Now more than ever, it is important to consumers to be conscious about their shopping habits and which brands and stores they purchase from. Since the pandemic struck the world and changed the supply chain industry as well as the accessibility of goods and services to the market, consumers have adjusted their previous spending habits and decisions, oftentimes to support their local communities. In Hoboken, there is a particularly strong sense of community. When lockdown measures hit small businesses the most, the people of tight-knit communities took it upon themselves to help save these businesses from permanent shutdowns. Shopping local and supporting small businesses is more important today than it has ever been before. Today, while we still navigate through an uncertain world post-lockdown with threats of new variants on the rise, it remains important to shop local and support small businesses. When it comes to the fashion industry, this is no different. Without support from local communities, many of these businesses may not have made it through the recent strenuous times. So which fashion small businesses in Hoboken should you focus your spending habits on instead of Shein, Forever 21, and Zara? Here, I have compiled a list of trendy small business boutiques in Hoboken for humanitarian fashionistas to check out.
First and foremost is a boutique with a very special COVID-19 story. Brooke + Bel, which is just over a year old in Hoboken, sits between Washington and Hudson Streets on Fourth Street. Brooke + Bel was set to open to the public on the exact same day that the COVID-19 lockdown measures went into effect. This series of unfortunate events for the small business owners forced their grand opening to be pushed to June of 2020. Amidst navigating these uncertain and difficult times, the owners remained fearless. Their shop brings a trendy and chic style to the Hoboken market that they particularly felt was missing before their emergence. With a strong knowledge of their inventory, the employees here are committed to giving each and every customer that walks through their doors a tailored shopping experience. Just steps from campus on the south end, this fashion boutique has all the perfect pieces you need in your closet this semester. The boutique carries a variety of brands from Love Shack Fancy to RE/DONE to WeWoreWhat. Be sure to check them out or visit their website!
Next up is a boutique just a short walk from campus as well, on Fifth and Washington Street known as aXd. This shop is a branch of another boutique in Hoboken known as Alba. Where Alba is more for a post-college, working individual, aXd is specifically geared towards young adults and college students. Their shop advertises that everything for sale is all under $100. This is atypical for a small business boutique, which is what makes it unique and stands out for college students shopping on a budget. While Alba has a total of four locations in the New Jersey area, aXd has one other location in addition to its Hoboken flagship store. Just from browsing around on their website, you can tell the difference of target audiences between their Alba brand and their aXd brand. In Hoboken, Alba is located on Seventh and Washington Street. Check these out and see which brand matches your style.
One other boutique in Hoboken that has more than just trendy clothing and chic accessories is Dune + Salt located at 1200 Hudson Street. They opened up just back in 2019 and faced a long closure due to the pandemic; however, the shop is back up and running and ready for business. This boutique’s mission is to keep the retail market alive and provide the community with locally sourced sustainable goods from brands that are giving back to the community. Dune + Salt offers minimalistic and beachy vibes. The owners have two other locations in addition to their Hoboken spot: one in Sea Girt, NJ and the other in Bay Head, NJ. They mention on their website that their brand is all about coastal vibes, ethically sourced sustainable goods that are mostly made in America, and their branch emphasizes brands that are giving back to the community. They have curated collections of both women’s and men’s pieces as well as a home line they title “Bungalow.” Beachy vibes for sure, but who can’t get behind a small business fashion boutique with such awareness for quality and customer satisfaction? This boutique should definitely be on your retail therapy list, check it out!
Finally, another perfectly chic and perfectly conscious boutique to browse through in Hoboken is MARGO, located on 11th and Washington Street. This trendy boho style boutique is hyper-focused on sustainability and giving artisans a chance to tell their stories through their pieces. MARGO sources their pieces from artisans all over the world and the best part, everything is handmade. The founders of this stylish boutique are committed to their mission of ethically and sustainably sourced goods. In addition to clothing, they sell accessories, home goods, and even beauty and self care products; check it out under their “Apothecary” section on their website. While they are like other traditional boutiques and have pricey options, it is important to remember as a consumer that seeking ethical and sustainable products can come at a higher price, but for many, it is a price worth paying. Be sure to stop in or schedule a private shopping experience, which you can learn more about on their website.
As we navigate through this new world we are living in, the fashion industry is changing along with it. As consumers, it is important for us to be conscious of which side of the change we are on. While yes, it may be easier and cheaper to spend $100+ on Shein for a handful of clothes that may last us a year or so, it is oftentimes more sustainable and ethical to use that money for one pair of really good shoes from a local designer at a small business boutique around the corner from our apartments. Those shoes will probably outlast everything from Shein, tenfold. Be conscious of where you shop, what you wear, and where you choose to spend your money. With a little bit of research you might realize the clothes you’re wearing don’t align with your views or standards of ethics. Now that you have this simple list of neighborhood boutiques and a little bit about their backgrounds, do with it what you will! Happy small business shopping!
Passion For Fashion is an Opinion culture column used to explore the world of personal style, fashion tips for students, and more.
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