-- Best New Jersey Shops
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* Toys * Kitchen ware * Music * Antiques * Collectibles
* Apparel * Books * Furniture * Sports/Bicycles * Consignment * Garden This highly subjective list has been compiled from personal recommendations, user input and reviews and rankings published by other Web and media sources. These other state-focused sources include NJ.com, NorthJersey.com, AsburyParkPress.com, NewJerseyMonthly.com, BestofNJ.com, Philly.com, as well as national sites such as Yelp.com, TripAdvisor.com and Facebook.com.
Some specific resources include * Gift & Specialty Shops in New Jersey, TripAdvisor.com * 8 Best Cake Shops in New Jersey, BestatNJ.com * Best Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops in NJ, NJMonthly.com * 10 Best Hardware Stores in New JerseyBestatNJ.com * You Can Find Amazing Antiques At These 15 Places In New Jersey, onlyinyourstate.com * New Jersey Boutique Shopping, VisitNJ.org The list will be periodically updated and supplemented, and we welcome comments and suggestions. - Toys
JaZams (Princeton)
Store owner Joanne Faruggia and staff personally test nearly all toys and games> Located in Palmer Square across from the Nassau Inn, also sponsors special events such as book signings and musical programs. Tons of Toys (Wyckoff, Westwood, Madison, Bernardsville)
One of largest selections of independent stores, includes Disney, Mars, Lego, Mattel etc> Emphasis on service in selecting items by age, gender, category The Toy Chest (Hope)
Family-owned, specializes in vintage toys and games for young and old, as well as latest offerings. Classics from LEGO, Disney, HotWheels etc. Located in picturesque center of Warren County off I-80. Just Kidding Around (Montclair, New York City)
Two locations in Manhattan under name Kidding Around at Union Square and within Grand Central Terminal> Montclair store included as one of best independent toy stores in NJ in BestofNJ.com, carries wide range of games, toys, books and puzzles selected for inspiring creativity by proprietor Christina Clark> Action figures, puppets, trains and wooden toys, costumes. Karen's Dollhouse Shop (Clinton)
One of largest collections of handmade fully finished assembled dollhouses and kits in country, also specialist in parts and repairs. including miniatures, furniture, lighting, foods, flowers, seasonal, landscaping. 
- Kitchen ware
kitchen a la mode (South Orange, Summit) Named among 3 best Kitchenware Stores in NJ 2017 by NJ Monthly> Founded 2008 by proprietor Ben Salmon: "I’m completely dedicated to finding the most useful, unusual and sensationally fun items that will change the way your kitchen operates"> Rated 4.9 of 5 stars by 56 reviewers on Facebook> Star-Ledger: "colorful shop that’s cozy without being cramped, well-stocked without feeling overly cluttered and niche without feeling limited." Preservation Fine Goods (Lambertville)
"Best Home Accessories" winner in 2017 Best of Philly rating by Philadelphia Magazine> Designer home goods and furniture, exclusively represents high-end contemporary Edgewood Made furniture line> Features original work by local and national designers and makers using natural materials, including wood, ceramics, metal, glass and textiles, in limited edition or small to middle batch production lines> Tabletop items include mugs, bowls, knives, cutting boards, also baskets, bags, candle holders, quilts. - Music
Princeton Record Exchange (Princeton)
A fixture in downtown Princeton since 1970s, houses over 150,000 titles of mostly vintage vinyl LPs, CDs and DVDs, one of largest selections of any independent music store in Northeast. NY Times: "For better or worse, it’s all here....,plenty of contemporary rap, metal, Goth and hip-hop; DVDs, laser discs, computer games and Blu-rays. But the main appeal of the Princeton Record Exchange is vinyl for all conceivable tastes and then some." Jack's Music Shoppe (Red Bank)
New and used musical instruments, vinyl albums, CDs, and DVDs, wide variety of sheet music: new single sheets, best sellers, regions solos, Broadway, instrument studies, and more> Used and new guitars, accessories for woodwinds, horns, and string instruments> Hosts in-store performances> Patrons include Bruce Springsteen. * "See where Bruce Springsteen buys his music," 2/11/2015, Asbury Park Press Scotti's Record Shops (Summit)
Established 1956, promotes selection of "all things vinyl" as "best in Northern New Jersey"> Covers current and classic titles "from rock to jazz and every genre in between"> Also turntables, cleaners, receivers, speakers, CDs and some 78s, rock T-shirts, books, posters, vintage memorabilia and recycled vinyl crafts> 3.5 of 5 stars from 38 reviews at Yelp.com. Metropolis Music (Jersey City)
Sells instruments, accessories and offers repair and lessons> Opened 2002 by musician Mark Daizell, who began building violins and violas at age 15 his home in Ottawa, since bought, sold and fixed nearly every instrument and brand, including period medieval/renaissance instruments to state-of-art digital and MIDI capable violins and guitars> Instruments and accessories include guitars, basses, percussion, band/orchestral and recording/audio, also selection of recording and audio accessories from Behringer, Shure, RapcoHorizon and others. Russo Music (Hamilton and Asbury Park) "Best Music Store" in 2017 Best of Philly ranking of Philadelphia magazine> Carries wide selection of new and used acoustic guitars, drums, basses, amps, also guitar repair, instrument rental> Brands include Gibson, Taylor, Martin, Fender> Founded 1960. Worldwide Piano and Music Store (Edison) One of largest selections of new and used pianos on East Coast> Sells new and pre-owned pianos made by Seiler; J. Strauss & Son: Baldwin; Charles Walter; Yamaha; Kawai; Knabe; Hallet;
