9 Must Visit Shopping Spots

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

While all of us aspire to get our shopping done well in advance of the big days, accomplishing such a feat is often easier said than done.

So, here’s a little list we’ve put together to help you along the way, before the festivities begin in full force and the stores are swamped. Happy shopping!

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets in Wrentham, MA
More than 170 stores await at Wrentham Village, which stocks a wide range of selections from the most prominent designer names. In addition to the fine fashion, there are also outlets that specialize in jewelry and specialty gifts, as well as leather and luggage. It’s also a good idea to keep tabs on the sales events at Wrentham Village, which you can find listed here.

Newbury Street in Boston, MA
No list of shopping spots would be complete without the Hub’s most renowned shopping mecca: Newbury Street. Easily accessible on public transportation from a variety of places in and outside of the city, Newbury Street has something for everyone. You can browse by store type with the business directory or visit the website for a more expansive look around. And once you’re through with shopping, there are plenty of places to grab a bite on Newbury Street as well.

Photo: Newbury Street via MOTT

Bearskin Neck in Rockport, MA
Tucked away in scenic Rockport, you’ll encounter an internationally recognized art colony that produces work you simply can’t find anywhere else. Bearskin Neck is situated downtown on an appropriately picturesque stretch of land, which teems with rustic little shops that feature everything from sculptures to photography.

Grafton Country Store in Grafton, MA
A far cry from the glitzier department stores and outlets, Grafton Country Store was first recognized as a business more than 250 years ago. Since then, the store and the inventory have come a long way. Nowadays, gift options runs the gamut, including jewelry, stationary, pottery and candles, and plenty of other unique accouterments.

Photo: Ready for the holidays at Grafton Country Store via Facebook

Lee Premium Outlets in Lee, MA
Folks interested in fine things on the western side of the state need look no further Lee Premium Outlets, a one-stop shop spot for premier fashion brands in the Berkshires. J. Crew, Banana Republic and Lacoste are just a few of the household names you’ll find in Lee, which also has more than 10 shoe stores and kids’ apparel, too. For directions to Lee Premium Outlets, just click here.

Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, MA
Yankee Candle is known as America’s best-loved candle and there’s nowhere else like the flagship store in South Deerfield. More than 400,000 candles in over 200 scents stock the store, which is filled with classic New England holiday charm. With the little help from Yankee Candle Village, you or a lucky gift recipient can turn your room (or car!) into an aromatic delight.

Photo: 2013 Pure Radiance™ Holiday fragrances at Yankee Candle Factory via Facebook

SoWa Holiday Market in Boston, MA
On December 14 and 15, SoWa Open Market will bring a number of New England’s finest designers, artisans and crafters all together under the same roof for a truly unique holiday extravaganza. Letterpress stationary and silk-screened tee shirts are just a couple of the quirkier gifts that shoppers can get their hands on; there will also be handbags, baby clothes and much more.

Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham, MA

Photo: Kate Spade New York at Derby Street Shoppes via Facebook

No matter what you’re looking for, you can probably find it at the Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham. Between the 75 brand-name retailers, inviting boutiques, fine restaurants and causal eateries, which you can find listed in full here, there’s plenty of variety for even the most voracious shoppers.

Mashpee Commons in Mashpee, MA
Often rated as one of the best places to shop in Cape Cod and all of Massachusetts, Mashpee Commons offers a number of prospective presents, both traditional and unusual. While you can find clothes and toys at many outlets, the same can’t be said for the Northeast’s largest kaleidoscope collection. There’s dining and entertainment on site as well, ensuring ample opportunity for enjoyment when you aren’t hopping from store to store.

For a few more ideas on where to get your shopping fix in Massachusetts, visit our Shopaholic’s Paradise Idea Board. For a much more expansive range of ideas, check out our website’s “Shopping” section.

Photo at the top: Newbury Street by Tim Grafft.

TOPICS: Holidays, Shopping