You’ve no doubt driven down one of Nola’s shopping thoroughfares recently and noticed “for lease” signs in far too many windows. The crushing combination of COVID-19 and major e-commerce players like Amazon have dealt a heavy blow to our town’s beloved shops and small businesses. And then there are the mind-boggling street construction delays, hurricanes…you name it. At any moment, we may once again be threatened with climbing COVID-19 hospitalizations, additional mask mandates and another possible shut down. Now, more than ever, it’s time to support our small businesses and to make shopping local a priority.
Small support = Big results
In addition to facing seemingly insurmountable odds, high rent and problems with landlords have also caused major headaches for local businesses struggling to stay on top this past year. Many have adjusted their model and switched to a strictly online platform. Others have scaled down and are sharing retail space or hitting the road for more pop-ups than ever before.
“It is tempting to assume as we walk down a busy neighborhood street lined with shops and restaurants that business owners are getting their legs back beneath them. But measure for measure as compared to 2019 sales reporting, revenue reported at the parish level shows that the numbers for restaurants and retailers are down 30-50 percent through May of 2021. This also means that the services provided to those businesses by accountants, paper good suppliers, you name it, are not back at 100 percent,” says Maryann Miller with StayLocal, an independent business alliance and initiative of The Urban Conservancy.
Miller points out, the fact that so many of our businesses have fully reopened after the last year plus is a good indication of how strongly New Orleanians support local businesses and local brands, but the second half of 2021 is critical. Consumers who shift just 10 percent of all their purchasing power in the coming months from retail giants like Amazon to independently operated, locally owned businesses can bring the equivalent of $60 million annually into the local economy by strengthening the tax base.
Beyond Amazon
There are countless reasons to take your business directly to a local shop rather than placing those dollars outside of the region. Sure, Amazon comes with its perks, convenience hitting number one on most folks' list. But studies show that when consumers look to the difficult-to-police mega supplier, a growing number of products are turning out not to be what they claim. The rise of counterfeit goods and fake products goes unnoticed by many shoppers but is extensive to be sure.
The majority of items sold on Amazon aren’t actually sold by Amazon, but third-party sellers. A major recent Wall Street Journal investigation revealed that “Amazon has listed thousands of banned, unsafe or mislabeled products.” Birkenstock and Nike have announced that they will no longer sell through Amazon due to the inability to monitor knockoffs and the company’s unwillingness to help fight the issue. Buyer beware is an understatement.
A 2020 report from The Department of Homeland Security states, “Where in the past, consumers could identify products by relying on ‘red flag’ indicatorsﾑsuch as a suspicious location of the seller, poor quality packaging, or discount pricingﾑconsumers are now regularly exposed to counterfeit products in settings and under conditions where the articles appear genuine. While the risks of receiving a counterfeit may have been obvious to a consumer purchasing items on street corners, with the rise of online platforms, it is not so obvious anymore.”
If convenience is a leading factor in your purchase decision making process, know that most of your favorite local shops have beefed up their online presence, particularly post-COVID. Many will deliver, or pack up your purchase, and have it ready for a quick pick-up. All you have to do is ask.
Civic Economics was retained by The Urban Conservancy to expand upon research evaluating the comparative economic impact of local businesses and their chain competitors. Prior studies have confirmed that, to varying degrees, locally owned businesses generate as much as two- to three-times the local economic activity as do chains. This study set out to take a new approach, comparing the local recirculation of dollars by Magazine Street merchants with that of a large general merchandise store.
The average supercenter format occupies 179,000 square feet and achieves sales of $282.51 per square foot, yielding total store revenue of approximately $50 million. Participating local businesses reported total sales per square foot of $587 per square foot. Therefore, 179,000 square feet would generate an estimated $105 million in annual sales revenue across as many as 100 individual stores.
Total recirculation of revenues for the hypothetical superstore was 16 percent and total recirculation of revenues for Magazine Street businesses was 32.1 percent. Locally owned participating businesses return dollars to the New Orleans economy at approximately twice that rate. Magazine Street’s retailers provide a strong example of small businesses supporting the local economy in a big way.
