This holiday season, forget the mall! Visit Downtown New Bedford for a unique local shopping experience!


Click Map to Download Printable Version


In the past two years, New Bedford’s Downtown has exploded with new business and historic restoration, as well as an influx of residents interested in ‘urban dwelling.’

With a growing community of students, artists, and entrepreneurs, Downtown New Bedford is quickly becoming a 24-7 hotspot known for its diverse and organic nature.

With the Holiday Season fast approaching now is a great time to explore all that Downtown has to offer.

You might want to start at The Green Bean.  Centrally located in Union Square, this spacious, bamboo-floored coffee shop serves fresh-squeezed juice and fair trade organic coffee, as well as light sandwiches and decadent smoothies.

Next, visit Salon Lola, right next door.  Stock up on super-luscious shades of OPI nail polish and yummy Bed Head hair products, for that glamour girl on your gift list! You can also purchase gift certificates for the salon’s wide variety of cutting edge hair services.

Tucked away on the second floor of 528 Pleasant Street is Calico, a small boutique, offering vintage and indie designer clothing.  You’ll see the store’s large, brightly-painted window mural above Tip Top Nails on the corner of Union Street.  Find amazing vintage pendants with dangling owls, anchors, and horse cameos, for about $20.  Or splurge on a one-of-a-kind, reconstructed vintage hoodie by A.C. Clothing, $86.

Just around the corner is The Artificial Marketplace.  Packed with vintage furniture, glassware, collectibles, and a great selection of low-priced record albums, you could browse The Artificial Marketplace for literally hours!  Owner, Tom Rensberger specializes in Mid-Century Modern.

For a gift that commemorates your New Bedford visit, try Elaine’s Tee-Shirts, on Purchase Street.  Owner, Elaine Lima, offers her signature New Bedford “Black Whale” logo on tee’s, hoodies, and pull-overs for the whole family!  Elaine can also customize your tee-shirt while you wait!

Ready to refuel? Pop into No Problemo Tacqueria at the corner of William and Union Streets. Not in the mood for Mexican? Try Spicy Lime, on Pleasant Street for delicious Thai, or On a Roll on Union Street for one of their savory panini’s.

Discover more unique gift shopping on Centre Street! This quaint cobblestone block is home to some of Downtown’s finest shops. Check out Tatlock Gallery for beautiful etched glass stem ware by local artist George Saulnier.  Or choose from their wide selection of beautifully hand-tooled leather journals from Oberon Designs.

Then head into Blush Beauty Bar, where owner and make-up artist, Larissa McLaughlin, offers a wide array of hard to find beauty products and fine scents.  Pink Sugar by Aquolina is a holiday must-have! You can also shop for Bare Minerals, Girlatik, Rosie Jane, and Paula Dorf cosmetics. Gift certificates and make-over packages are also available!

Across the street is BeJeweled, Downtown New Bedford’s premiere spot for fun and fabulous jewelry.  BeJeweled owner, Pamela Arruda, stocks this modern boutique with jewelry from all over the world -- and for every budget! Check out luminescent gold studded bracelets by top New York designer, Alexis Bittar.

Finish off your visit to Downtown NB by enjoying some wine and tappas at Cork on Front Street.  Or take in some live music at the area’s newest gallery and performance space, The Garage.

Happy Holidays, and remember, shop local & shop often!


Click Map to Download Printable Version

Shop New Bedford

Shop New Bedford! This holiday season, forget the mall! Visit Downtown New Bedford for a unique local shopping experience! In the past two years, New Bedford’s Downtown has exploded with new business and historic restoration, as well as an influx of residents interested in ‘urban dwelling.’

View all articles by Shop New Bedford