Issue 3 | December 2020 |
Haven’t started shopping? You’re not the only one! This Hudson County holiday shopping guide will help you quickly (and safely) find the best gifts for everyone on your list—while supporting local businesses.
With countless stores, talented local designers, and no sales tax on clothes and shoes, it’s hard to beat shopping in Hudson County. Shoppers travel far and wide for the chance to enjoy Hudson County staples like the Newport Mall and Hoboken’s boutique-lined Washington Street. And, with the unveiling of the highly anticipated new American Dream, shopping in Hudson County is better than ever.
We know holiday shopping looks a bit different this year, so to help you find the best gifts—while supporting local businesses—we’ve compiled all the different ways to shop in Hudson County this season, whether it’s in-store or online. Happy holidays from Hudson County!
A Hudson County Shopping Guide
Hudson County’s Top Shopping Centers
If you’re ready to find everything—and more—under one roof, you’re in the right place. Hudson County is filled with fantastic shopping facilities. Whether it’s a mall, outdoor retail space, or the massive new American Dream, there’s something for everyone in Hudson County’s best shopping centers:
Find some of the most renowned brands, shops, and experiences at the exciting new American Dream, just a stone’s throw from Secaucus.
American Dream
The 3-million-square-foot American Dream in East Rutherford, just minutes from Secaucus, is packed with immersive entertainment, thrilling attractions, and shops for all interests and budgets. The Collections, a chic shopping experience anchored by renowned brands such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Hermes, and Tiffany & Co, promises upscale goods for those special occasions. And, with American Dream’s top-name brands like ZARA, H&M, Sephora, and over 300 unique stores, shoppers have plenty to choose from in this groundbreaking venue.
Newport Centre
With three levels of beloved brands and shops, Newport Centre in Jersey City is a must-visit for shopaholics. Here, you’ll find everything from clothes and shoes to cosmetics and jewelry, with department stores like Macy’s and Kohl’s mixed in. Cap off your shopping day with a bite at one of the center’s many restaurants, or enjoy the mall’s variety of events, including holiday programs like photos with Santa.
The Plaza at Harmon Meadow
Another pristine Secaucus shopping experience is The Plaza at Harmon Meadow. This jam-packed shopping center, just three miles from the Lincoln Tunnel, pairs a state-of-the-art movie theater with dozens of cafes and restaurants, not to mention a variety of small, unique stores. With plenty of outdoor seating, the Plaza is particularly perfect for those warm, sunny shopping days.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens
Save money without sacrificing fashion at local-favorite, the Mills at Jersey Gardens, the state’s largest outlet and value retail center. This facility, located a stone’s throw from Hudson County in Elizabeth, is filled with outlets ranging from Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth and Neiman Marcus Last Call to Michael Kors, Guess, PUMA, Coach, and more. Jewelry shops like Alex and Ani and shoe stores like Calvin Klein and Finish Line round out the shopping center’s roster. Dining and movie theaters are also available onsite.
Best Hudson County Neighborhoods for Shopping
Beyond the malls and shopping centers, Hudson County boasts an array of bustling streets packed with local boutiques, rare finds, and fashion trends. Here are some of our favorites:
Hoboken’s Washington Street
Hoboken’s main street, Washington Street, is paradise for fashion enthusiasts. The street’s array of boutiques span one mile, with everything from jewelry, clothing, formalwear, menswear, home goods, and more—not to mention a mouthwatering roster of must-try restaurants. Some of the many Washington Street highlights include accessory hubs like Noellery (123 Washington St.) and the Washington General Store (509 Washington St.), and fashion havens such as Dor L’ Dor (413 Washington St.), Oran Boutique (1026 Washington St.), and Peper Apparel (938 Washington St.).
Jersey City’s Grove Street
The shopping on and around Jersey City’s hip Grove Street is hard to beat. Here, you’ll find local staples like the trendy Kanibal & Co. (197 Montgomery St.), beloved for home, accessory and beauty products; Love Locked (353 Grove St.), a creative local jewelry store with garments and accessories; Mint Market (339 Grove St.), a chic clothing store with casual and formalwear; and Noellery (321 Grove St.), a jewelry and accessory store which also has a location in Hoboken.
Hudson County’s Bergenline Avenue
Bergenline Avenue, which winds through Hudson County neighborhoods like Union City, West New York, and North Bergen is packed with shopping options. Explore Bergenline Avenue for bargain clothing & shoe stores, jewelers, thrifting, electronics and much more. Specialty stores such as A&S comics and Ara Wax Records & Tea are just some of the many that hidden gems along this shopping route.
Hoboken’s Washington Street is a festive and jam-packed spot for some of the county’s best local holiday shopping.
Hudson County’s Buy Local Holiday Gift Guide
The holidays may look a bit different in 2020, but that doesn’t mean you can’t buy local in Hudson County. Many of our favorite neighborhood art stores, bookshops, fashion boutiques, and home-good hubs have equally well-stocked online shops to make holiday shopping Covid-19-safe—with that money spent going back into the community.
As you map out those holiday gift ideas, here are some Hudson County local shops to consider for everyone on your list:
For crafts, clothing, and home goods | Kanibal & Co.
