No matter what American city you call home, you don't have to go far to find a piece of artisan retail store heaven in your own back yard. For example, we love this story from CBS News about the resurgence of local independent book stores.
But it's not just book stores that are thriving, and that's good news for our Indie Business Network members, especially those with retail stores. We could keep all the local happiness to ourselves, but knowing you'll want in on all the fun, we created this round up for you. From California to Rhode Island, here are 10 American artisan retail destination stores you need to visit.
(Please double check their websites before visiting, as address and hours of operation may change.)
AKI SKIN
Aki Salt Room is not only a retail store, but also a calming salt cave that promotes relaxation and wellness. Salt therapy, also known as “halotherapy,' uses micro particles of salt to promote better breathing, healthier skin, sounder sleep, and overall wellness. In addition to a peaceful halotherapy session, you can also purchase Aki's Himalayan salt lamps, and lotion, and scrub. Handmade soap can be custom-scented to match your favorite perfume or cologne.
Address: 2616 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505
BATH SNOB
There is so much unique goodness going on here. Scoopable wax melts, ice cream and doughnut bath bombs, wax desserts, rosehip lotion, and more.
Address: 3505 N. Main Street, Hope Mills, NC 28348
BGLH MARKET PLACE
Whipped shea, cocoa and mango butters, along with African black soap are lovingly made by veteran beauty blogger Leila Noelliste and her team. With fragrances like Lemon Cream, Lavender, Lemongrass, Vanilla Latte, and Orange Creamsicle, you cannot go wrong. Cannot choose? Get the unscented formula. And for the guys, try Sandalwood and Bergamot or Smoked Tobaccoo and Vanilla.
Address: 358 Kosciuszko St., Brooklyn NY 11221
GREEN BUBBLE GORGEOUS
Led by a former natural foods chef gone natural SOAP crazy, Green Bubble Gorgeous is your one-stop shop in Ohio for all things handmade bath. It's located on the Maumee River in the historical Canal village of Grand Rapids, and surrounded by restaurants, much shopping, parks, and a river walk. Of course, you need it all.
Address: 24195 Front Street, Grand Rapids, OH.
LAVENDER WIND
Check out 17 varieties of lavender, plus lots of products celebrating the world's most famous purple plant. The in-town shop is located in what used to be the dining room of a 1916 bungalow house. You can enjoy buying all kinds of lavender products, including baked cookies, lavender ice cream, lavender jams and baking mixes, sachets, pillows, soaps, and more.
There is a farm store and an in-town store. In the summertime, their farm welcomes you to pick your own lavender!
Farm store: 2530 Darst Rd., Coupeville, WA 98239
In-town store: 15 Coveland St., Coupeville, WA 98239
HONEY HOUSE
Honey House is a delicious place that smells just like, well, honey, and everything you buy is made with something honey-related. Sugar scrub, candles, lip balm … even honey infused candy. (You must get the lavender honey pop!) Owned by beekeeper artist Kara Brook, the products sold her have been featured in magazines nationwide. You must go, and you'll love everything.
Address: 10209 Grand Central Ave, Suite 118, Owings Mills, MD 21117
PROVIDENCE PERFUME
Sample and purchase artisan perfumes crafted by world class perfumer, Charna Ethier. Then come back and take some perfume classes from her. This 100% natural perfume company embraces the finest botanical ingredients from around the world. You simply cannot resist trying perfumes like Sweet Jasmine Brown, Summer Yuzu, Violet Beauregarde, and Orange Blossom Honey. If you don't need them, you certainly know someone who does.
13 South Angell St., Providence, RI 02906
SCRUBZ BODY
When you need a break from your ordinary day and need a place to nourish your soul as well as your skin, Scrubz is the place to go. Not only can you buy some great products to treat and pamper yourself, but you can also register for some amazing classes. Try out face yoga, reiki and meditation, or perhaps a bit of shamanic healing for people and pets. You can even rent their party room for fun times with your BFFs! Scrubz is closed Mondays.
Address: 245 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735
TANGLED ROOTS HERBAL
They are closed on Sunday and Monday.
Tangled Roots Herbal is an herbal and metaphysical retail store that carries a large variety of dried herbs and teas and metaphysical gifts and accessories. You can also take workshops and enjoy private healing sessions. Not ready to dive in so deeply? Start with a monthly women's or men's circle where you can meet some new people and get to know the vibe.
Address: 95 West Pearl Street Nashua NH 03063
YOUR BODY NEEDS
In a phrase, for over a decade, Your Body Needs is here to help you make your life better. In addition to purchasing some great self-care products, you can enjoy aromatherapy massage, Himalayan salt stone massage, pregnancy massage, facials and more. You can also get some individual essential oils, essential oil blends, roll on perfumes, and a new addition — topical CBD products!
Address: 49 Old Solomons Island Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401
Feedback and Share
Are you ready to go shopping? What store are you located closest to? Annapolis, Providence, Erie, Coupeville, Brooklyn? Do let us know where you are and drop a comment below as you share the good news with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