- Art Galleries
The Connoisseur Gallery (Bedminster) Operating for over 40 years> Represents contemporary artists, Tracy Pollock, Nick Savides, Anna Wainright and Rhoda Yanow, also specializing in buying and selling 18th-early 20th century American art, works of Johann Berthelsen, Frank Wayland Fellows, Lee W. Hughes, and more. Rago Arts (Lambertville)
A major US auction house and gallery with $33 million in annual sales founded and headed by David Rago, well-known for many appearances as ceramics and porcelain expert appraiser on TV's Antiques Roadshow, also author of five books and many articles> Online and on-site auctions, also private sales, as well as appraisal services for estates, insurance> Specialties also include modern design, contemporary art, Asian art, jewelry, silver, coins> Walk-in Valuation Day for visitors to learn about context and value of possessions with no appointment or obligation> One of 250 Best Auction Houses Worldwide in 2016 Art+Auction review.  Image: Facebook/Chetkin Gallery
Chetkin Gallery (Red Bank)
Founded 1987, offers investment-caliber works from internationally renowned contemporary European and North American artists> Collection evolved from handful of French artists to over fifty artists from France, China, England, Italy, Spain, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Holland, Ireland and North America> Features Classical Impressionism, Post Impressionism and Contemporary Impressionism displayed on two floors. Borghi Fine Art (Englewood)
Owned and operated by second generation art dealer, Laura Borghi> Specializes in American and European paintings from late 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries> Artists include Cecil Bell, Emile Carlson, Ralston Crawford, Tom Dash, Jay Dorfman, Hermann Herzog, Sheryl Intrator, Alice Jacob, Jon Koones, Andre Lanskoy, Paton Miller, Xue Mo, Bradley Narduzzi Rex, John Stango, Clintel Steed, and Michael West. Highlands Art Gallery (Lambertville)
Located on main street of downtown Lambertville> Carries selection of representational oil paintings and sculpture by notable, living artists from around country, only displays work of artists which it represents, including Barbara Applegate, Tracy Avant, Cindy Baron, Susan Blackwood, Howard Friedland, Michael Godfrey, Joseph Orr, Neil Patterson, Marianne Caroselli, Elizabeth Robbins, Magret Short, Jason Tako, Leonard Wren, several others> Does not purchase or offer art appraisal services. - Collectibles Unshredded Nostalgia (Barnegat)
Vintage movie posters, magazines, photographs, cameras, dolls, casino game material, toys, maps, jewelry, animation art, aerial photos, nautical charts etc.> Owner Jim Episale “We are just temporary custodians of these artifacts...It’s something that all of us, both young and old, can share, enjoy and treasure, we sell the objects that people throw away and thus help preserve the past.” Valentino's Cape May (Cape May) Buys, sells and appraises rare coins and collectibles, including US coins and currency back to colonial times, foreign coins including Roman Empire> Also military and history books and artifacts; jewelry and watches; dolls etc.> Highest 5-star rating and Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.com. Paradox Comics (North Arlington)
Vintage and current comic books, toys, figures> Facebook comments: 'definitely best comic book store in New Jersey'; 'awesome'; 'best comic store I've ever been to!'; 'atmosphere is wonderful, with a great selection from DC/Marvel to IDW and Action Lab!! My son enjoys visiting the shop for either his pokemon cards, comics or toys'.  Image: JC Comics
JC Comics (North Plainfield)
Family business established 1999> New and vintage comic books dating to 1940s, also trade paperbacks and novels, new and vintage toys, Bowen, Sideshow and DC statues and busts, Marvel Select and Marvel Universe action figures, DC Universe/ DC Direct action figures, Star Wars toys: Pop Vinyl and other Funko products, Magic, Pokemon, Yugio, non-sport cards. - Apparel
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Heratij (Montclair)
Original focus on winter sports equipment including skis and snowboards, now expanded into high quality men's and women's apparel and action sports accessories, wide selection of outerwear and boots, gloves, hats, hoodies, flannel, sweats, denim> Established 2012 by partners Christopher Francois and Alexander Aronoff> Highest 5-star rating from 8 reviewers on Yelp.com. Mint Market (Hoboken and Jersey City)
Women's boutique selling mix of both new and vintage items, everything under $100> First opened 2013 off Washington Street in Hoboken, hometown of founder, Valerie Duardo, freelance fashion stylist for advertising, magazine, media projects, later second location on Grove Street in Jersey City> Highest 5-star rating by 23 reviewers on Yelp.com Another Man’s Treasure (Jersey City)
