Can you judge a city by its shopping bags?
We sure think so. It's no coincidence that Baltimore's latest renaissance has corresponded with a number of shops—from small boutiques to big box stores—opening up downtown and in surrounding areas. We now have several thriving shopping neighborhoods, from Hampden and Federal Hill to Belvedere Square and the on-fire Harbor East. What's more, a bevy of retail chains gives us hope that a downtown department store can't be far behind. But commerce is give and take. City dwellers need to shop local in order for business to thrive. But in return, the businesses need to offer us something, be it great customer service or one-of-a-kind selection—or both. We decided to explore what this influx of retail means, both to the already-established boutiques in town and to us, the suddenly-overwhelmed-with-options (and that's a good thing!) consumer. Our list of 50 bang-up stores that have opened in the past few years will be your guide to just how far this region has come. One thing's for sure: Your days of traveling to New York or D.C. just for the shopping are over!
SMALL BOUTIQUES
It seems a new independent shop pops up every day—much to our delight and glee.
Amy's Boutique, 1133 S. Charles St., 410-244-1133
Opened: August 2006
Four years ago, Amy Mutch, an empty nester, moved to Federal Hill from Ruxton. She adored the village-like atmosphere of Federal Hill, but felt like something was missing: great boutiques. So she opened Amy's Boutique, a shop catering to the sophisticated, active woman. She offers great classics with an edge and clothing that allows women to express their personality. Some of the more popular lines include Margaret O'Leary, Neesh by D.A.R, and Crea.
Babe, 910 S. Charles St., 410-244-5114
Opened: October 2007
Lisa Ponzoli, the owner of Babe, is one very focused lady—her career in fashion has taken her to all corners of the industry: buying, merchandising, repping, and designing. Owning her own shop was the inevitable next step—and she went from writing a business plan to securing the financing to opening the door of her Federal Hill boutique in two and a half months. Aside from well-priced garments aimed at young professionals, you'll find a nicely edited selection of handbags, candles, frames, cards, and jewelry.
Barefoot Tess, 1421 Clarkview Rd., Suite 110, 410-337-7722
Re-opened: October 2006
Women with big feet have done lots of walking lately. They've followed Barefoot Tess owner Karen Williamson from her website-only days, to her Falls Road shop, to Towson Town Center, to Rehoboth Beach, to her latest location near Princeton Sports. Williamson, herself a size 9, has become a cheerleader for Big Foot—tracking down designers and getting them to make their flats/boots/heels/slippers for girls up to size 15. That includes designers Jeffrey Campbell, Loeffler Randall, Matt Bernson, and Delman. Williamson—who named the shop after her daughter, a size 11—and her staff are so helpful, in person, on the phone, and via e-mail, we'd follow them anywhere.
The Bottom Drawer, 1003 S. Charles St., 410-783-8998
Opened: November 2006
"Sometimes fun, sometimes comfy, sometimes sexy, and always classy." That's the maxim of Julia Elgert, the owner of this lovely little Federal Hill lingerie shop, and it's perfectly reflected in her stock of bras, panties, gowns, robes, PJs, and thongs by Hanky Panky, Elle MacPherson, Mary Green, Scanty, Frankie & Johnny, and Nina-V. Also available: Spanx shapers, specialty hosiery, and bridal necessities such as garters. The shop is also available for Sunday afternoon bridal showers.
Chellé Paperie, 851 W. 36th St., 410-366-6333
Opened: June 2006
This is one of the prettiest shops in all of Baltimore. Owner Rachelle Harper— who arrived here in 1998 and opened a design studio in Canton before purchasing a brick and mortar in Hampden—has an eye for both design and products. Aside from her amazing assortment of invitations (her blog chellepaperie.blogspot.com showcases some of her recent work), Harper stocks her sweet boutique with beautiful ribbons, wrapping paper, letterpress note cards, and Russell+Hazel desk accessories.