Super suppliers like Amazon don’t just take revenue out of our community. Amazon’s business model creates a fundamental conflict of interest. For small businesses, Amazon is both a gatekeeper that the business must rely on to reach online shoppers, and at the same time an aggressive competitor selling its own goods and services to those same shoppers. Congress is considering breaking up Amazon’s monopoly as we speak. Without enforcement, the concern is that Amazon will continue to use its gatekeeper power to leapfrog competition and dominate new industries without having to work for it. Amazon is considered by many to be the worst example of a concentration of market power in 100 years.
Think Big, Shop Small
Here’s our list of familiar reader favorites, as well as exciting new shops and spots to be sure to add to your discovery list (if they aren’t already on it). While many of these shops cross over into several offering categories and carry a wide variety of items, we’ve listed them under these groupings for ease of identification.
GET YOUR BLING ON: Fifi Mahony’s · 934 Royal St.
· Fifisbywater.square.site
Get Your Bling On
In recent years, a number of fabulous creatives have built businesses on the art of celebration. There is no such thing as less is more with this bunch. Look to these local artists and shops for everything you could possibly need for fests, Mardi Gras, or as it goes here in NOLA, just your average Monday night.
Ellen Macomber
Ellenmacomber.com
Fringe + Co.
Fringe-co.com
Nola Craft Culture
127 N. Solomon St.
Nolacraftculture.com
Accessories
From gorgeous Italian leather handbags with silk linings in prints by local artists, to stylish shades and chic toppers, a NOLA small business has the accessory you need.
Bene Handbags
Benehandbags.com
Krewe
809 Royal St.
1818 Magazine St.
Krewe.com
Nola Couture
3308 Magazine St.
Nolacouture.com
Meyer The Hatter
120 St. Charles Ave.
Meyerthehatter.com
Tchoup Industries
1115 St. Mary Ave.
Tchoupindustries.com
WOMEN'S FASHION: MONOMIN · 2104 Magazine St
· Monomin.com
WOMEN'S FASHION: Pilot & Powell · 3901 Magazine St.
· Pilotandpowell.com
Women’s Clothing
There’s no shortage of fabulous women’s fashion options here in town. From funky and edgy pieces to more minimalist and streamlined staples, this list will cover everything your closet craves.
Angelique Boutique
7725 Maple St.
Shopangeliqueboutique.com
Azby’s Boutique
5531 Magazine St.
Azbys.com
bALLIN’s Ltd.
721 Dante St.
Ballinsltd.com
ByGeorge
1507 Magazine St.
Saintvincentnola.com
Em’s Boutique
246 Metairie Road
FREDA
600 Carondelet St.
Shop-freda.com
Gae-Tana’s
7732 Maple St.
PEONY
2240 Magazine St.
Peonynola.com
Pied Nu
5521 Magazine St.
Piednunola.com
Polite Society
Politesocietynola.com
Muse Inspired Fashion
2044 Magazine St.
Museinspiredfashion.com
Saint Claude Social Club
1933 Sophie Wright Place
Saintclaudesocialclub.com
SOSUSU Boutique
3427 Magazine St.
Sosusuboutique.com
Victoria
5420 Magazine St.
Weinstein’s
4011 Magazine St.
Weinsteinsinc.com
West London Boutique
3952 Magazine St.
Westlondonboutique.com
MEN'S FASHION: Luca Falcone · 2049 Magazine St.
· Lfsuits.com
Men’s Fashion
From streamlined, custom-tailored suits to seersucker bow ties and white linen shirts, local shops have all the duds the dapper gent could possibly need. And, if you’re in the market for a trucker cap, surf shorts, band tee or vans, we got dat too.
Billy Reid
3927 Magazine St.
Billyreid.com
FAM Nola
305 Decatur St., Ste. 101
FRIEND
600 Carondelet St.
Friendneworleans.com
George Bass
201 St. Charles Ave., Ste. 103
Georgebass.com
Pelican Coast
5509 Magazine St.
Pelicancoastclothing.com
Perlis
6070 Magazine St.
600 Decatur St., Ste. 104
Perlis.com
Rubenstein's
102 St. Charles Ave.
Rubensteinsneworleans.com
Vegas
1924 Magazine St.
Consignment
You may be looking for your date-night outfit or to get rid of those bulky old brass fireplace tools. Remember, one person’s trash is another’s treasure at these chests full of delightful finds. Often, you’ll score major designer duds that have never been worn.