Established 2006, cited by both USA Today and Elle.com as one of best places to shop vintage in America, Refinery 29 included it as one of '25 reasons to move to NJ'> Owners Meika and Warren Franz personally select items from across the country and abroad> Vintage clothing including dresses, gowns, antique frocks, knitware, coats, jeans, shoes, hats and vintage military uniforms with customers including collectors, designers, costume makers> Also range of high-end designer and couture pieces such as Schiaparelli hat, Alaia gown, Yves St. Laurent tuxedo> 4.5 of 5 stars by 54 reviewers on Yelp.com - Books
The Old Book Shop of Bordentown (Bordentown)
Small shop on Bordentown's main shopping street with eclectic collection of 10,000 used, out-of-print and antiquarian titles, strong sections on New Jerseyana, American history and military, baseball, historical mysteries etc, along with children's room> Also historical ephemera, titles with signatures of authors, others> Appraises and buys from private collections, estates Watchung Booksellers (Montclair) Founded 1991, sponsors frequent author book and poetry readings, storytime for toddlers and book groups, serves as home-base bookstore for more than 60 published local authors> Collection includes literary fiction, biography/memoir and history, travel, education, poetry, and arts> Children’s room from toddlers to teens> Margot Sage-El store’s sole owner, at present location since 2001. WORD (Jersey City)
Wide selection of books, popular gathering place for book lovers and authors, hosts book groups, author events, story times, other events> Coffee lounge with fresh salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Also store in Brooklyn.  Image: NewJerseyAlmanac.com
Labyrinth Books (Princeton)
Located across street from main campus of Princeton University, carries wide collection of assigned books for Princeton courses (with some available for rental), novels, history, art, poetry> Also Princeton memorabilia, frequent author readings, talks and signings. - Consignment
Greene Street Stores (Lambertville, Princeton, Red Bank, Summit, also 5 stores in PA)
Consignment shops selling gently used men's and women's clothing and accessories less than 3 years old and on trend–accepts women's sizes 00-24 and men's sizes XS-3XL> Also lightly worn shoes, jewelry> Does not accept lingerie, worn swimwear, maternity, faux designer goods, bridal or evening gowns and most in-house chain store lines> Standard 40% commission on accepted items for sale> Readers Choice Award 2017, Philly.com. Savvy Chic Consignment Boutique (Ridgewood)
Upscale consignment boutique specializing in designer and boutique labels in women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories> Lines include Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, YSL, Fendi, Theory, Vince, Alexander Wang and J.Crew> Shoes from Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and Prada> Events include in-store champagne tastings, fashion shows at charity fundraisers and private parties. - Furniture
Greenbaum Interiors (Paterson, Ridgewood, Morristown) Very high-end furniture and full interior design and decorating services> First opened 1952 in Paterson by brothers Alvin and Jimmy Greenbaum, remains in family ownership> Originally specialized in early American furniture, since expanded with contemporary lines from over 2000 global sources, offers interior design services, custom furniture design and restoration> Also designs and makes custom-styled and sized pieces with over 30 on-site designers and craftsmen, original Paterson location now site of workroom, warehouse and trade showroom. British Home Emporium (Madison) Founded 1994, now located in restored livery stable in two-level, 7,000 square foot space> Expanded from original focus on antique pine pieces to offer contemporary collection, along with custom design and interior decorating services> Also chandeliers, fireplace surrounds, original art, hand-loomed rugs, cowhides, bed linens, dinnerware and accessories> Eight interior designers on staff, including owner Nina Karamallis> Designs and builds custom cabinetry, tables, vanities, bookcases, bars hand crafted in solid cherry, pine, oak, maple and walnut. Red Ginger Home (Red Bank)
Retail and interior design showroom founded in 2005 by partners Rob Amend and Michael Yavorsky> Mix of classic, modern and globally-influenced home furnishings, with emphasis on unique selections> Features Adriana Hoyos Collection scultptural line of furniture crafted from fine woods and exotic materials> Also offers interior design services for complete renovations and makeovers, as well as furniture, accessories, lighting, window treatments, wall art and rugs> 2017 NJ Monthly Best Home Furnishings Store in central NJ. Samuelson Furniture (Paterson) In fourth generation of family ownership, founded 1935> Services global design community, hotels, healthcare/assisted living facilities, restaurants, country clubs and corporate clients> Main office and 50,000 square-foot manufacturing operation located at original site in Paterson, management and quality control team in China and representation throughout US, United Arab Emirates and Canada> Provides in-house CAD design, drawings, model-making and concept development, manufacturing includes wood working, custom finishes, and quality upholstery. - Antiques
Stillwell House Fine Art & Antiques (Red Bank)
Originally opened in Manalapan 2003, relocated to present gallery in Red Bank 2015> Upscale collection of fine art and antiques, includes furniture, porcelain, tableware, lighting> Featured on cable TV and in national art and antique publications. 
