Your Ultimate Guide to Supporting Jersey City’s Small Businesses
Falling between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday. A day to encourage folks to support local businesses by shopping small. With the holidays approaching, you’re probably wondering what to get for your loved ones. Lucky for you, we have many local shops that carry unique items! You can shop small this holiday season and beyond by checking out the diverse local businesses in our neighborhoods. You can find gifts made by independent artisans from a wide selection of handmade skincare, jewelry, candles, vintage items, pet care and more. If you prefer online shopping, we have also included a few options so you can shop from the comfort of your own home while supporting locals. So, get your shopping bag ready to go and explore these unique small shops in Jersey City.
Another Man’s Treasure — 195 Montgomery Street (Downtown)
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If you’re looking for a gift for the vintage lover in your life, then look no further than Another Man’s Treasure. This local shop provides customers with the best vintage options, from clothing, accessories, and shoes! Folks from all over stop by this vintage shop, so you’ll be sure to find rare gift items for your loved ones.
Bouquets & Baskets — 548 Jersey Ave. (Downtown)
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Bouquets & Baskets is a local, mom and pop flower shop providing you with various options for custom arrangements for any special occasion. You can surprise your loved ones with a unique design and fresh fragrant flowers from this shop. They make it easy to send flowers right from their online catalog.
Departed Soles — 150 Bay St. #2A (Downtown)
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If you’re looking to find local craft beer, you will want to make a stop at this brewery. Departed Soles is Jersey City’s first brewery and tasting room and even offers gluten-free options. They strive to have a tap list that offers something for everyone.
Fussy Friends — 148 Newark Ave. (Downtown) + 458 Central Ave. (The Heights)
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With a location in the Heights and Downtown, this pet store is the go-to for your furry friends’ needs. With a large selection of products for both cats and dogs, you’ll be sure to find just what you need to keep your pet healthy and happy. Fussy Friends also partners with local cat rescues, so if interested in adopting a cat, please ask one of their staff for more information!
Hazel Baby & Kids — 199 Montgomery St. (Downtown) + 17 McWilliams Pl (Hamilton Park)
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If you need to shop for your kids, you will want to make a stop at Hazel Baby & Kids. This wonderful little children’s boutique makes socially responsible, environmentally friendly, and sustainable products for kids. You will find a wide selection of organic cotton clothing, eco-friendly bath products, and wooden toys. In addition, they have a great selection of educational toys if you’re looking for a holiday gift.
Hound About Town — 17 McWilliams Pl. and 218 Montgomery St. (Hamilton Park & Downtown)
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This pet store has a great selection of high-quality leashes, harnesses, clothes, toys, and food for your pet. In addition, they carry raincoats and adorable fashion accessories, so your pet is always the star of the show. The staff is very knowledgeable about pet care, so if you have any questions, ask away!
Kanibal & Co. — 197 Montgomery St. (Downtown)
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Once you walk into this store, you won’t want to leave. There are so many great pieces of clothing and accessories to check out. All their products are found online as well. This store is home to many locally made products and curated findings, including incredible apparel, home goods and fine jewelry. In addition, you can find excellent stocking stuffers from one-of-a-kind stickers, pins to stationary. You’ll feel good about adding to your shopping bag while supporting locals at this store.
Lee Sims Chocolates — 743 Bergen Ave. (McGinley Square)
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Lee Sims Chocolates is a family-owned local chocolate shop that the same family has operated for over 40 years. This charming chocolate shop will satisfy your cravings and is the perfect stop for the person with a sweet tooth in your life. They offer customized packaging for any holiday or event.
Lil Dove Cafe — 589 Palisade Ave. (The Heights)
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Not only does Lil Dove Café offer the best coffee options, but this charming café has an assortment of small business-owned products that are sourced right in Jersey City. You can find apparel, bags, and accessories, and more while you’re enjoying your cup of coffee. Be sure to check out their gift-giving guide while you’re shopping local to get some creative ideas!
Living Room — 277 Newark Ave. (Downtown)
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Recently opened its doors in Jersey City on October 23, this local home goods shop has inclusively curated and intentionally sourced gifts. Founded in the belief that we all need community, you’ll feel at home while shopping here. A wide selection of gifts is available from home décor, candles, self-care products, furniture, kids’ products, kitchenware and more. You’ll be sure to find something for everyone in your life here. Along with the various gift items, you’ll love to check out the space as it is beautifully decorated.
