Shopping and retail options in Vermont: Unique local boutiques. Farmers' markets abundance. Vermont Outlet stores. Specialty food shops. Artisan crafts availability. Outdoor gear retailers. Tax-free clothing purchases. Local co-ops presence. Antique and vintage shops. Online local vendors.
Unique local boutiques.
Vermont offers a diverse array of unique local boutiques, particularly in Burlington, where you can find eclectic shops on Church Street and the Marketplace, as well as vintage clothing and furnishing stores on Pine Street and unique boutiques in Winooski, showcasing local artisans and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit the Hello Burlington VT website to explore the rich shopping experience this vibrant area has to offer.
Farmers' markets abundance.
Vermont's farmers markets offer a wide array of seasonal products, including fresh fruits and vegetables in the summer, and storage crops, maple, dairy, and meat products in the winter. With approximately 60 summer markets and 15 winter markets, these markets provide a vibrant community space for accessing local food, artisanal goods, and entertainment. For more information on supporting and accessing local food through these venues, visit the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets website.
Vermont Outlet stores.
Manchester Designer Outlets in Manchester Center, Vermont, is a prominent shopping destination featuring over 30 designer outlet fashion boutiques spread across 24 individual buildings, offering a unique shopping experience with top brands and independent retailers. This [outlet mall](https://www.vermont.com/activities/manchester-designer-outlets/) is known for its upscale collection and scenic location in Southern Vermont.
Specialty food shops.
Vermont Country Deli in Brattleboro offers a variety of prepared foods, generous sandwiches, custom pastries, and a selection of local and specialty products, supporting local businesses and incorporating seasonal local produce. Meanwhile, Dakin Farm specializes in pure Vermont specialty foods, including maple syrup products, bacon, sausage, cheese, and other gourmet items, providing a wide range of gift samplers and delivery options. In Windsor, the Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company features a gourmet cheese and gift shop, offering fresh, quality, artisanal cheeses, crackers, and local products, with a focus on community and innovative cheese production.
Artisan crafts availability.
Vermont is a haven for captivating artisan crafts, with various venues offering a rich tapestry of handmade creations. In Montpelier, the Artisans Hand Craft Gallery showcases the talents of over 130 artisans, presenting a diverse collection of handmade jewelry, pottery, glass, fiber, wood, and metal works, making it a premier destination for craft enthusiasts in the state. Similarly, the Vermont Artisan Designs Gallery in Brattleboro features an impressive selection of fine handmade crafts, from glass and jewelry to wrought iron, fiber art, and exquisite furniture, highlighting both functional and decorative pieces by established and emerging artists. Meanwhile, the Vermont Farmers Market keeps the festive spirit alive in Rutland with its Holiday Craft Fairs, where over 60 vendors gather to offer unique artisan crafts, holiday décor, and locally made products, providing a wonderful opportunity to find distinctive, handcrafted gifts.
Outdoor gear retailers.
For those seeking outdoor gear in Vermont, there are numerous retailers offering a variety of equipment to fuel your adventures. The Vermont Outdoor Gear Association provides a comprehensive list of retailers like Clearwater Sports, Rack 'N' Reel, and Local Motion, specializing in equipment for activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and snow sports. Onion River Outdoors in Montpelier stands out as a locally owned shop, where you can find everything from biking and running gear to camping and skiing supplies, either in-store or online. Additionally, Patagonia Burlington located in the Church Street Marketplace, offers a vast selection of Patagonia clothing and gear, perfect for any adventure, with convenient shopping options both online and in-store.
Tax-free clothing purchases.
In Vermont, most clothing and footwear are tax-exempt, but clothing accessories, protective equipment, and sports clothing/equipment are subject to sales tax. This exemption applies to items such as coats, boots, hats, and sneakers, making [Vermont](https://www.taxjar.com/blog/blog-2021-09-is-clothing-taxable-in-vermont) a favorable state for tax-free clothing purchases.
Local co-ops presence.
Vermont is home to a robust network of local food co-ops, with 11 member-owned co-ops operating 13 storefronts, employing 945 people, and generating over $155 million in annual revenue. These co-ops, including City Market / Onion River Co-op and Hunger Mountain Co-op, emphasize local products, sustainable food systems, and community empowerment. For more information about these impactful cooperatives, visit the Vermont Food Co-ops website and explore the vibrant community and economic support they offer.
Antique and vintage shops.
Vermont offers a diverse range of antique and vintage shops, with notable destinations including the Vermont Antique Mall in Quechee Gorge Village, Stone House Antique Center in Chester, and various shops in downtown Brattleboro such as Twice Upon a Time and Millies Antiques. Each location features a wide array of antique, vintage, and collectible items that cater to different tastes and interests. For more details, explore the offerings on the Vermont Antique Trail website, which provides a useful guide to planning your journey through these charming historic treasures.
Online local vendors.
Myti is an online shopping platform that connects Vermonters with local businesses, offering an impressive array of over 19,000 products from 25 local partners. The platform is strategically planning for statewide expansion, aiming to keep dollars circulating within the local economy and provide substantial support for community development. In a similar vein, the ACORN Food Hub in Middlebury, Vermont, showcases a vibrant online market that enhances local supply chain support. This hub effectively aggregates, markets, and distributes food products directly from local farmers and producers, simplifying the process for wholesale buyers to source fresh, local products. Together, these initiatives highlight a growing trend towards reinforcing local commerce and fostering sustainable community growth in Vermont.