a tourist-oriented shopping area with long history. Founded in 1742, the marketplace features three historic buildings and a large (sprawling) promenade. It has a few major commercial stores, including Urban Outfitters and Ann Taylor. Gift shops featuring Boston-branded goods are located all over. Faneuil Hall is also home to many restaurants and food stalls in and around Quincy Market. The Faneuil Hall outdoor space also holds various activities. Locals and tourists can join in for classes or stay for a show or performance.
5. Harvard Square: The historic red-brick center of Cambridge, immediately west of Boston, is always crowded with shoppers. Shops in Harvard Square feature upscale, big-name brands, affordable clothing, boutique items, handmade products and more. For example, LUSH offers fresh and handmade cosmetics; Mint Julep offers women’s accessories; Follow the Honey is a bee-inspired gift shop; and, the Harvard Shop is a student-run store offering Harvard apparel. The broad range of stores creates a special ambience in this shopping district.

Famous Retail Events

E-Tail Boston 2019 (August 19-22, 2019): E-Tail is a conference that brings together retail and technology to help retailers build and grow their businesses using new and emerging technology. International Retail Design Conference (September 30-Oct 2, 2019): The International Retail Design Conference is designed for retail professionals creating brick and mortar retail environments for grocery, department, big-box, restaurants and pop-up stores.

Top Innovative Retailers

A R E A [caption id="attachment_95157" align="alignright" width="280"] Source: www.area.gallery[/caption] A R E A is a contemporary art gallery, active in both the primary and secondary markets. As a space to celebrate art, design and architecture, A R E A exhibitions are from local and international artists and designers. Through multiple spaces and formats, AREA also combines gallery exhibitions with interactive and engaging experiences to stimulate conversation and to spark novel ideas. Location: 289 Columbia Street, Cambridge, and 460-C Harrison Avenue, Boston.   Ballard Designs [caption id="attachment_95158" align="alignright" width="280"] Source: www.ballarddesigns.com[/caption] The 12,400-square-foot store has a design studio in which customers can design their own products and assemble their decor. Easily accessible sample drawers and a wall of oversize fabric swatches make the creative process enjoyable but not hard. Staff offer free advice. Ballard is a division of Qurate Retail Group. Location: Natick Mall, 1245 Worcester St #2082, Natick, MA 01760.   Sault New England [caption id="attachment_95159" align="alignright" width="280"] Source: www.bostonmagazine.com[/caption] Founded in 2011, Sault New England is located in the South End of Boston. It aims to embody the evolving history of men's fashion in New England. On the shelves, Sault curates wardrobe essentials in a variety of styles ranging from timeless classics that embody New England spirit to current trends. Sault also offers men's accessories, grooming products as well as a collection of vintage goods. Sault has a second location in Portsmouth, NH. Location: 577 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118.   Shake the Tree [caption id="attachment_95160" align="alignright" width="280"] Source: www.shakethetreeboston.com[/caption] Shake the Tree was founded over 20 years ago in the heart of the North End of Boston, an Italian waterfront neighborhood. This central location is right off of the Freedom Trail, making it easily accessible to many incoming tourists. It is a small boutique store that curates a variety of clothing, handmade jewelry, home goods, stationary, apothecary, cocktail supplies, cookbooks and baby gifts. The owner, Marian Klausner, has used her travels to inspire her collection. For example, she has incorporated boutique style shopping from Paris, patterned tiling from Morocco and bright colors from flower markets in India. Location: 67 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113.   Adidas x Concecepts [caption id="attachment_95161" align="alignright" width="280"] Source: www.cncpts.com[/caption] Adidas x Concepts blends the corporate dollars and know-how of a global brand with the street cred of homegrown sneaker boutique Concepts. The two companies have teamed up to offer footwear from multiple categories. Adidas x Concepts launched its first boutique in 2017 focused on the customer experience. Adidas collaborative designer collections and iconic originals are displayed on minimalist metal perches against walls of bricks. Men’s and women’s active wear are also on offer, while back room hosts DJs and installations geared toward the most serious sneakerheads. Location: 73 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116.   Credo [caption id="attachment_95162" align="alignright" width="280"] Source: www.credobeauty.com[/caption] Credo is an all-natural makeup and beauty supply store offering a wide variety of products from regular grooming products such as sunscreen and deodorant to high-end lip and makeup products. Customers can visit the clean beauty bar, an in-store set up for mini facials and makeup lessons. Location: 177 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116.   deWolfe Leather Goods [caption id="attachment_95163" align="alignright" width="280"] Source: www.dewolfeleathergoods.com[/caption] deWolfe Leather Goods is an artisan leather goods brand, handcrafted locally, in Boston. deWolfe aims to combine beauty and functionality, sculpting each bag in a contemporary classic style. All pieces use organic hide and are fully customizable. Location: 250 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116.   Johnny Was [caption id="attachment_95164" align="alignright" width="280"] Source: www.johnnywas.com[/caption] Johnny Was is a California brand that designs women’s clothing with a Bohemian spirit. Unveiling new collections every season, the clothing features detailed embroidery, relaxed silhouettes and a variety of dresses. Additionally, Johnny Was curates a collection of accessories and gifts. Location: 800 Boylston St Space141, Boston, MA 02199.   Market Floral Studio [caption id="attachment_95165" align="alignright" width="280"] Source: www.bostonvoyager.com[/caption] Market Floral Studio is a specialty florist that creates customized, intricate floral arrangements. Designers work with clients individually to bring floral arrangements to life, specializing in floral arrangements that are whimsical and classic in design. On weekends, customers can watch the crafting of the arrangements. Location: 661 E Broadway, Boston, MA 02127.   T2 Tea [caption id="attachment_95166" align="alignright" width="280"] Source: Twitter[/caption] T2 Tea is based in Melbourne, Australia, offering a wide variety of tea with the conscious consumer in mind. T2 currently brews over 100 different types of tea, with in-house designers creating personalized brewing tools for consumers. Its goal is to have all of its tea sustainably sourced by the end of 2019. The company plans to have all consumables such as gift wraps, tasting cups and packaging recyclable or compostable by 2020. Location: 131 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116.   Must-See Street: Newbury Street Newbury Street is a mile-long street in the Back Bay area featuring 19^th century brownstones and home to hundreds of stores, restaurants and bars. These brownstones have been renovated to accommodate shoppers at all levels, turning them into trendy stores, cafes and boutiques. Many of the high-end boutiques are located near the Boston Public Garden, a park at the heart of Boston, known for its swan boats. Must-See Stores:

1. rag & bone: Trendy retailer of denim, casualwear, footwear and accessories for both men and women.
2. Soodee: An upscale boutique with a wide range of trendy women’s clothing and accessories. Features an intimate interior with a personalized feel.
3. INTERMIX: NYC-born chain of high-end women’s clothing. Curates a collection of trendy shoes and accessories.
4. Nike Boston: Multistory store, offering a wide range of Nike products. Interactive trial zones and expert shoppers can help you.
5. Sneaker Junkies: A trendy lifestyle store that curates footwear, clothing and accessories from top name brands.