Cupcake, 813-15 S. Broadway, 410-522-0941
Opened: April 2006
The arrival of Cupcake was a much-needed boost to Fells Point's high-end retail shopping. Owner Lisa Schatz spent almost eight years at White House/Black Market before deciding the time was right to open her own shop. Schatz's experience comes across in her buying. She sees clothes not as individual garments but as fashion: sexy feminine blouses to pair with jeans and boots; embellished mini dress for New Year's Eve; lots of gray, black, white, and yellow for winter/early spring resort jaunts; and floral dresses in every color paired with ballet flats or gladiator sandals for spring.
Dogma—life, with your pet. 3600 Boston St., 410-276-3410
Opened: June 2006
There will always be pet shops, but Dogma owners Virginia Byrnes and Scott Stanton brought something new to the equation: style. The Brewer's Hill boutique—at the corner of Boston and Conkling—is part service station—self serve baths, a "barkery"—and part shopping spree: toys, beds, food, leads, collars, and accessories. And despite both Byrnes and Stanton losing their beloved dogs this year, they've never wavered in their love of their clients' pets. And Byrnes's new mutts—Oscar and Gladys—are learning to be the store's new greeters.
doubledutch Boutique, 3616 Falls Rd., 410-554-0055
Opened: April 2006
On our radar since the very beginning, Lesley Jennings and Megan Luther have always been able to mix affordability with great design—not an easy feat. The co-owners showcase established labels (like Orla Kiely, E.C. Star, and Mon Petit Oiseau), plus emerging new designers (LuluVia, OK47), and local designers (Art School Drop Out, pistol) who happen to be their friends. The resulting store is a visual wow, with funky apparel and a warm and inviting vibe. The store is also stocked with great jewelry, shoes, bags, and sunglasses.
Eye Candy Opticianry, 900 W. 36th St., 410-889-0607
Opened: May 2007
Austrian-born/Baltimore-raised Cerrill Meister always wanted to have her own store. Her Hampden shop has glasses in various shapes, textures, sizes, and designers including Eye Func, Ogi Frames, Okki, and Theo Eyewear. Meister prides herself on customer service. "A live human being"—usually Meister herself—"will answer the phone," her website promises. Meister does not perform eye exams (or fill contact lens orders) but she will recommend other eye-care specialists.
Form, 1115 West 36th St., 410-889-3116
Opened: April 2007
To many women, dressing for the office might as well be a death sentence. But dressing up doesn't have to mean dressing drab, thanks to Aimee Bracken, owner of Form, Hampden's newest fashion-forward boutique. The former art director has an eye for cutting-edge styles sure to make any chic Charm City gal feel like she's hit a secret jackpot (and one normally reserved for the hip streets of New York). "We're about having unique pieces that are sophisticated but still edgy," Bracken says. On that front, she truly delivers, with lines like Vera Wang Lavender and local favorite Bensoni.
Fresh! Boutique, The Gatehouse at Green Spring Station, 10749 Falls Rd., 443-901-0097
Relocated: April 2006
Shopping always feels good at Fresh! because owner Heidi Slacum donates a percentage of all sales to local charities. The fashion house's new location at Green Spring Station hosts a wide range of clothing ranging from mainstream—Walter, Betsey Johnson, and Tracey Reese—to up and comers—Fortune Denim, Emma and Posh, and Dorothy Lee. All customers are handled like long lost friends. "Everyone likes to be treated special whether they're in sweats or dressed to the nines."
Garnish Boutique, 5724 Falls Rd., 410-464-0601
Opened: August 2006
Garnish was one of those places we didn't know we needed until it got here. An entire boutique of bridesmaid dresses? Brilliant! Mia Isse's Mt. Washington shop carries cocktail-inspired dresses for those modern maids willing to spend a couple hundred for a you-better-believe-you-can-wear-it-again ensemble. The selection is detailed, but not overwhelming, with dress collections from Coren Moore, Jenny Yoo, Simple Silhouettes, Thread, and even some dresses for mom. The hours are by appointment only, so Isse can give each customer her full attention.
