We get it, Target was the one big box store you didn’t have to ignore. Now, in light of diversity, equity, and inclusion changes, it isn’t so easy for us to look the other way. Luckily for us, we have a vibrant city that is filled with small businesses! Here are 10 common categories that were on our Target shopping lists that we are committed to shifting back into our community!
Photos L to R | Instagram @mainlineshift, @goodbuysupply.co, @rays_reusables, @momsorganicmarket
1. Green Cleaning Supplies
The search for products that clean and are non-toxic is real. Look to Ray’s Reusables in Northern Liberties, Good Buy on Passyunk, or SHIFT in Narberth to fill the void. They all have refillable options (BYOJar) as well as sustainable pre-packaged solutions.
2. Quick Groceries
Our Director of Strategy and Development loves her some Mom’s Organic Market. It’s her go-to for veggies and pantry staples. The easy one-direction shopping layout means you won’t forget an item you stopped in for. Free garage parking makes it a quick in and out, too! Our tried and trusty Riverwards has saved us many a dinner. With two locations, one in Fishtown and the other in Old City you can have easy groceries to fresh produce, all the must needed items and more.
Photos L to R | Instagram @anotherchance_fishtown, @shopgreenestreet, @madeandmakervintage @urbanexchangeproject
3. Outfit of the Day
Who knew we’d miss buying clothing at a big box store? But we do. Where do you go to replace that need? Fortunately, Philly has some AMAZING thrift and vintage shops that will do the trick! In the Fishtown area, check out Made and Maker for occasion lewks, Urban Exchange has solid finds that are often under 5 bucks, Circle Thrift for everyday items, and PHG agent Rachel Shaw just scored a dress and two tops for $25 at Another Chance. VIP client Kate Otte recommends giving Once Worn in Northern Liberties a spin. You can often find Anthro cast-offs and other top brand names for a fraction of the cost. We’ve also had tremendous success at Green Street locations. They have one on South Street and one right next to the South Philly Target in Snyder Plaza (so you can REALLY show them!).
Photo grid | Instragram @kithkinphilly and @unlesskids, @minnowlane, @nestinghouse
4. Baby Registry and Kids’ Things
The baby registry at Target was so simple. Guess what? You can set up a registry with The Nesting House located in Mt Airy just as easily! You can combine both new and gently used items for a simple, sustainable, circular approach to bringing up baby. Already have one that's running around? They have a well-stocked consignment store and new items to purchase. We’re talking clothing to strollers.
Another front-runner for consignment (and new!) is Minnow Lane in Fishtown. Being a small store, they have limited space, so they have the creme de la creme on consignment. Both The Nesting House and Minnow Lane provide one thing that Target never could- a real, live supportive community! Their list of education, events, and resources is long.
If you’re looking for toys, try Unless Kids! It works like a rotating toybox. You create a toy box for your child and fill it up with generously discounted toys. They have new, gently used, to well loved. All appropriately discounted based on wear and tear. When your little one is done playing with them, you send them back and select new toys at their latest level.
Photo grid | Instragram @hamandbone, @monsterpetssouthphilly, doggiestylepets, @petssupplyplus
5. Pet Supplies
Your fur babies need all the things, food, litter, toys, and whatnot. Skip the other big box stores when you can and keep it to a local chain. In Fishtown, you can pop into Pet Supplies Plus easily with plenty of parking and all the supplies you need to keep your pet happy. They also have an excellent members club, which taps into a number of generous coupons. For our South Philly crowd look to Monster Pets (also easy parking!). They have a large offering of everything for dogs, cats, fish, small animals, and even reptiles. Both Ham and Bone (Fishtown and Northern Liberties) and Doggie Style Pets (10 locations across Philly and the burbs) provide a smaller but top-notch selection for dogs and cats.