Jersey City’s popular Kanibal & Co. boasts everything from mugs to potted plants and artwork to clothing, and you can find all of this—and much more—in the shop’s physical store at 197 Montgomery Street, or the digital store at www.shopkanibal.com. Baking kits for bread and apple cider donuts are a must-have for aspiring chefs, while an array of relatable and silly mugs or baking kits are perfect for best friends and family.
For children’s clothing and toys | Hazel Baby & Kids
Hazel started as a boutique shop for pets, and evolved into its second beloved offering: Hazel Baby & Kids. This quaint shop at 199 Montgomery Street in Jersey City has a vast selection of adorable kid and baby clothes and toys—all available online. From colorful children’s clothing to bath toys for splish-splash fun, Hazel has everything you’ll need, and then some, for those little ones in your life. Don’t miss the epic New Jersey line, which is perfect for a local baby’s first holiday.
For pet toys and treats | Cornerstone Pets
Hoboken’s Cornerstone Pets is about as local as it gets, with store owners who know your four-legged friends’ names—and have treats waiting for them at the counter. You can support their small business at 105 Ninth Street this holiday by purchasing your pet’s gifts online, be it toys, sweaters, treats, beds, or bones. And, for those procrastinating shoppers, Cornerstone also offers same-day delivery in Hoboken, and one-day shipping for surrounding neighborhoods.
For boutique women’s fashion | Mint Market and Vivi Girl Shop
Hudson County is brimming with local boutiques and fashion finds, and Mint Market in Hoboken (303 First Street) and Vivi Girl Shop in Jersey City (512-A Jersey Avenue) are some of the best places to start. Even better? They both have online stores for safe shopping. From Mint Market’s sleek, one-of-a-kind attire, purses, and jewelry, to Vivi Girl’s boho-chic tops, dresses, home goods, and accessories, it’s hard to go wrong with fashion gifts this holiday.
For trendy men’s fashion | Oran Apparel
Ladies aren’t the only ones with fashion options in Hudson County. Oran Apparel, a men’s boutique with two Hoboken storefronts—1102 and 1026 Washington Street—offers stylish loungewear and upscale formalwear that makes shopping for those men in your life easier than ever. Pants, shoes, jackets, shirts, sunglasses, and hoodies abound across Oran’s in-store and online shelves. Grab their fall collection while you still can for the perfect holiday gift.
For books and stationery | Little City Books and Word Bookstores
Little City Books in Hoboken (100 Bloomfield Street) and Word Bookstores in Jersey City (123 Newark Avenue) have always been a holiday hit, and this year, their digital storefronts make shopping for bookworms even easier. Try Little City’s array of best sellers, biographies, graphic novels, and even puzzles (available online only). Or, grab gift ideas directly from Word’s curated holiday gift list. Little City also has a children’s annex for books for those young and aspiring readers on your list.
For jewelry and accessories | Noellery
Hoboken’s charming Noellery jewelry store at 123 Washington Street boasts a stunning selection of high-quality and affordable gifts. From earrings and layered necklaces to initialed jewelry, boho anklets, stylish purses, and—now for 2020—masks, it’s holiday options galore across Noellery. Statement pieces reflect places around the world, while some of Noellery’s most popular items are an ode to the store’s home state, New Jersey.
For local artwork | Roig Collection
Roig Collection is a frequent favorite at Hoboken’s Arts and Music Festival, and this year, you can buy their iconic pieces through the digital shop with pickup at the W Hotel in Hoboken (225 River Street); they also ship all unframed works across the U.S. Roig’s array of Hudson County-inspired gems include stencils of the Lackawanna Tower, Hoboken’s Court Street, Jersey City’s Grove Street, and much more. These pieces are perfect for those Hudson County enthusiasts on your shopping list!
For sweets | Sweet and Flour
For the loved one with a sweet tooth, look no further than Sweet and Flour in Secaucus. This locally owned bakery serves up some of the best cakes and baked goods around, from cannolis and cake pops to cupcakes and cookies. Sweet and Flour also prepares custom-order baked goods—perfect for that extra something special to show how much you care.
For coffee, mugs, and kitchen goods | Bwe Kafe
Bwe Kafe is a fan favorite here in Hudson County, with bustling coffee shops in Hoboken (1401 Adams Street and 1002 Washington Street) and Jersey City (140 River Drive South). You can support this local staple with a holiday gift this year; options range from delicious coffee beans to tasty teas, as well as candles, artwork, mugs, French Press machines, home goods, terrarium kits, and skin-care essentials. Modcup in Jersey City (multiple locations) is another coffee shop filled with local goodies and treats. Stop in for gift sets, coffee beans, apparel, and accessories.
It’s hard to beat holiday shopping in a coffee shop, and Hudson County is filled with great cafes worth checking out, including Modcup in Jersey City.
As any New Jersey local will tell you, Hudson County’s exquisite shopping definitely doesn’t stop there. For more shopping ideas, check out our full list of Hudson County shopping page at visithudson.org.
Want to support your favorite local restaurants while gifting some of the area’s best bites this holiday? Try a gift card for your family’s favorite restaurant! Check out some of our favorite restaurants for inspiration, or call your go-to spot to see if they offer gift cards or vouchers.
Happy shopping!