Our Favorite Local Shops in Astoria and 3 Reasons to Shop Local

by : Diana Limongi 3 years ago

Every year we hear about the importance of shopping local— and it hasn’t been as important as this year! Here are three reasons to shop local and some of our favorite shops in Astoria.

You are supporting real families in YOUR community.

When we shop local, we are supporting our neighbors, our kids’ classmates, and that has ripple effects in our communities.

The dollars you spend at a local shop can help other shops in your area as the money often circulates in the same community.

You are supporting the local economy.

We’ve seen too many empty storefronts and too many mom and pop shops close their doors, often to be replaced by big box stores and chains. It’s sad, really. Small businesses add character and offer unique experiences and finds.

Shopping local is good for the environment.

Sure online shopping can be “easy” (shopping from the comfort of my bed? You don’t have to tell me twice) but the truth is… those Amazon vans certainly aren’t running on clean fuel and add to traffic. When we shop local, walk to our favorite stores, and use mass transit, instead of driving to a far away mall, we are helping our environment.

The good news is, if you really don’t want to spend a lot of time “window” shopping or looking for the perfect gift, you can see if your favorite local shops offer online shopping and then all you have to do is pick up your items.

Without further ado, here are some special shops in Astoria that we recommend supporting this holiday season (and always!)

Astoria Book Shop – www.astoriabookshop.com

Astoria Book Shop has a great selection of books for people of all ages— there are also cards, small toys, puzzles, tarot decks, and MORE!

If you’re looking for a book they don’t carry, they can order it for you!

Also, you can purchase gift cards!

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Anoria Boutique – anoriaboutique.com

This boutique is on 24th Avenue (near the Bohemian Beer Garden) and every time I run by there I’m mesmerized by the items in the window display. They curate unique items from artisans from all over the world.

28-03 24th Avenue

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Brass Owl – www.thebrassowl.com

The Brass Owl is an Astoria favorite. Located on Ditmars Blvd. it carries a wide variety of gifts- you’ll surely find something for every single member of your family and even the pickiest of friends! You can also order beautiful care packages and purchase gift cards.

36-19 Ditmars Blvd.

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Lockwood Shop – www.lockwoodshop.com

Lockwood Shop is my absolute favorite shop in Astoria. It is actually a series of shops all right next to each other– one is Lockwood Style, on Broadway and 33rd Street, and on 33rd Street you’ll find Lockwood and Lockwood Paper, for all your cards, stationery needs. Lockwood also has outposts in Jackson Heights, Greenpoint and most recently Williamsburg as well!

Why do I love Lockwood? Let me count the ways! They carry unique items to show your Astoria/ Queens/ Brooklyn pride, they have everything from clothing and accessories to candles, crystals, and kitchen ware. They have books, puzzles and other toys as well. You can’t go wrong with a gift from Lockwood.

You can also order online for shipping or pickup at the store, and order gift cards as well.

Astoria: Lockwood: 32-15 33rd Street, Lockwood Style: 28-03 24th Avenue,

Jackson Heights: 77-13 37th Avenue

Lockwood Greenpoint: 98 Greenpoint Avenue

Williamsburg: 485 Driggs Avenue

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Earthandme.nyc – www.earthandme.co

Earth and me was created by Kali, who believes that “sustainability, quality, and affordability shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.”

You can find a wide variety of products for personal use and for the home. They also have a bulk spice refill section, and a refillery section for bath and home products like shampoo, face wash, toothpaste and dishwashing soap and more.

30-38 Steinway Street

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Jewels of Buddha – www.jewelsofbuddha.org

This is a little gem on Steinway Street, between 30th Avenue and 28th Avenue. (28-42 Steinway Street).

You’ll find crystals, jewelry, items for the home. You’ll find items from Nepal, India and Tibet.

You can also purchase gift cards.

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TheLoot.NYC – www.theloot-nyc.com

The Loot.NYC is a LIC based company that has nice NY themed pins and hats. Personally I really like the “i’m from here” button and the STAND CLEAR because that’s NY classic.

online only

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MoreFully – www.etsy.com/shop/MoreFully

Morefully is an Etsy store where you can purchase unique tie-dye pieces made with love in Astoria by Maryam. You can also place custom orders. (I love my ice tie dye sweats and cropped hoodie set!)

online only

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READ RELATED: HOLIDAY GIFTS THAT ARE NOT TOYS

Morning Glory – www.morninggloryfancy.com

Morning Glory is a great toy and variety shop on Broadway. They have a great selection of toys, stationery, stuffed and plush animals, and more.

40-15 Broadway

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Queens Craft Brigade Holiday Markets

The Queens Craft Brigade holiday markets are coming up! Starting this weekend, you’ll be able to shop homemade holiday goodies — gifts for the entire family and then some. Going to the QCB holiday markets is always a holiday treat for my family. See the schedule below:

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The Salvaged Sawhorse – www.thesalvagedsawhorse.com

The Salvaged Sawhorse was created by Jenn, who is a Queens girl. I met Jenn at a WeAllGrow Latina Summit and I love what she creates. I’m excited she is going to be at the holiday markets at Katch, so make sure to check out her stand!

You can also visit her website and she ships worldwide.

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There are so many reasons to shop local this holiday season AND ALWAYS! Let’s help our communities by shopping local! Make sure to follow all these great businesses on Instagram and show them some love this holiday season!