Photos L to R | Instagram @3rdstreethardware, @cohenandco | PHG photo archives,
6. Yard and Home Supplies
When you needed a new hose it was easy to swing by the seasonal department and have your pick. The lightbulb blew, and you could find the replacement easily. You know where you can have just as pleasant an experience? Your local ACE Hardware store! There are a number around the city, and honestly, you are transported back to a time when customer service was attentive. When our Marketing Manager (who doesn’t use Amazon) needed a reusable coffee filter, she was stumped on where to find one. Sure enough, there it was gleaming on the shelf of the Old City Ace Hardware. They have it all, hardware, housewares, and even gifty items, all with a helpful smile! Kilian Hardware on Germantown Ave is the oldest Hardware store in Philly! You’ll find it all from paint to tools to the cleaning supplies you need to clean it all up. Independent and family-owned Cohen & Co Hardware in Queen Village and Henry’s Hardware just off Passyunk are also neighborhood cornerstones for residents.
Photos L to R | Instagram @sabaticalbeauty, @theindieshelfphilly, @durossandlangel @notetoselfwellnes
7. Natural Beauty
This could be an entire blog on its own. Philly has some offerings in this department! Take a look at Indie Shelf, which promotes small beauty brands that may be otherwise overlooked; only the best make the curated cut. Our Director of Special Projects recommends Note to Self, a full spa that also offers “Botanical-based, clean, research-driven and safe cosmetics”. You can also book a consultation so you actually know how to use the products. Sabbatical Beauty in Bok building is Korean-inspired and made by hand. Another made right here in Philly and our client is Duross & Langel. Look to them for incredible hair and skin care, among the hundreds of other products you're going to want to walk out with. Penn Herb Company and Mom’s Organic Market both have excellent beauty sections that would make PETA proud.
Photos L to R | Instagram @fishtownpharmacy, @pennherb | google bertolino's pharmacy
8. Pharmacy items
Linking to the category above, Mom’s and Penn Herb Company have a healthy array of vitamins and holistic medicine options. Fishtown Pharmacy is a small local pharmacy that consistently wins “Best of Philly”. They remember your name when you pop in to pick up your prescription and offer a selection of over-the-counter items you’d find in your medicine cabinet. Washington Square Pharmacy is on the ground level of Independence Place. The shelves are stocked with all your traditional pharmacy faves, from lotions to toothpaste. They provide delivery as well, with customer service that goes above and beyond. PHG agent Allison Fegel recommends Bertolino’s Pharmacy, just off Passyunk Square. They, too, have the traditional pharmacy goodies as well as a greeting card selection, which comes in handy!
Photos L to R | Instagram @freehand.supply, @modesttransitions, @theresourceexchange
9. Arts and Crafts
The newly opened Freehand Art Supply in Fishtown will be your stop for fine art supplies as well as finger paints (remember those!). Next door is a yarn store, Modest Transitions, where you can stock up not only on yarn but also your own dying supplies! Artist & Craftsman on Market St in Old City and on Germantown Ave in Chestnut Hill is a staple on the craft lovers’ list. Zembo may look like a skate shop (it is!) but it also sells art supplies. Not only do they have fine art supplies they also sell accessories like respirators, safety glasses, cutting mats etc. Don’t overlook The Resource Exchange, which is a true treasure trove of craft-loving supplies- often filled with objects from film sets, excess fabrics and yarn, tiles that make great mosaics, and all the odds and ends you can imagine. We’re also dtagging that one for when you want a little retail therapy- you want to browse without knowing what it is you need.
10. A lil’ somethin’
Sometimes you just need a treat for yourself, a hostess gift for a friend, or a last-minute birthday grab. We have a great list of shops to frequent for gifts in our Holiday Gift Guide that are perfect to frequent all year long. The best gift of all is that you are spending money right in your own community, which feels like a win.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. When you look closely, especially in this particular city where small businesses make our communities, you can find everything right in your (or a nearby) backyard. We have a blog that highlights even more local shops that make your daily errands easier. So cheers to you who have the strength to commit to where your hard-earned bucks go! We can do this together.