Love Locked — 353 Grove St. (Downtown)
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Known for their unique, beautifully handcrafted jewelry, this local store is the perfect place to shop if you’re looking to find someone a special gift. You can expect to find one-of-a-kind pieces from necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more. Since many of the pieces are designed and crafted in-house, they can be customized for special sizing. In addition, they currently have new additions to their sterling silver pieces and unique crystals and handcrafted ornaments. After all, we can always add a new ornament to the Christmas tree!
The Lucky Honeybee — 487 Palisade Ave. (The Heights)
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The Lucky Honeybee creates thoughtfully designed, eco-friendly candles, soaps, and apothecary goods. All their natural soaps, lotions, and apothecary goods are made on-site! In addition to their handcrafted goods, The Lucky Honeybee gift shop features a curated mix of wares from independent makers and designers, fair trade items, imported goods, and a liquid soap refill station. They are known for their candles handcrafted in small batches using their signature blend of soy, beeswax, and coconut to produce a clean, long-lasting burn.
Milk Sugar Love Creamery — 19 McWilliams Pl. (Hamilton Park) 394 Palisade Ave. (The Heights)
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If you’re craving some ice cream, making a stop at the local shop will satisfy your cravings. Indulge in their all-natural ice cream made from organic milk and all the best local produce. They believe in simple, high-quality ingredients and always have the most exciting and delicious flavors to try! You can also grab yourself pints to go.
Mint Market — 339 Grove St. (Downtown)
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If you’re looking for an authentic boutique experience, the Mint Market is your stop. This curated vintage and contemporary boutique carries on-trend clothing, jewelry, shoes, and fashion accessories. In addition, they have new arrivals that are worth checking out for the fashionista in your life. With a wide selection of clothing and accessories, you’ll have a tough time leaving this shop! They have another location in Hoboken as well!
Noellery — 123 Washington Street + 321 Grove Street (Downtown & Hoboken)
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If you’re looking to purchase accessories, making a stop at Noellery will help take care of your shopping needs. With their wide selection of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, you won’t have a problem finding the perfect gift or another pair of earrings for yourself.
Plant Base — 370 Pacific Ave (Bergen-Lafayette)
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Nestled in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood, this zero-waste vegan market not only offers delicious gluten-free, plant-based food options but a variety of organic produce and in-house-made vegan body care products. In addition, you can find a wide selection of nuts, grains, pasta, body butter, zero waste accessories, tea blends, and a full apothecary selection. Don’t forget to bring your container and bags when stopping by to reduce your waste consumption!
Riverview Wine and Spirits — 43 Bowers St. (The Heights)
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Riverview Wine and Spirits is a lovely local shop with friendly staff ready to help you find just what you need. You’ll find a fantastic selection of wines and craft beers at this shop. In addition, you can find chocolates and other snacks to accompany your purchase.
Sayallures Boutique — 321 Route 440 Suite #3 (Greenville)
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Sayallures Boutique believes in fashion for all women. You can find a wide selection of clothing at this boutique shop, from jackets to bottoms and sets. Check out our conversation with owner Assia Wilson and her inspiration for starting this boutique.
Sure Things — 561 Palisade Ave. (The Heights)
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This vintage shop recently opened in the Heights. You can find a mix of fintage items (found and vintage), making it a great stop to find a unique gift for your loved ones. The owners are long-time Jersey City Heights residents who have a passion for collecting vintage items and have an eye for detail.
Taproot Organics — 511 Communipaw Ave. (Bergen-Lafayette)
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With an array of health and beauty products fresh from the farm, you can find a gift for everyone on your list here. Their most popular items are their natural body soaps, joint balm, and ultimate shea butter soap. They also have a selection of beauty products for all skin types, from dry to sensitive.
Tia Planta — 722 Montgomery Ave. (McGinley Square)
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Who doesn’t want to add another plant to their collection? This perfect little plant shop has various big and small options, including air plants, succulents, monstera, and more. Feel free to ask as many questions as you want to learn more about indoor plants. The staff is educated and eager to help you feel confident to take care of your new plant baby! Additionally, the owner also holds plant workshops, so keep a lookout for the next one!
