Whether you feel like you must be allergic to the mall, or shopping is one of your favorite pastimes, you’re going to find yourself browsing stores and building online carts this holiday season as you hunt down the perfect gift for your loved ones. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all.
But if it feels like it was just yesterday that you were out there with the masses, toting shopping bags as holiday music played in the Prudential Center, we need to figure out a way to switch it up this year. How about by finding new stores to stalk this season?
We rounded up the best stores in and around Boston that opened in the past year, and that you’ll want to shop – either for yourself, or for others I guess if you have to. From designer brands to casual clothing stops, you’ll be so excited by these shiny new stores that you’ll forget that the holiday craziness is beginning again. Just kidding, that’s impossible.
See you out there, shoppers.
Uniqlo
The Japanese retailer Uniqlo made a big push in the Boston area this year, bringing affordable basics and stylish minimalist wear to Faneuil Hall, Natick, Chestnut Hill, Northshore and Dedham already, with more stores slated for next year on Newbury Street, as well as a permanent location to replace Faneuil Hall’s current pop up. Uniqlo is perfect for both trendy and classic shoppers, and its local fans can finally shop in store rather than online.
Find it at: Faneuil Hall (pop-up), Natick Mall, the Mall at Chestnut Hill, Northshore Mall and Legacy Place.
Helmut Lang
The first Massachusetts location of Helmut Lang opened this year in Chestnut Hill, in an 1,800 square foot space housing the brand’s high-end modern wear. The installation is the fifth in the country, making Boston the third city to have a Helmut Lang boutique, behind New York and Los Angeles. The price tag attached to the brand’s chic and sleek items isn’t modest, but it’s an acclaimed and coveted name in retail.
Find it at: The Street at Chestnut Hill, 33 Boylston Street.
Vince
This year, Vince opened two stores in the Boston area: One in Chestnut Hill and one in Back Bay. Shop for Italian leather goods, high-end and contemporary clothing, shoes and outerwear for men and women.
Find it at: The Street at Chestnut Hill, 33 Boylston Street; Copley Place.
Furla
Colorful Italian handbags, mini bags, wallets, jewelry and accessories mark the Furla brand, which recently opened in Boston.
Find it at: Copley Place.
Lou & Grey
A new retail brand launched under the Ann Taylor umbrella, Lou & Grey is a modern collection of breezy linens, comfy sweaters and more for a casual chic lifestyle – think Anthropologie and Everlane meet Ann Taylor. Earlier this year, the brand new brand opened their second US store in Natick, one of only four brick and mortar stores set to open in the US.
Find it at: The Natick Mall.
Bluemercury
Got a beauty lover on your list, or need to get your fix yourself? Head to Bluemercury, the makeup and skincare haven that opened its 45th location in the country this year on Newbury Street.
Find it at: 160 Newbury Street.
Asics
If the lengthy list of local shoe brands in Boston don’t do it for you, rejoice. Athletic gear and running company Asics opened its first Massachusetts location this year, unveiling a two-story spot for everything you need to get moving.
Find it at: 328 Newbury Street.
NIC+ZOE
Women’s clothier NIC+ZOE opened their first brick and mortar location in the country this year in Boston, bringing lush fabrics, comfy knitwear, dresses, pants and jackets to the city.
Find it at: The Shops at the Prudential Center.
Saturday
Kate Spade spinoff Saturday came to Boston this year, bringing a twist on the classic Kate Spade brand with clothing and accessories for the slightly younger set of women. For funky patterns and colors with the same Kate Spade style, head to Saturday.
Find it at: The Shops at the Prudential Center.
Neiman Marcus Last Call
If you’re a fan of Saks Off Fifth or Nordstrom Rack, you’ll love Neiman Marcus Last Call, which provides discount designer duds leftover from the Neiman Marcus racks. Perfect for scoring deals and steals.
Find it at: Legacy Place.
Assembly Row
Assembly Row unveiled its opening season this year, and with it, a slew of outlet stores and shops came to the new Assembly Square neighborhood in Somerville. Shoppers can find J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic outlets, among others, as well as Reebok and Adidas stores, a Saks Off Fifth and much more. Plus, there’s a T station out there, so you have no excuse not to shop.
Tiffany & Co.
You can now shop the iconic jewelry brand right on Newbury Street. The newest Tiffany & Co. store in the area just opened at the beginning of the month, right in time for the holidays. Who doesn’t leave receiving a pretty blue box on Christmas morning?
Image via Uniqlo