Consign Consign
1160 Magazine St.
Magpie
4529 Magazine St.
Renaissance Interiors
2727 Edenborn Ave.
Yourrenaissance.com
Swap Boutique
7716 Maple St.
5530 Magazine St.
The Encore Shop
7814 Maple St.
Encoreshopnola.com
Local Furniture Makers
There are a handful of exceptionally talented custom furniture makers in town. Both Doorman Designs and GoodWood are creating inspiring and fresh pieces that can be seen around town. The major bonus? They do so sustainably.
Doorman Designs
Doormandesigns.com
GoodWood Nola
Goodwoodnola.com
For Your Furry Friends
In NOLA, we love our pets so much we throw actual parades dedicated our cuddly little friends. So, it only makes sense that we have exceptional shops that carry everything necessary to make life swell for these furry companions.
Jefferson Feed
4421 Jefferson Highway
Jeffersonfeed.com
Petcetera
3205 Magazine St.
Petceteranola.com
Southern Paws
633 Toulouse St.
Shopsouthernpaws.com
Workout/Fitness Gear
Whether you need new kicks for your run or outdoor gear to beat the elements, you’ll find the latest and greatest for working up a sweat right here at home.
Basics Underneath Swim & Gym
5513 Magazine St.
Basicsunderneath.com
Body Shoppe
4537 Freret St.
Bodyshoppenola.com
Louisiana Running + Walking Company
4153 Canal St.
Louisianarunning.com
Massey’s Outfitters
509 N. Carrolton Ave.
Masseysoutfitters.com
Tasc Performance
3913 Magazine St.
Tascperformance.com
Varsity Sports
3450 Magazine St.
Varsityrunning.com
FOR THE HOME: Sunday Shop · 2025 Magazine St. · Sundayshop.co
For The Home
It’s been the year of staying in place and rethinking our space. Many of our local d残or shops are owned by designers and staffed with experts who find the best of the best, whether it’s for your own home or a gift.
Eclectic Home
8211 Oak St.
Eclectichome.net
Elysian by Em
3701 Magazine St.
Elysianbyem.com
Hazelnut
5525 Magazine St.
Hazelnutneworleans.com
Hilltop Shoppe
3714 Magazine St.
Hilltopshoppe.com
Home Malone
629 N. Carrolton Ave.
4610 Magazine St.
Homemalonenola.com
Judy at The Rink
2727 Prytania St., Ste. 11
Judyattherink.com
Katie Koch
3905 Magazine St.
Katiekochhome.com
Leontine Linens
3806 Magazine St., Ste. 3
Leontinelinens.com
Maisonette
2727 Prytania St., Ste.13
Maisonetteshop.com
Malachite
3806 Magazine St.
Malachitehome.com
Nadine Blake
1036 Royal St.
Nadineblake.com
Perch
2844 Magazine St.
Perch-home.com
Phina
3717 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
2561 Metairie Rd.
425 Harrison Ave.
Phinashop.com
Sotre
3933 Magazine St.
Sotrecollection.com
Sud
4021 Magazine St.
Sudneworleans.com
The Collective Shop
3512 Magazine St.
Statementgoods.com
Ware & Co.
3806 Magazine St.
Waremporter.com
The Sustainability Factor
Shopping local also reduces your environmental impact. Local businesses use local resources sustainably and employ local workers at decent wages, becoming more self-sufficient and less dependent upon importers. Local businesses often purchase from other local businesses and service providers, helping to grow the local tax base.
Just look to local companies like design and build firm GoodWood, who is on track to become a zero-waste facility by 2025. GoodWood works with several community organizations on different initiatives ﾐ S.O.U.L. to plant trees throughout New Orleans offsetting lumber use, a mentorship program with Son of A Saint and an internship program with LA Green Corp., providing career building opportunities for the community.
