Shopping and retail options in Connecticut: Wide range of local boutiques and specialty stores. Major malls like Westfield Trumbull Mall. Popular outlet centers, e.g., Clinton Crossing. Diverse farmers' markets for local produce. Tax-exempt clothing purchases under certain limits. Various antique shops across the state. Seasonal pop-up shops and fairs. Large grocery chains and organic markets. Tax-free week annually for back-to-school shopping. Thriving local art and craft stores.
Wide range of local boutiques and specialty stores.
Connecticut, particularly New London, offers a wide range of local boutiques and specialty stores, including unique clothing shops, gift stores, antique shops, and specialty stores like piano galleries, skate shops, and tattoo parlors, each providing a distinct and personalized shopping experience. For more information, visit the Visit New London website to explore the vibrant array of shopping destinations that promise something special for every visitor.
Major malls like Westfield Trumbull Mall.
Westfield Trumbull Mall, located in Trumbull, Connecticut, is the first enclosed shopping mall in the state, opened in 1964. It features over 1,130,690 square feet of gross leasable area, hosting anchor stores like Macy's, JCPenney, and Target, along with various dining and entertainment options, including an LA Fitness and The Cheesecake Factory. The mall has undergone several renovations and changes in ownership, with current discussions on its future development including potential additions like indoor pickleball courts, a concert venue, and a supermarket. For more detailed information, visit the Trumbull Mall Wikipedia page.
Popular outlet centers, e.g., Clinton Crossing.
Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets, located along the Connecticut Shoreline, is an outdoor village center featuring over 70 designer and name-brand outlet stores with savings of 25% to 65% off everyday prices. It is conveniently located on I-95, offering amenities like ATMs, restrooms, and pet-friendly facilities. For more information, visit the official Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets website.
Diverse farmers’ markets for local produce.
Connecticut offers a diverse array of farmers' markets, each providing a wide range of locally grown produce, meats, dairy products, baked goods, and other local products. Markets such as the Billings Forge Farmers Market, Chester Sunday Market, and Stamford Farmers Market operate on various days and times throughout the year, ensuring access to fresh, seasonal produce across different regions of the state. For more detailed information about these markets, visit the Guide to Farmers' Markets Around Connecticut for the latest updates and schedules.
Tax-exempt clothing purchases under certain limits.
During Connecticut's Sales Tax-Free Week, which runs from August 18 to August 24, most clothing and footwear items costing under $100 are exempt from the state's 6.35% sales tax, applicable to both in-person and online purchases. Eligible items include traditional clothing, footwear, and some accessories, but exclude items like jewelry, handbags, and specific athletic gear. For more detailed information, visit the CT Mirror website.
Various antique shops across the state.
Connecticut offers a diverse range of antique shops, including the Antiques Marketplace, one of New England's largest antiques and collectibles malls, Cindy's Unique Shop with its eclectic mix of antiques and local crafts, and The Rusty Relic, known for its unique items like Jack Daniels memorabilia and old-fashioned filling station antiques. Other notable mentions include the Fairfield County Antique & Design Center, Tongue in Chique, and Stratford Antique Center, each offering a unique shopping experience with a wide array of antique and vintage items.
Seasonal pop-up shops and fairs.
In Litchfield, Connecticut, seasonal pop-up shops and fairs, such as the Prime Finds Home for the Holidays Pop-Up Shop, the Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market, and the White Memorial Conservation Center Gift Shop, offer unique holiday gifts, local produce, and handmade items. These events support local causes and community activities, making holiday shopping a meaningful experience. For more information on these festive opportunities, visit the Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market website to explore the variety of offerings and contribute to the local community.
Large grocery chains and organic markets.
Connecticut offers a diverse selection of grocery shopping options, from large chains to independently owned markets. Price Chopper and Market 32 serve the state with a vast array of groceries delivered to over 500 zip codes. Meanwhile, New Morning Market in Woodbury stands out as an independent organic marketplace, offering local and sustainable products, including organic produce and high-quality supplements. LaBonne's Markets continue the tradition of family ownership, providing fresh food and community-focused services across Watertown, Woodbury, Salisbury, and Prospect, with the convenience of online grocery delivery. On the Connecticut shoreline, FoodWorks Natural Market delivers local, organic, and natural products to the communities of Guilford and Old Saybrook, ensuring residents have access to wholesome food choices.
Tax-free week annually for back-to-school shopping.
Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week, held from August 18 to August 24, 2024, offers a valuable opportunity for shoppers to save money by exempting most clothing and footwear items under $100 from the usual 6.35% sales tax. This initiative is especially beneficial for back-to-school shopping and aims to support local businesses during this busy season. The exemption applies to both in-store and online purchases, providing flexibility and convenience for consumers. Eligible items during this period include traditional clothing, footwear, and some accessories, while non-qualifying items such as athletic gear, jewelry, and safety apparel are excluded. For more detailed information, you can visit the Senate Democrats CT website.
Thriving local art and craft stores.
Connecticut is home to several thriving local art and craft stores, such as Jerry's Artarama in Norwalk, which offers a vast selection of high-quality art supplies, custom framing, and a team of local artists. Other notable stores include Hull's Art Supply and Framing in New Haven, Colchester Mill Fabrics, and various yarn and knitting specialty shops like Mystic River Yarns LLC and Village Wool. Explore the offerings of Jerry's Artarama, a standout destination for creative supplies in the area.