Gian Marco Menswear, 517 N. Charles St., 410-347-7974
Re-opened: May 2005
Suits, ties, shoes, repeat. You've seen one, you've seem 'em all, right? Not so at Gian Marco Menswear, home to a dizzying array of European menswear personally selected by co-owners John Massey and Marc Sklar. They select finely tailored clothing hailing from far-off, beautiful places—Italy and the U.K. are Gian Marco favorites—and because Massey and Sklar cut out the middle man by going overseas and choosing their merchandise themselves, those top European fashions are less expensive here than at other retailers.
Handbags and the City, 5614 Newbury St., 410-601-0096
Opened: August 2007
George Sakellaris knows a good bag when he sees it. So when he opened Baltimore's first large high-end handbag shop at trendy Harbor East in February 2006, the ladies naturally swooned. It was only a matter of time before a second location popped up—this time in tree-lined Mt. Washington Village. And if you're a newbie to fashionable bags, don't sweat it. While the price tags may be hefty (from about $150 to $3,000), the intimidation factor at Handbags is low so you can browse (and swoon) as much as you'd like.
Harbor News, 1010 Aliceanna St., 410-244-5140
Opened: May 2006
Harbor News—Baltimore's only chic newsstand—carries over 3,000 domestic and foreign magazines and newspapers. Owner Christina Cieri has learned the recipe to Harbor News' success: "adapt and change in order to move forward and grow." That includes special orders for customers and introducing a selection of books, international stationery, and journals. Her customer base—both local and national—love the eye-catching wallpaper and easy to navigate magazines split into categories like Film & Television and Sea & Air. You almost feel guilty just buying a People magazine.
Holly G., 1340A Smith Ave., 410-433-3389
Opened: September 2007
Gwendolen Long opened her first Holly G in Federal Hill in April 2006. She had been living in Federal Hill for two years and realized there seemed to be an awful lot of girls with absolutely no stores to shop in. So, Holly G—so named for Holly Golighty in Truman Capote's novella Breakfast at Tiffany's—was born. The shop—which now includes a second location at the Wheel House at the Mt. Washington Mill—is stocked with little known designers that are "rare, if not nonexistent in Maryland." And the new space carries a huge selection of handmade gemstone jewelry from The Gilded Peach's Abigail Houff, a Federal Hill neighbor.
Jean Pool, 5616 Newbury St., 410-466-1177
Opened: November 2006
When Scott Wable worked the floor at Ruth Shaw his clients were always pushing him to start his own boutique. He finally took the plunge last summer when he opened his denim store in the heart of Mt. Washington—complete with cute mini dog, Spike. His shop carries some lines you've heard of—and some you haven't—including 1921 and AG, Joe's, Stitches, Robins Jeans, and Gold Sign. He also stocks other denim essentials, including belts and tees, and has a staff so knowledgeable, they can instantly match body type to the right pair of jeans. (The store also offers alterations since rarely do jeans fit perfectly.) Craving new jeans while at the beach? Wable has a second shop in Ocean City.
Kiss N' Make-up, 827 W. 36th St., 410-467-5477
Opened: March 2006
If the thought of a department store make-up counter makes you cringe, Debra Stoll feels your pain. She's worked behind those counters (and experienced the rumored sales quotas) so she swooped into Hampden to save the day with the adorable and fun-loving Kiss N' Make-up. The shop specializes in funky, hard-to-find cosmetics handpicked and test-driven by Stoll herself, including U.K. brands like Pop Beauty and a skin care line from celeb favorite Mario Badescu. Throw in student discounts and the fact that in-store makeovers won't have you walking out "looking like a drag queen" (unless you're into that look, Stoll says), and Kiss N' Make-up is a one-stop-shop for the wacky girlfriends in your life.