Studies show that local business owners donate more to local charities (from small to larger scale) and are more likely to get involved with fundraisers. When you shop local you are also doing your part to support non-profits and important causes.
And there’s the recently reopened Zasu, chef Sue Zemanick’s flagship Mid-City restaurant. Zemanick worked with GoodWood on the interiors, talented local artist Mallory Page on stunning new installations and sources fresh ingredients from top-notch local growers and providers. The ways our local small businesses support one another are endless and will inevitably circle back to you and your pocket.
Gifts
There’s always something to celebrate in NOLA and we give and receive gifts aplenty. These festive local shops offer everything from chic hostess gifts to hilarious gags for the prankster turning 50.
Auraluz
4408 Shores Drive
Shopauraluz.com
Chateau Drugs & Gifts
3544 W. Esplanade Ave. S.
Chateaudrugsrx.com
Little Miss Muffin
766 Harrison Ave.
Shoplittlemissmuffin.com
Nola Boards
519 Wilkinson St. Ste. 105
Nolaboards.com
Stoney Clover Lane
3938 Magazine St.
Stoneycloverlane.com
The GOOD Shop
1114 Josephine St.
Thegoodshopnola.com
Stationers
Here in town there’s always a celebration or something exciting to announce, and we do it in top-notch, elegant, one-of-a-kind style. Look to these talented local stationers for your paper announcement needs.
Alexa Pulitzer
Alexapulitzer.com
Betty Hunley Designs
6057 Magazine St.
Bettyhunley.com
Gem Printing
1904 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Gemprinting.com
Lionheart Prints
3312 Magazine St.
Lionheartprints.com
Scriptura
5423 Magazine St.
Scriptura.com
Walking Man Studios
Walkingmanstudios.com
Museum Stores
Museum shops are often forgotten but are an excellent source for unique gifts. Curators and other staff help stock the unique collections that can be found at these local spots.
JAMNOLA
2832 Royal St.
Jamnola.com
Sazerac House Museum
101 Magazine St.
Sazerachouse.com
The Ogden Museum
925 Camp St.
Ogdenmuseum.org
The National WWII Museum
945 Camp St.
Nationalww2museum.org
The Historic New Orleans Collection
520 Royal St.
Hnoc.org
Southern Food and Beverage Museum
1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
Southernfood.org
FLEURS/PLANTS: Perino’s · 3100 Veterans Blvd.
· Perinos.com
Fleurs/Plants
From large-scale outdoor landscaping supplies to gorgeous, meticulously arranged blooms for a loved one or gathering, these local shops have it all.
Antiqua Floral
Antiguafloral.com
Bantings
3425 River Road
Bantingsnursery.com
Dunn & Sonnier
3433 Magazine St.
Dunnandsonnier.com
Harold’s
1135 Press St.
Haroldsplants.com
Fabulous Flowers
2020 Chestnut St.
Fabulousflowers.us
The Flower Shop
2036 Magazine St.
Nolaflowershop.com
The Plant Gallery
9401 Airline Highway
Theplantgallery.com
FOR KIDS: Magic Box Toys · 5508 Magazine St.
· Magicboxnola.com
For Kids
NOLA kids are a discerning bunch. Lucky for the adults, we have a host of fun boutiques filled to the brim with a well-curated selection of clothing, toys, costumes and gifts.
Juju’s Kids Boutique
5519 Magazine St.
Jujuskidsboutique.com
Little Pnuts
400 Harrison Ave.
Littlepnutstoyshoppe.com
Mignon
5414 Magazine St.
Mignonnola.com
Nola Kids
333 Chartres St.
Shopnolakids.com
Pippen Lane
2930 Magazine St.
Pippenlane.com
Customer Service
Small business owners work hard to hire employees with expertise in a specific area because their staff is a very direct representation of their brand. When you visit a local store, you’re going to get reliable advice, from a real human being, on which product is a best fit, tailored to your need.
