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FeedSpend Here
Looking for the First State's top
shopping spots? Here's a list
of some of the most popular shops,
arranged by county.
(page 1 of 3)
New Castle County
Wilmington
From Trolley Square to downtown and beyond, there’s no place to shop like Wilmington. Flirt Boutique (1608 W. 16th St., 656-7467), is for men and women up on trends from New York and Los Angeles. Mystique Fashion Boutique (1408 N. Dupont St., 429-8755) is for women who love designer denim and funky career separates. Men will like it too. And speaking of funky, check out Pistachio (8A Trolley Square, Wilmington, 652-4438) for unusual gifts, such as custom Pandora bracelets, funny greeting cards, baby gifts and pet accessories. Rockford Map and Globe Gallery (1800 Lovering Ave., 576-8900) is every map lover’s dream. It offers fine art prints as well.
At Blue Streak Gallery (1721 Delaware Ave., 429-0506), you’ll find contemporary art, jewelry, glass, ceramics, furniture, gifts and clothing, as well as one-of-a-kind art, primitive furniture, and antique garden elements. Next door is Cherishables Limited (1725 Delaware Ave., 428-0720). Find three floors jammed with home accessories, vintage jewelry, reproductions and an entire room dedicated to martini glasses. Pet lovers should sniff around Happy Dog Healthy Dog (1825 Delaware Ave., 428-1919), which makes its own therapeutic food line called Walter’s Whole Foods, and its on-site bakery pops out doggie treats. The Magpie Tea Garden (1715 Delaware Ave., 654-2911) offers holistic herbs, oils, medicines and gifts. But its specialty is tea—at least 200 brands. Visitors can enjoy a scone in the award-winning back garden, listen to live music and view local art.
The Shipyard Shops (900 S. Madison St., 425-5000), the county’s outlet offering on the Riverfront, houses such classics as Blair, Coldwater Creek, and Factory Brand Shoes in a pleasant, unique environment. And Nzinga’s Cultural Connection (827 Market St., 427-9426) specializes in authentic African clothing, and all accessories are hand-selected and limited to a few. Nzinga’s is an interesting place to scope out jewelry, accessories, fabrics, incense, oils and household items.
North Wilmington
In Bellefonte, find used home furnishings, estate jewelry and vintage clothing at Finders Keepers (910 Brandywine Blvd., 762-7878), Sacks Thrift Avenue (800 Brandywine Blvd., 762-1702) and The Fairy Godmother’s House (901 Brandywine Blvd., 762-7878). Eclectica (800 ½ Brandywine Blvd., 888-1824) offers whimsical gifts. Blueberry Hill Resale (1015 Brandywine Blvd., 765-2047) packs six rooms with collectibles, housewares, vintage clothing and linens. Don’t miss Claire’s Fashions (1312 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, 798-1312) for formal and daily wear.
Other shopping revolves around Concord Pike. Concord Mall (4737 Concord Pike, 479-8314) houses a Boscov’s, Macy’s and Sears clothing stores for tweens to seniors, and Tiger Lili, an upscale women’s boutique. Fairfax Shopping Center (2121 Concord Pike, 659-0013) offers coffee shops, a Mexican restaurant, Dress Barn and Fairfax News Stand. Bare Essentials (4009A Concord Pike, 477-4888) boasts a trained staff that specializes in bra fittings. Just around the corner is Christina’s Unique Accessories and More (3646 Silverside Road, Wilmington, 478-7202), the perfect shop for accessories from handbags to flip-flops. Nearby is the Brandywine Town Center at Concord Pike and Naamans Road, where you’ll find Lowe’s, Michael’s (arts and crafts), Drexel Heritage Furniture, PetSmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target, and Old Navy (3300 Brandywine Parkway, 479-0753).
Greenville-Centreville
One need only cruise Kennett Pike for an array of upscale offerings. Dale’s Shoetique (4023 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 656-6003) carries designer styles and fabulous accessories. So does Peter Kate Shoes (3830 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 656-7463), a women’s shoe boutique stocked with brands from Michael Kors, Anne Klein, Kate Spade, Isaac Mizrahi and Puma. Those in the market for fine accessories should visit Apropos (4001 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 656-4880) for everything from invitations to decorations. Yves Delorme (3801 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 656-3700) covers fine French linens, furniture and bath products. Get bedazzled at Carl Doubét Jr. Jewelers (3801 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 888-2991), which offers national brands like Hidalgo, Edward Mirell and Alisa. Indulgence Jewelers (4001 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 426-9811) has unusual trinkets. A.R. Morris Jewelers (3832 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 777-4367) offers fine jewelry, watches and gifts. (Its other store is at 802 Market St., Wilmington, 888-2436.)