Le Petit Cochon, 1030 S. Charles St., 410-528-6001
Opened: March 2007
South Charles Street has become its own shopping destination (see shops listed here, plus SoBoTanical, Lucky Lucy's Canine Café, Dan Brothers). One thing that was missing was a gift shop—one of those places you can run into for a last minute hostess/birthday/thank-you present. Liz Perkins and her husband Sebastian Watt filled that niche with Le Petit Cochon (it means "the little pig"), an upscale store that sells candles, cards, books, chocolates, tableware, linen, and various home accents.
Lil Lamb Shop, 167Q Jennifer Rd., Annapolis, 410-266-3303
Opened: March 2007
Shopping here puts places like Babies R Us to shame. This Annapolis baby boutique offers nursery furniture, bedding, strollers, clothes, artwork, diaper bags, Moses baskets—plus stellar customer service. They know your name, your baby's name, your due date, your color scheme, etc. Favorite lines include (local) Bratt Decor, Stanley Young America, Paintbox Designs, Dwell Baby, Earth Mama Angel, Skip Hop, Pedipeds, and Jack and Lily.
The Little Shoebox, 7625 Bellona Ave., 410-825-3191
Opened: August 2005
When this shop opened at the intersection of Ruxton and Bellona, the sole-deprived city breathed a sigh of relief: Baltimore finally had a modern shoe boutique! Janie Griffin and Emilie Blaze created a shoebox sized store—nestled between Rutland Beard Florist and Linens & Lingerie—decked out with leopard print carpet and pink walls. Ohh, and shoes, lots and lots of shoes. As popular as they are pricey (though we truly believe you get what you pay for), lines include Missoni, Hollywould, Rafe, Kate Spade, Bettye Muller, Delman, Tory Burch, and Giuseppe Zanotti and a handful of others. Look for a second location (alas, in Bethesda), opening next month.
M Vanity, 1131 S. Charles St., 410-685-0089
Opened: July 2006
Sister store to M Salon—run by six former stylists from various local salons—M Vanity is a hip beauty depot with gear for the skin, cosmetics, and nails. But the real crème de la crème are the hair products—20 different lines for every type of hair including Deva Curl, Pureology, and Artec. Also, the staff isn't pushy—just helpful.
Magda Fine Fashions, 10749 Falls Rd., 410-337-2008
Opened: March 2007
Memorable, lusciously crafted garments by Franco Mirabelli, Panticular, and Geiger have made this Green Spring Station shop a destination for fashion conscious professionals and ladies who lunch. Other retailers could take a lesson from the store's less-is-more display philosophy, which allows each piece in Magda's well-edited, investment-quality collection to shine. Housed in the gatehouse log cabin building, the earth tones of the interior are the perfect backdrop for this season's lush accessories: two-ply cashmere Kinross elbow-length buttoned gloves, Italian cotton and wool scarves, and Indian ruanna wraps.
The Magnificent: An Art Salon, 1615 Shakespeare St., 410-563-2709
Opened: July 2006
We've had our fingers crossed that this shop, tucked away on a quiet side street in Fells Point, would thrive. This cozy row house supports local designers by carrying their work—paintings, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, and mixed mediums—for both exhibit and retail. They love turnover and are constantly looking for any non-mass-produced goods by emerging artists to showcase: "We are accepting all art: high, low, crafty, functional, wearable, hangable, pedestoolable, decorative, subversive, etc," decrees the website.
Moda Italiana, 10 Light St., 410-752-2624
Opened: October 2006
Eddie Jacobs, Jr., co-owner of the 68-year-old clothier founded by and named after his father, recognized the void in Baltimore's men's clothing scene. So when the space adjacent to Eddie Jacobs Ltd. in the historic Baltimore Trust building became available, Jacobs, along with partner Frank Motta, opened Moda Italiana, which offers exquisitely made, moderately priced Italian suits, jackets, pants, shirts, ties, sweaters, and a smattering of accessories, including cuff links. And while both stores feature beautiful clothing in sumptuous fabrics, the Italian garments are a bit more tailored. Exactly the same at each shop is Eddie Jacobs' trademark gracious personal attention and service.