Looking Forward
“The coming months are critical ones to retain our independent businesses, those who didn’t survive with franchise support from corporation headquarters out of state, or those which were told they were too small for, too late for, or were otherwise unable to receive the financial incentives provided by government agencies,” continued Miller.
The good news is that New Orleanians are stoically loyal, and our plethora of creative, exceptional and world-renowned small businesses offer just about everything you could possibly need right here at home. So next time you’re tempted to hop online and click for convenience, remember, you really don’t have to dig deep to find something amazing right around the corner.
Jewelry
New Orleanians don’t need a special occasion to dress up, and of course appreciate the sparkly, finer things in life. Our talented local jewelers carry a host of stunning and unique options, both antique and new.
Adler’s
722 Canal St.
Adlersjewelry.com
Aucoin Hart
1525 Metairie rd.
Aucoinhart.com
Blainey Kern
Blaineysworld.com
Boudreaux’s
701 Metairie Rd.
Boudreauxsjewelers.com
Crowe Jewelry
3530 Magazine St.
Crowejewelry.com
Depetra
Depetra.com
Friend & Company
7713 Maple St.
Friendandcompany.com
GoGo Jewelry
825 Ninth St.
Ilovegogojewelry.com
HGM Fine Jewelry
3617 Magazine St.
Hgmjewelry.com
Marion Cage
3807 Magazine St.
Marioncage.com
Mignon Faget
3301 Veterans Blvd.
3801 Magazine St.
Mignonfaget.com
Porter Lyons
631 Toulouse St.
Porterlyons.com
Valobra
333 Royal St.
Valobra.net
Wellington & Co.
505 Royal St.
WELLNESS/BEAUTY: Blue Mercury · 5601 Magazine St.
· Bluemercury.com
Wellness/Beauty
Although we love a good fiesta here in NOLA, we also appreciate the growing list of options for taking good care of our fun-loving selves. From holistic, clean-beauty options, to pampering spa services and beauty supplies, this list has you covered.
Earthsavers
3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
5501 Magazine St.
Earthsaversonline.com
Everybody Wellness
2901 Ridgelake Drive
Everybodywellnessnola.com
Poppy & Ivy Face Bar
5715 Magazine St.
Poppyandivy.com
Ritual Body Studio
Ritualbodystudio.com
The Spa at Windsor Court
300 Gravier St.
Windsorcourthotel.com
Vibrant Market
3811 Magazine St.
Thevibrantmarket.com
The Woodhouse Day Spa
4030 Canal St.
Neworleans.woodhousespas.com
ANTIQUES/VINTAGE: Tara Shaw · 5833 Magazine St.
· Tarashaw.com
Antiques/Vintage
Our town has a rich history and perusing local antique shops is an immediate trip to another era. The beauty of combining pieces that stand the test of time with fresh modern finds is organically NOLA at its finest.
As You Like it Silver Shop
3033 Magazine St.
Asyoulikeitsilvershop.com
Balzac Antiques
3506 Magazine St.
Balzacantiques.com
Crescent City Auction Gallery
1330 St. Charles Ave.
Crescentcityauctiongallery.com
Decorations Lucullus
915 Kentucky St.
Decorationslucullus.com
Dop Antiques
300 Jefferson Highway
Dopantiques.com
Karla Katz Antiques
4017 Magazine St.
Karlakatz.com
Mac Maison
3963 Magazine St.
Macmaisonantiques-neworleans.com
Maison de Provence
3434 Magazine St.
Maisondeprovence.com
Merchant House
1150 Magazine St.
Merchanthouse.com
M.S. Rau
622 Royal St.
Rauantiques.com
Neal Auction Company
4038 Magazine St.
Nealauction.com
Patricia Thompson Antiques
3522 Magazine St.
Ricca’s Architectural Sales
511 N. Solomon St.
Riccasarchitectural.com
Wirthmore Antiques
3727 Magazine St.
Wirthmoreantiques.com
Vintage Clothing
NOLA is a vintage clothing mecca. We love to dress up and so did our predecessors. Peruse these fabulous local vintage shops for a truly unique and show-stopping number.
