Montclair, known for its top restaurants and arts scene, has become a shopping destination that has attracted lots of high-end retailers of national chains like Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Athleta, Talbots and more. In keeping with its small-town meets big-city charm, there are lots of high-end boutiques and independent shops that sell everything from locally made soaps to jewelry and artwork.
When you are on the hunt for unique finds, here are five eclectic shops to explore.
Houss Freya Apothecary
Named for the Norse goddess of love and war, Houss Freya is part gathering place for all things ethereal, mystical and badass, and part retail shop. Housed fittingly in a 1896 Gothic-style building, you’ll find candles, oils, bath and shower products, sprays and incense.
Houss Freya’s soy Abundance candle is infused with bayberry root, ginger, orange peel and mint. Photo: Courtesy of Houss Freya
Product offerings include Houss Freya’s brand, as well as goods consigned by local makers. The space also has a host of practitioners, who give readings from tarot cards to mediumship and more. There’s also a full roster of classes, workshops and other activities on their calendar.
205 Glenridge Avenue
Jafajems
There is always something new at this globally inspired shop that has had a home in Montclair for more than 20 years. The store is a collection of handmade gifts, clothing, home decor and jewelry from all over the world— cool finds from as many as 45 countries, places such as France, Africa, Turkey and India.
Colorful silk and cotton scarves, and a lively rainbow of handbags are on offer at Jafajems. Photo: Courtesy of Jafajems
Rich color abounds on items like silk scarves, paper goods from napkins to paper plates (almost too pretty to use and throw away!), tote bags and fancy poufs. Local makers are represented, too, with origami ornaments, handmade jewelry and town-pride items that give a shout to Montclair.
622 Valley Road
Montclair Antique Center
Beware: this place is an afternoon stealer. Tucked in to a storefront on tony Church Street, this multi-vendor antique emporium is deceptively large. You can stay busy for hours sleuthing through 1950s costume jewelry, art deco cocktail glasses, furniture, dishes, pottery, and curiosities of all kinds. Along with an array of vintage finds—Star Trek glasses, anyone?—there are lots of true antiques that date from the 19th and 20th centuries and even earlier, including fine jewelry and artwork. Come ready to buy—many items are one of a kind.
34 Church Street
The Eclectic Chic Boutique
This collective of more than 30 artists is largely local, small-business makers, who create hand-pour candles, watercolor paintings, crocheted dolls and other toys, jewelry and clothing. In addition to the shopping experience, guests can partake in craft workshops to learn to knit or sew, specialty art classes like Japanese watercolor painting, donut decorating and lots of other hands-on fun online or in person.
A Chanel-inspired soap and bath bomb by handmade by Terri Spruill of Honeycat Cosmetics is among the wares at Eclectic Chic boutique in Montclair. Photo: Sterling Brown
There’s also space that can be rented for private craft events or parties. As well, the collective offers support for its vendor community with mentorship opportunities to help build their businesses.
547 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair Art Museum
Creativity is the name of the game at the Montclair Art Museum gift shop. Along with books about art and artists, you’ll find catalogs from current and past exhibits, as well as the museum’s permanent collections. This well-curated outlet of the museum offers educational toys for the little ones, as well as items to spur their imaginations. Handmade items like scarves and jewelry, share space with greeting cards, miniature sculptures, pottery and handbags. From museum mementos, like MAM T-shirts to colorful, ceramic balloon-animal banks, the shop captures the energy and artistry of the galleries. The gift shop is open during gallery hours.
3 South Mountain Avenue