Phina's Luxury Linen Collective, 919 S. Charles St., 410-685-0911
Opened: February 2007
Two steps in the door of this skinny, seductive Federal Hill shop and you'll know Phina's is more than sumptuous bed linens and towels. Standouts front to back include graphic pillows, a trio of fun faux fur pillows, cactus candles in terra cotta pots, and python trays. Also look for Ahava, Spa Blends, and Erbaviva skin products and Archipeligo soy candles. The nicest luxury is free—all customers, paying or not, are thanked for stopping by with a beautifully wrapped gift.
Renee Wilson Bijoux Inspired Jewels, The Gatehouse at Green Spring Station 10749 Falls Rd., 410-823-5545
Opened: October 2005
Owner Renee Wilson's goal is to be different from all the other jewelry shops. After working as a manager at Heirloom Jewels, Wilson left to open her own shop, which she has filled with a mix of antique and estate jewelry and unique works by local designers. "The pieces we sell here are one-of-a-kind," she says. "Our customers have a more sophisticated taste, they don't want to look like everyone else."
Shop Gentei, 1010 Morton St., 410-244-8961
Opened: October 2005
Oliver Jones knows there's an art to looking cool. So, after long stints immersed in the cutting-edge street wear fashions of Japan, he decided to give Baltimore a cheat sheet with Shop Gentei. Tucked away on a quiet Mt. Vernon side street, Gentei—which means "limited edition" in Japanese—has quickly earned a worldwide reputation with its roster of hard-to-find clothing, sneakers and accessories, many available only in Japan. While it's operated like a high-end shop—merchandising and decorative "themes" change twice a year (its current theme is "ski lodge," complete with indoor wooden shingles and fake fireplaces)—the mood is definitely low-key and casual. Employees, decked out in brands like Stussy and Bloc28, are Jones' longtime friends and are happy to chat about everything from limited edition Pumas to the latest track bike accessories.
Tiny Toes, 4 N. Main St., 410-420-6727
Opened: July 2006
Downtown Bel Air has become one of our favorite places to take out-of-town guests, thanks in part to the baby boutique with the orange awning. The mother/daughter team of Tina Lewis and Karen Jacobs make having and maintaining a baby fun—and stylish. The warm shop features apparel—Bees and Dragons, BlaBla, Zutano, and Coccoli—Reese Li Baby diaper bags, Bumbleride strollers, and gifts and accessories. Plus, plenty of free advice.
Tu Vida Jewelry & Design, 300 E. Fort Ave., 410-812-2547
Opened: April 2007
Katie and Melissa Ramirez are all about one-stop shopping. The sister-in-laws offer custom invitation and jewelry design out of their Federal Hill storefront. A bride can match her dress to her jewelry, her jewelry to her invitation, and so forth. The girls can even rework or incorporate a "something old" piece of jewelry into a "something new." They started designing jewelry in January 2005, first hosting jewelry parties amongst friends and family members, before opening their own shop. Along the way, one thing has remained consistent: a portion of all sales goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Uptown Dog, 3610 Falls Rd., 410-366-1133
Opened: June 2007
The intersection of Falls Road and W. 36th Street in Hampden is starting to get crowded. This adorable pet boutique—white shop, black awning, green door, great windows—is run by pet enthusiast Kimberly Jackson who loves to swap "I love my pet sooo much" stories with every customer. She's filled her shop with the usual and unusual pet novelty items: Ravens apparel, pet strollers, and dog prints.
Urban Chic, 811 Aliceanna St., 410-685-1601
Opened: September 2007
We waited patiently for Urban Chic as it slowly made its way north—first Georgetown, next Maple Lawn, and finally—yay!—Harbor East. Lindsay Buscher's 2,900-square-foot boutique is a great partner for South Moon Under and together they make Harbor East a one-two punch to be reckoned with. Like her other two shops (the Maple Lawn location is soon closing and moving to Bethesda), Buscher has put lots of thought into her store's design, down to its wall color, the mirrors in the dressing rooms, and the window displays. But what really shine here are the clothes: Catherine Malandrino, Kara Janx (from Project Runway fame), Ella Moss, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Milly, Diane von Furstenberg, and Theory, plus, maternity, baby, and men's clothes. Oh, and how could we forget? Shoes, too!
