Make it easy at these North Jersey local shops
Fears of supply chain woes causing long wait times for shipping could cause more people to seek an old-fashioned shopping experience in local downtowns this Black Friday.
“Given the choice between a mass-produced item or a local product, customers will increasingly buy local. American-made products will also see more sales in 2021,” said the Forbes article.
Denville, for example, will close its downtown for a “Holiday Shopping Open House on Ice” event from 5:30 to 9 p.m. It will include an outside holiday bar serving “hot toddies” and more.
“I’m calling it the Snowball Lounge,” Ellen Sandman, executive director of the Downtown Denville Business Improvement District, told the Daily Record. “There’ll be libations, and they’ll be S’mores and hot chocolate for the kids.”
Denville isn’t the only downtown where people can stock up on what’s popular this season: nostalgia, experiences and handmade items.
Here is a sampling of shops across North Jersey where shopping on Black Friday won’t involve crushing lines or empty shelves.
Bazaar Star Beadery, Ridgewood
A new age and bead shop that offers everything from meditation classes to metaphysical crystals, this 22-year-old business would fit the gift bill for stressed-out moms in need of relaxation, friends who enjoy making their own jewelry and anyone who needs to align chakras or vibrate through a sound healing journey. There are also classes on beading, and you can book parties, too.
Go: 216 E. Ridgewood Ave., No. 2; 201-444-5144, theenchantedheart.com.
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The Baseball Card Store, Midland Park
Baseball cards — collected by children (and adults) since the turn of the last century — are making a comeback, fueled by fans of nostalgia. This shop, open for 32 years, offers baseball, football and basketball cards, as well as binders and pages for organizing them.
Go: 45 Prospect St.; 201-445-9007, baseballcardstorenj.com.
Lark Street Music, Teaneck
This 40-year old instrument and antique guitar store is fully equipped with the instruments music lovers love. Select from among a wide variety of new, rare, and used guitars and other stringed instruments.
Go: 479 Cedar Lane; 201-287-1957, larkstreetmusic.com.
The Gem Mine, Westwood
Available are crystals, jewelry, fossils and gemstones. Owner Thea Day said, “it’s all about making your loved ones, feel loved.”
Go: 65 Westwood Ave, 201-722-8676, thegemminenj.shop.
Bergen County Camera, Westwood
A wide selection of Canon and Nixon camera, accessories, one-on-one training, and formal one-hour classes.
Go: 270 Westwood Ave, 201-664-4113, bergencountycamera.com.
Circus Dollhouse, Pompton Plains
Established in 1978, Circus’ owners say they have the largest selection of dollhouses, miniatures, furniture and accessories in New Jersey. Take a trip to the Victorian Era with the most popular dollhouse this shop has to offer, the Victorian.
Go: 445 Route 23 South, 973-839-7990, circusdollhouse.com.
Then and Now Consignment Shop, Hawthorne
Find a treasure among this shop’s collection of furniture, art, lighting, linen, pottery, glass, dinnerware and cookware, ephemera, vintage clothing, albums, books and jewelry. New items come in daily from more than 750 consignors, and the shop is popular with movie and set designers. (It’s closed on Small Business Saturday due to a roof repair.)
Go: 610 Lafayette Avenue Rear, 973-304-1052, thenandnowconsignment.com.
Pazzazed, Franklin Lakes and Ridgewood
This store offers made-in-the-USA gifts. Look for a variety of children’s clothing, wall decor, lamps, neon light decor, watches, robes, and handcrafted artisans from around the country.
Go: 826 Franklin Avenue, Franklin Lakes, 201-485-8022; 6 Wilsey Square, Ridgewood, 201-857-5004. pazzazed.com.
Targeteers Archery, Saddlebrook
Some people are choosing to give experiences rather than items for gifts this year. At Targeteers Archery, either option is available. There are a wide range of bows to choose among, plus, you can book a pro for an archery class.
Go: 101 Route 46 West, 201-843-7788, targeteersarchery.com.