For all the things we love about Pittsburgh, the city has been seriously lacking on the retail front.
Sure, there are major retailers around. And you could hit Shadyside or Sewickley if you’re up for a drive. But even then, trendy shops, guy’s clothes, and cool boutiques were hard to come by. All that had us feeling like we had to travel outside of Pittsburgh to do any kind of serious shopping.
But times are changing and so is Pittsburgh. Now, new shops are popping up across the city. Neighborhoods that were largely empty are becoming destinations. Thanks to these one-of-a-kind spots, folks are flocking to Lawrenceville, Garfield, and the Northside to do a little shopping.
So what are you waiting for? Save these shops to your Google Maps and start shopping some of our favorite local spots. [dfp_ads id=15035]
Wildcard
Ever since Wildcard opened on Butler Street it’s been the go-to spot for one-of-a-kind cards, quirky gifts, and a great selection of Pittsburgh-themed tees and prints. The carry many local artists’ prints, greeting cards, and jewelry so you know you’re supporting Pittsburgh’s homegrown talent.
Toll Gate Revival
Gone are the days of traveling around the state searching for the perfect vintage find. Toll Gate Revival will do all the heavy lifting for you. They offer “hunting and gathering” services to find that perfect piece and can build the vintage-inspired dining room table of your dreams. Aside from furniture sourcing, they also offer interior design services, prop rentals for photo or video shoots, and you can even host an event at their space at their beautiful brick and mortar location in Lawrenceville.
Moop
Moop is bringing retail back downtown. They design and hand manufacture their waxed canvas bags at their First Avenue shopfront and studio. Whether you are looking for a tote bag, messenger bag, shoulder bag, clutch, or a backpack, Moop has an option for you. Aside from bags, they also carry fragrances, jewelry, and a few home goods.
Juju
Erie-native Leslie McAllister has been fascinated by vintage and runway fashion since she was a young girl. After launching a successful Etsy shop in 2012, McAllister opened Juju in Point Breeze in March 2016. Stop by for boho-inspired fashion, antique clothing, atypical gifts, and otherworldly goods.
Farmer’s Daughter
It’s likely you’ve seen the floral creations of owner Lauren Work at a local wedding or at least on Instagram. After training at Zuzu’s Petals in Brooklyn, NY, Work moved back to Pennsylvania to open her own shop. She sources flowers for her designs from her own garden or locally whenever possible. At her Ohio Street store expect to find homegoods, candles, textiles, and of course, fresh floral designs and plants.
Kinsman Men’s Shop
Lower Lawrenceville was seriously lacking men’s clothing and goods until Kinsman came on the scene in summer of 2016. Kinsman aims to bring a selection of high-quality clothing and wares that “support the pursuit of working hard, doing good, and living well”. Expect mostly American made products from shoes and denim to tees and grooming products.
Von Walter and Funk
Inspired by their travels around the globe, owners Shawn Aversa and Jamie McAdams wanted to open a French atelier in Parisian style in Lawrenceville. Their Butler Street shop carries a highly curated selection of fine goods, unique finds, and eclectic vintage pieces. You’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts that you won’t find elsewhere in Pittsburgh from glassware, art and decor, and a wide range of apothecary products.
Daily Bread x Time Bomb x Refresh
This tri-concept storefront in Garfield consists of Daily Bread, a lifestyle brand started by Bill Niels of Mac Miller’s Most Dope crew in 2009, Time Bomb, a modern streetwear boutique, and Refresh, which offers sneaker cleaning, restoration, and consignment. The space is also used to host events, concerts, and art exhibitions.
Royal Pittsburgh
Guys looking for vintage clothing can pop into Royal Pittsburgh. Stemming from an Etsy Shop, Royal Pittsburgh has found a brick and mortar in Lawrenceville. You may previously have seen founder Galen Privett, formerly at American Eagle Outfitters, at vintage pop-ups at Ace Hotel and Spirit.
4121 Main
Part coffee shop, part floral shop, and part party planners, 4121 Main is one of the most innovative concepts in the city. Serving coffee and espresso from Heart Coffee Roasters in Portland, Oregon, you can spend a sunny morning browsing their wares and nibbling on some housemade baked goods. Aside from floral bouquets and plants, you can also buy personal gifts, artisanal chocolate, and planters of all shapes and sizes.
No. 14
Founded in 2014 by a mother and daughter duo, No. 14 was born from an old bar on Butler Street and quickly became one of the chicest spots in the city. They carry brands like BB Dakota, Ted Baker, Ban.do, and Rifle Paper Company.
Hot Haute Hot
Since 1999, Hot Haute Hot has been bringing handpicked, one of a kind pieces, modern and vintage furniture, handmade jewelry, local art & global gifts to the Strip District. The team at Hot Haute Hot also offers interior design resources, whether it’s for your home, restaurant, or other business.
Mello and Sons
Vintage fans can find their new favorite shop at Mello and Sons on Butler Street. Mello and Sons is the second vintage undertaking from owners Syd and Neal Mello — their previous Brooklyn, NY endeavor, Grand Street Bakery, was named “Best Vintage Everything” by New York Magazine. The theme for Mello and Sons will be similar to Grand Street Bakery — expect men’s and women’s denim, Americana tees and textiles (Levi’s, Pendelton), and homegoods from beauty products to candles to furniture.
Nine Stories
Beginning as a pop-up at the Garfield Night Market and Open Streets, Nine Stories found a home on Butler Street in September 2016. The storefront opens into Caffe d’Amore Coffee Company so customers can move seamlessly between the bookstore and coffee shop. You can also head to Nine Stories for events like author readings and book club meetings.
Pavement
One of the first retail spaces on Butler Street, Pavement recently celebrated their ten-year anniversary. Pavement aims to build community rather than being just a store — they want you to grab a coffee from Espresso a Mano next door and hang out awhile. You can spend hours browsing their wares (most are made in the US!) from brands like Splendid and Ella Moss.
Joan
A sister shop to The Vandal, Joan is an independent lifestyle and design shop on Butler Street. They work with both emerging and established independent designers and focus on ethical sourcing and sustainable manufacturing practices, so you can feel good about any of your purchases at Joan. Brands they carry include Baggu, Richer Poorer, and Tanner Goods.
[join]What do you think about these local shops? Will you do any of your holiday shopping at them? Let us know with a comment here. [button text=”Click Here to Comment” link=”https://www.facebook.com/madepgh/posts/1280603675346572″ target=”blank” width=”full” color=”black” size=”small”][/join] This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.