FURNITURE
With more hot designs than ever to choose from—be it modern, eco-friendly, classic, or even budget—life is good for the lamp-seeking urbanite.
bluehouse, 1407 Fleet St., 410-276-1180
Opened: December 2005
The concept behind bluehouse—environmentally conscious merchandise—had us a little leery at first. Could something be eco-friendly and style-friendly? The answer is a resounding yes. And the shop—located in the Broom Corn building between Harbor East and Fells Point—keeps getting better and better. There are still big-ticket items, but smaller affordable pieces too: handmade vases, old fashioned ceramic mixing bowls, beeswax candles, recycled notepaper. And putting a coffee bar inside a home store? Brilliant! As the trend of environmental friendliness and healthy living catches on, we'll always remember that bluehouse was first out of the gate.
Calligaris by Pad, 1500 Thames St., 410-563-4723
Opened: June 2007
Pad has spawned Calligaris by Pad. The modern furniture store—itself a spin-off of Fells Point staple Su Casa—has added a showroom dedicated solely to the Italian-based company's furniture, including tables, chairs, and couches. Owner Nick Johnson didn't want to entirely lose Pad, so half the space is Calligaris; the other is Pad's regular mix of modern rugs, lamps, bedding, et al. The two work together like peanut butter and jelly—you can enjoy them separately, but they are so much better together.
Red Tree, 921 W. 36th St., 410-366-3456
Opened: October 2006
We'd buy anything from Carmen Brock and Kacey Buchanan Stafford. Anything. Something about their native Kentucky niceness just opens our hearts—and our wallets. When they opened Red Tree last fall—joining forces with Avenue faves In Watermelon Sugar, Ma Petite Shoe, and Shine Collective—it solidified Hampden as a deluxe shopping district. The shop, which just added a furniture showroom in what was New System Bakery's old basement, combines all our favorites: home accessories, witty cards, handmade jewelry, and big chunky pieces of furniture. The new lower level means more room for couches, tables, and great artwork. Oh, and did we mention how nice they are?
BIG BOX
They have a reputation for being impersonal, but who are we trying to kid? Sometimes bigger is better.
Best Buy, 600 E Pratt St., 410-234-3020
Opened: November 2005
When we heard rumors that a Best Buy was opening downtown, it seemed too good to be true.
A store right smack in the middle of the city where we could buy iPods, digital cameras, computers, game systems, CDs, DVDs, and appliances—all in one place? Indeed, the spacious, techno-fabulous store finally materialized—right across the street from the Inner Harbor's Power Plant ESPN Zone (hello, man heaven!) Throw in a super-sized P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Filene's Basement (see right), and Panera Bread in the same building and it's a suburbia dream come true.
Daedalus Books & Music, 5911 York Rd., 410-464-2701
Opened: January 2006
With an ambitious events schedule, an ever-changing selection of remaindered books, CDs, and DVDs, and its prominent location—steps from The Senator Theatre and Cafe Zen—the Daedalus Books' Belvedere Square location has already earned quite a following. In fact, the book signings, art exhibits, concerts, and storytelling sessions are such a draw, you'll need to remember to leave time to browse the merchandise. Daedalus prides itself on its selection of children's and art and photography books and most start at $5.98.
Filene's Basement, 600 E. Pratt St., 410-685-2637
Opened: March 2007
A collective cheer could be heard throughout Baltimore with the arrival of the city's first downtown Filene's Basement. The famous discount clothing, jewelry, and home goods store is celebrated for discount designer merchandise that truly lives up to its bargain-basement reputation. Designer names found in Filene's read like a trip down Fifth Avenue: Gucci, Kenneth Cole, DKNY, Armani, Calvin Klein, the list goes on. Quirky home accessories add to the vast store's charm. The killer shoe department? Just an added bonus.