Blue Dream
2121 Chartres St.
Bluedreamneworleans.com
Century Girl
2023 Magazine St.
Centurygirlvintage.com
Funky Monkey
3127 Magazine St.
Funkymonkeynola.com
Miss Claudia’s Vintage
4204 Magazine St.
YEP Thrift Works
1626 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
Best Spots for Nola Tees
You know the feeling. It’s game day and you need a cute new tee. Fret not, the list below has you covered from hilarious takes on local headaches to your favorite team gear.
Dirty Coast
713 Royal St.
5631 Magazine St.
1320 Magazine St.
Dirtycoast.com
DNO
1101 First St.
Dno.la
Fleurty Girl
3313 Severn Ave.
923 Metairie Road
3137 Magazine St.
Fleurtygirl.net
Jean Therapy
3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
5505 Magazine St.
Jeantherapy.com
Road Trippin’
With so many fantastic neighbors, a day (or long-weekend) getaway to one of these charming spots should be on your calendar. If you do find yourself in one of these locales, be sure to check out these great shops, recommended by area residents.
Baton Rouge
Aria
7620 Corporate Blvd.
Ariaonline.com
Circa 1857
1857 Government St.
Themarketbr.com
Royal Standard
2877 Perkins Road
Bay St. Louis
Century Hall
112 S. Second St.
Shopsofcenturyhall.com
Social Chair
201 Main St.
Socialchairbsl.com
The French Potager
213 Main St.
Thefrenchpotager.com
Covington
Copper Rooster
222 Lee Lane
Copperroosterantiques.com
Cottage Antiques
205 Lee Lane
Cottageantiquesla.com
The Jefferson House
619 S. Jefferson Ave.
Jeffersonhousegifts.com
Hammond
Bayou Booksellers
201 W. Thomas St., Ste. A
Bayou-booksellers.myshopify.com
Ruby
100 N. Cate St.
Shopruby.net
Susan’s General Store
220 N. Cate St.
Luling
The Basketry
12337 U.S.-90
Thebasketry.com
Slidell
Konnie’s Gift Depot
859 Brownswitch Rd.
Refueling
Pounding the pavement supporting your local shops can certainly work up a thirst and appetite. Have no fear, from Lakeview to the Marigny to Vets Blvd., here are suggestions for great spots to pop into to refuel and quench.
Junior’s
789 Harrison Ave.
Juniorsonharrison.com
La Petite Grocery
4238 Magazine St.
Lapetitegrocery.com
Sylvain
625 Chartres St.
Sylvainnola.com
The Daily Beet
1000 Girod St.
3300 Magazine St.
Thedailybeetnola.com
The Franklin
2600 Dauphine St.
Thefranklinnola.com
Yakuza House
1325 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. A
Yakuzahouse.com
Zasu
127 N. Carrolton Ave.
Zasunola.com
Zocalo
2051 Metairie Road
Zocalo-nola.com
WHERE TO FIND YOUR GRINDS: Cherry Coffee · 4875 Laurel St.
· Cherrycoffeeroasters.com
Where to Find Your Grinds
Perhaps you’re a gig worker and the coffee house is your office, or you’re just grabbing a quick cup on your trip to work. Either way, this list of cozy, delicious spots will deliver your caffeine fix.
Congregation Coffee Roasters
240 Pelican Ave.
Congregationcoffee.com
French Truck
Multiple locations
Frenchtruckcoffee.com
HEY! Café & Coffee Roastery
2606 St. Louis St.
Heycoffeeco.com
Hivolt Coffee
1829 Sophie Wright Place
Hivoltcoffee.com
Lamara Coffee + Kitchen
1300 N. Broad St.
Lamaracoffeeandkitchen.com
Mojo Coffee House
1500 Magazine St.
4700 Freret St.
3983 Tchoupitoulas St.
Mojocoffeehouse.com
PJ’s
Multiple locations
Pjscoffee.com
Revelator Coffee Company
637 Tchoupitoulas St.
Revelatorcoffee.com
Treme Coffeehouse
1501 St. Phillip St.
Thetremecoffeehouse.com