If you must cover it all up, do so in a fabulous fur from Jacques Ferber (4001 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 652-4340). Ellie (4017 Kennett Pike, 656-8800) carries lovely handbags, jeans and designer clothing. Romantics can visit Le Papillon (4001 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 656-3348) for exquisite lingerie. Houppette (3842 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 421-9036) carries Du Wop, Fresh and Kai cosmetics and fragrances. Sports enthusiasts can find gear at the Delaware Running Co. (3801 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 655-7463). Peek into The Enchanted Owl (4001 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 652-2233) for bridal gifts. Lolita (3830 Kennett Pike, Powder Mill Square, Greenville, 656-4049) is where local style icons glam up for special occasions.
Centreville is the place to find smart shoppers who dig designer labels but don’t dig too deep into their wallets to buy them. That’s why the resale shops here are packed with gently used designer gowns, sportswear and jewelry. Scour the racks at Rags to Riches Upscale Resale (5801B Kennett Pike, Centreville, 654-5997), where owner Jodie McLaughlin refers to her exceptional collection of gently used designer clothing, furs, handbags and jewelry as “recycled chic.” Twice Nice (5714 Kennett Pike, Centreville, 656-8881) is a worthy antique shop.
Hockessin
Casual Marketplace (400 Hockessin Corner, 234-4800) has what you need if what you need is casual furnishings for home and garden. Creations Fine Woodworking Gallery (451 Hockessin Corner, 235-2310) is a bit more formal, offering hand-designed pieces such as jewelry boxes, clocks, bowls and figurines. Everything But the Kitchen Sink (425 Hockessin Corner, 239-4790) is perfectly named since it’s packed with everything one would need for the kitchen—and the house. Pets rule at Whiskazz and Pawzz (500 Hockessin Corner, 235-2002).
The Light House (604 Yorklyn Road, 239-8290) features lighting by Hinkley, Casablanca and Uttermost. Books & Beyond (7288 Lancaster Pike, 239-6262) is a wonderfully old-fashioned book shop that carries the latest titles and often hosts local authors for book signings.
Newark
Find diverse gifts, candles and jewelry at Bloom (92 E. Main St., 454-7266) and Grassroots (93 E. Main St., 453-9751), which also stocks artistic clothing. (Visit other locations at 1708 Foulk Road, Wilmington, 529-0553 and 1250 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, 489-2501). Eye the hand-crafted pottery at Romanick Pottery (170 E. Main St., 738-8038). Village Imports (165 E. Main St., 368-9923) offers merchandise from across the world, including baskets, masks and jewelry. Life in the Past Lane (596 E. Main St., 369-1960) sells vintage clothing and jewelry.
Need to frame those vacation photos? Try You’ve Been Framed (172 E. Main St., 366-1403) for expert custom framing and original and local art or Hardcastle Gallery (622 Newark Shopping Center, 738-5003) for framing, prints, posters and originals.
Minster’s of Newark (205 Newark Shopping Center, 737-5947) is an iconic jewelry store (just as it is at 218 W. Ninth St., Wilmington, 428-6060). Christiana Mall (715 Christiana Mall, 731-9815) has 130 stores such as Coach, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Boscov’s, JC Penney and Macy’s. Moving toward Wilmington is Ethan Allen Interiors (4507 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, 999-0525), known for great home fashions and in-house designers, and Praga (4561 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, 225-4034) a home and gift boutique that also carries fun jewelry. In Bear, check Jewelry Diva Gifts (34 Fox Hunt Drive, Bear) for women’s jeans, shoes, accessories and more.
Middletown
Highlights include Femme Fatale (423 N. Broad St., 378-9800), a boutique that sparkles with designs by 1 Girl Who, Fabrizio Gianni, Votre Nom and bracelets by Troll Beads. Purple Sage Herbs and Gifts (41 W. Main St., 378-2123) carries 100 varieties of tea, plus garden accessories, glass art and jewelry. Owners of Unique Boutique (201 N. Broad St., 378-2116) make their own jewelry and carry clothing, soap and handbags. DelCor Home Interiors (6 East Lake St., 449-0015) has truckloads of furniture and one-of-a-kind pieces, plus an in-house designer.
Every Thursday through Saturday, Middletown welcomes the Dutch Country Farmers Market (701 N. Broad St., 285-0855), when a group of Amish from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, brings fresh meats and poultry, as well as hardwood and barnwood furniture, fresh flowers and crafts.
Page 2: Kent County