Greetings & Readings, 118-AA Shawan Rd., 410-771-3022
Opened: August 2005
This Hunt Valley Towne Centre anchor combines the selection of Borders and Hallmark (and Starbucks!) with the customer service of a mom-and-pop shop. Greetings & Readings boasts a sizeable magazine and book selection (including an adorable children's nook and twice-weekly story time); a cafe with Lavazza coffee; a ton of greeting cards, wrapping paper, and gift bags; custom printing services; and a nice selection of what we'll simply call "quirky miscellaneous." And while it often seems there are 100 people trying to check out at once, there are always people at the register to keep those lines a-moving.
NATIONAL CHAINS
Chains do not signal the end of humankind. Quite the opposite—they're a sign that
Baltimore is on the retail map.
Arhaus, 660 S. Exeter St.,410-244-6376
Opened: August 2007
With Arhaus's warm-toned furniture and accessories, this cavernous space in Harbor East somehow feels intimate. One-of-a-kind offerings include an azure blue Spring Country bench and the Nathan hair-on-hide cowboy bench. Plus, terra cotta wine holders, red birdcages, sliced wood coasters in a burlap bag, and hanging glass candleholders. Overall, the vibe is like a slightly more formal Pottery Barn meets Smith & Hawken.
Benjamin Lovell Shoes, 618 S. Exeter St., 410-244-5359
Opened: April 2006
Benjamin Lovell has been very tolerant. The shoe shop has been waiting patiently at the corner of Exeter and Aliceanna for the dust to clear in Harbor East. Now that Arhaus, Urban Chic, and Landmark Theatres have come—the area is a true destination. Folks come to find stylish, yet comfy, shoes from favorites Donald J Pliner, Thiery Robotin, MBT, Dansko, Cole Haan, and Clarks.
bluemercury spa, 200 E. Pratt St., 410-576-9090
Opened: October 2006
Friendly bluemercury spa is just the place to pamper yourself. The sheer number of packaged soaps, candles, lotions, and potions—stocked shelf after shelf—are the only interior decoration needed in this first floor plum spot in The Gallery. Facials of all sorts, peels, brow styling, face and body waxing, makeup application, body polish, body massage, and hot rock massage are also available, usually at a day's notice.
Downs Stationers, 2500 Boston St., 410-752-7770
Opened: December 2006
One might not expect merchandise in this elegant shop to elicit mirth and frivolity, but you'll no doubt giggle over tongue-in-cheek Vintage Revisited and classic New Yorker cartoon greeting cards. Other pleasures at Downs (in Canton's American Can Company complex) include Vera Wang pricey boxed notes and pads of orange-covered Rhodia graph paper in endless sizes. Wedding invitations and other custom papers remain at the core of Downs' business, and manager and 20-plus-year employee Ronnie Mens ensures your finished product will benefit from her mastery of stationery etiquette.
Urban Outfitters, 301 Light Street #2540, 410-685-3115
Opened: April 2007
The prayers of Baltimore's hipsters were finally answered with the spring arrival of Urban Outfitters. The two-floor Inner Harbor superstore is a mecca for all things cool, from cutting-edge apparel and hip accessories to retro sneakers and funky home furnishings. No longer will local trendsetters need to trek out to D.C.'s Georgetown or Chinatown to get stacks of clangy bangle bracelets or brand-new turntables—Baltimore's finally cool enough to have an Urban Outfitters of its very own.
KOOKY, YET LOVABLE
These shops put the charm in Charm City. We just know John Waters is a fan.
Atomic Pop, 3620 Falls Rd., 410-366-1004
Opened: October 2006
Anyone who's ever visited Hampden's legendary Atomic Books knows the indie bookstore is positively bursting at the seams. So when it dawned on owners Benn Ray and Rachel Whang that more and more coveted shelf space was being devoted to designer art toys, crafts, and art-themed magazines and journals, they decided to move all the artsy stuff to a new location around the corner. The result is the astonishingly cool Atomic Pop, a three-dimensional answer to Atomic Books, featuring everything from limited-edition figurines and cheery plush dolls to quirky prints and posters. Walk-ins are pleasantly surprised by the eclectic shop's colorful merchandise, and the online shopping has become a hit from Norway to Japan amongst in-the-know art toy enthusiasts.