The Hair Room JC — 467 Palisade Ave. (The Heights) and 140 Bay St. (Downtown)
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Offering a warm, welcoming, and safe environment, this local hair salon is my favorite. Along with their hair services, they have a retail shop selling products ranging from hair to home and fun knick knacks you will be tempted to purchase. Additionally, The Hair Room is always looking for ways to give back to our neighborhood. They host fun events and workshops, so do check out their website to stay updated!
Whealth Kitchen — 615 Pavonia Ave. (Journal Square)
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Started as a humble pop-up, Whealth Kitchen brings locally sourced ingredients and family recipes to your home. They sell weekly meal plans, baked goods, and grocery items from plant-based milk to granola. You can find yourself vegan, gluten-free treats here to indulge in!
Word Bookstore — 123 Newark Ave. (Downtown)
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The Word Bookstore is a great local bookshop for the bookworm in your life to find that perfect book. With a wide selection of diverse genres and authors, you will find it difficult to leave this store. They also have stationery, cards, puzzles, gifts, and more, so you’ll be sure to put together the best gift!
Van Hook Cheese & Grocery — 528 Jersey Ave. (Downtown)
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Van Hook Cheese & Grocery is a family-operated shop offering cut-to-order artisan cheeses. This little shop is known for its famous creative grilled cheeses. You can get creative and choose a variety of toppings, including truffle gouda, honey, and meat options. Additionally, the shop sells customized platter options. So, if you’re planning your next holiday event, be sure to check out this family shop to take care of your appetizers!
Vivi Girl Shop — 512 Jersey Ave. (Downtown)
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Vivi Girl Shop is a women’s clothing and accessories boutique known for its vintage-inspired clothing and clothing designed by small, independent labels. If you’re looking to purchase your next outfit for a special night out, you’ll want to stop by this shop, as they have some of the best pieces for your wardrobe. In addition, they carry accessories that you will not want to miss checking out before you leave.
Zero Kids — 317 2nd St. (Downtown)
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Looking for a trendy, vintage outfit for everyone? This vintage store sells the ’70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s clothing and accessories. You will find a wide variety of brands while shopping at this vintage store. While shopping in this shop, you can feel the owner’s passion for vintage clothing.
Online Shopping Options to Support Local!
Anna Mae Creates
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This Jersey City-based shop is full of one-of-a-kind pieces created by owner Anna herself! She makes tote bags, zip pouches, pillows, and more. You can also find her totes at The Hair Room JC.
Dominant Vibes
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Founder and owner Grayleen Mandile started this brand because she wants to make women feel confident and strong. You can find edgy feminist clothing and accessories on her website. Her goal is to spread knowledge about social issues, and giving back is the core of her business. You find Dominant Vibe merchandise online as well as artisan markets such as Main Street Pops.
Hudson Hounds Tooth
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Are you looking for a gift for your pup? Hudson Houndstooth has the perfect gift! Nicole Wilson, the owner of Hudson Houndstooth, believes in creating fashion-forward streetwear for your dogs with 100% reclaimed fabric and recycled materials. You can check out her incredible selection of bandanas, bows, and toys here. With the holidays around the corner, you’ll want to make sure your pup is also decked out and ready to shine. With every purchase, at least 10% of proceeds will go to a local rescue.
Piamundo
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Inspired by the rich cultural tradition of Mexico and the diversity in design, Piamundo offers a curated collection of ceramics, bags, and photo prints. This local business is based out of Jersey City, and you can find a few of her items in Lil Dove Café.
Spellbathing
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You can catch Aish Gupta selling her artisan bath & beauty products in local markets and pop-up shops, but she also has the option of purchasing all her products online. She is committed to changing the definition of beauty and making every person confident in their skin. She offers a wide selection of bath products, including clay masks, bath bombs, and bath salts from natural ingredients meant to help calm and refresh skin.
Tainable
This Latina-owned online business offers sustainable and women-owned unique finds from home accessories to hair and personal items. If you’re shopping for a special gift, you will want to check out this online boutique shop which features handmade and environmentally friendly pieces by independent artists. Sustainability is a significant part of owner Aylin Cabrera’s brand, so you’ll find conscious, ethically chosen pieces.
Author: Arati Patel
Arati is a professional immersed in the environmental and animal welfare field. In her free time, she enjoys walking and spending time with shelter dogs, exploring the outdoors, and always ready to find a new coffee shop. A born and raised Jersey City local, she considers herself a life-long learner who is ready to write and craft inspiring stories to share with everyone!