Image: Stillwell House Fine Art & Antiques
Center Stage Antiques (Mount Holly)
Claims to have largest collection in NJ, 18,000 square foot showroom and warehouse> Pre-owned estate home furnishings such as Ethan Allen, Harden, Thomasville, Kittinger, Henredon, Hickory Chair, Pennsylvania House, Hitchcock> Also rugs, wall art, prints, mantles, clocks, lighting. Antiques Center at the People's Store (Lambertville)
Located in Lambertville central business district> Three floors and basement with independent dealers of furniture, ceramics, sterling silver, paintings, other antiques and collectibles> Upstairs working artist studios. Historic Burlington Antiques and Art Emporium (Burlington)
Ranked as "Best Antiques Haven" in 2022 :Best of Philly" by Philly.com.> First opened 2001, now over 65 businesses and dealers, with diverse selection of antiques, art and collectibles in 15,000-square-foot space in renovated historic building> Offerings in furniture, art, pottery and signed memorabilia> Hosts bi-annual fall and spring Antique Shows as well as on-line and in-store auctions. 
Image: Historic Burlington Antiques
- Sports/Bicycles Danzeisen & Quigley (Cherry Hill) "Southern New Jersey's Premier Ski, Snowboard, Bike and Swim Store"> Established 1969, consistently voted a Gold Medal Shop by readers of Ski Magazine and chosen as National Shop of Year in 2004, several other citations in national and local media, expanded into bicycles, swimwear, tennis, skateboards, golf> 4.5 of 5 stars from 9 reviews in TripAdvisor.com. Cyclesport (Park Ridge)
Selection from children's to adult, including professional racing> Authorized dealer for lines including Parlee, K. Bedford Customs, Colnago, Fabrica Cycles, Specialized, Moots, Trek and NO 22> Also parts, clothing, helmets, shoes, car racks> Custom fit service for new and existing bikes> Price match guarantee on bikes and accessories> Full service and repair department> Sponsors several rides during week for both new and long time riders> 4.5 of 5 star rating by 10 reviewers on Yelp.com> Established 1961 by racer Walter Grotz, now operated by his son Michael and wife Tracy Kopp's Cycle Shop (Princeton) Established 1891 by E.C. Kopp, oldest bicycle shop in America, second oldest in world> Full repair and service, custom fitting> Lines include Fuji, Breezer, Coinago, Bianchi, SE> Accessories, clothing, helmets, shoes. - Garden centers Flagg’s Garden Center (Moorestown) Began as single roadside flower cart in early 1950s, now annually delivers over 10,000 trees and shrubs and over 40,000 perennials> Specializes in unique and hard-to-find plants with one of largest selections on East Coast, also offers full landscape design and planting, large selection of statuary, fountains, garden stakes and decorative accents> Owner Rich Flagg son of Al and Velma Flagg, who built original store. Barlow's Flower Farm (Sea Girt)
Located at site of a home horticultural business originally built in 1807> Now 10,000 square-foot European glass greenhouse, 28 growing greenhouses, and 1.5 acre outdoor growing area> Grows nearly 3/4 of plants and flowers sold> Special services include landscaping design and planting; interior design and layout of plants> Garden Center with large selection of fresh flowers and wedding, birthday and event service, also gifts, statuary, pottery, baskets, birdbaths, home décor, and silks> Offers number of free horticultural classes. * Toys * Kitchen ware * Music * Antiques * Collectibles
* Apparel * Books * Furniture * Sports/Bicycles * Consignment * Garden |