Baltimore Chop, 625 Washington Blvd., 410-752-HITS (4487)
Opened: April 2007 (Orioles opening day)
From the name—a hitting technique invented by the 1890's Orioles—to the huge hanging coffee cup sign, to the cherry-red walls, this is no ordinary bookstore and coffee shop. Not surprisingly, it specializes in baseball books, but it also makes truly fabulous coffee, offers free Wi-Fi, and has a performance space that sometimes features country artist Elizabeth Cook, who is signed to owner Andy Rubin's Nashville-based record label. Rubin, whose father owned the legendary Coliseum Bookstore in New York City, is also a glass artist and his ornaments and vases decorate this hip, high-energy Ridgely's Delight shop. Other unusual gifts include Roll Over Red Rover Dog Treats and Baltimore's only full line of the almost impossibly delicious MarieBelle chocolates.
Canton Games, 2101 Essex St., 410-276-2640
Opened: March 2007
Whether you're a closet Dungeons & Dragons fan, a miniature collector, or just love a heated session of Monopoly, Canton Games has it all. Owned by husband-and-wife duo Brian and Candy Rosenberg, the cozy spot sits in the heart of Canton (on the corner of Essex and Fleet streets) and has become a popular walking destination for neighborhood gamers and non-gamers alike. Perhaps the best part of Canton Games is trying out your newest purchase before you leave the store. A table is set up in the shop for exactly that reason—well, that and the occasional (friendly, we're sure) neighborhood gaming session.
Sugar, 927 W. 36th St.,
410-467-2632
Opened: April 2007
The Avenue in Hampden has always been pretty funky, but thanks to a little shop named Sugar, it just got a whole lot funkier. One of the latest additions to the neighborhood's eclectic mix is a cornucopia of classy carnal pleasures. Labeling the cozy boutique—which quietly sits at the corner of 36th and Roland in the back of Hampden Hall—a "sex shop" is like calling the Taj Mahal a building. Owned and operated by sex educator extraordinaire Jacq Jones, the friendly shop's inventory ranges from romantic to risqué, and Jones and her knowledgeable crew encourage shoppers to ask questions, and yes, even switch on its plethora of battery-operated goods. Jones has even kicked off a series of monthly sex ed classes guaranteed to be much more fun than the ones you were forced to endure in high school.
SUPER-MARKETS
They don't call them super markets for nothin'.
Wegmans, 122 Shawan Rd., Hunt Valley, 410-773-3900
Opened: October 2005
Is it possible to be giddy about food shopping? Only if we trek to Wegmans in Hunt Valley. Yes, shopping here is a full contact sport—but, oh, the produce! The fresh-from-the-oven bagels! The olive bar! The knowledgeable butchers! Plus, there's a whole main artery of kitchen goods—from knives to serving pieces to cutting boards—near the front of the store. Oh, and our tried-and-true secret to true Wegmans bliss? Avoid the bumper shopping carts by taking advantage of the 6-am-to-midnight store hours and skipping prime time.
The Fresh Market, 2510 Quarry Lake Dr., 410-580-1930
Opened: July 2007
Score one for the The Shops at Quarry Lake. This new shopping center/planned community off Greenspring Avenue in Baltimore County landed an elite boutique market. While the service can't compete with Eddie's—what can?—this family-owned grocery shop out of North Carolina is coming awfully close. A scaled-down version of Whole Foods, the 20,000-square-foot space carries a dizzying array of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and prepared dishes. There's an impressive bulk section and a bakery with beautiful cakes and pies. The baggers practically beg to load up our car with our groceries and won't accept tips (or even a gourmet muffin).
