Shop Local in the Berkshires

‘Tis the season to shop! So why not show some much needed love to small and independently-owned businesses? Let the Berkshires be your gift-giving wonderland (as well as an excuse to pick out a little something for yourself, too!).

For anyone who loves to shop, the Berkshires provides ample opportunity for antique picking, hunting down handmade wares, and discovering unique finds at farm and makers’ markets, country stores, gift shops, and charming boutiques tucked away in historic buildings. With the season of gift-giving on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to make a list, check it twice, and plan a shopping holiday in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. 

Whether it’s vintage Chanel or a pre-loved leather coat, a set of retro Pyrex or hard-to-find vinyl, resale shoppers will love treasure hunting in the Berkshires – home to many purveyors upcycling and recycling. It’s a trend that is not only trendy but also good for reducing your carbon footprint. One such shop is Berkshire Humane Society‘s Catwalk Boutique, specializing in like-new women’s clothing and accessories. The bright, cheerful shops – one in Lenox and one in Great Barrington – feel more upscale than resale. Look for the designer racks if you’re label hunting. No matter what you find, it’s a guilt-free shopping experience as every purchase benefits the shelter animals. Another eco-conscience option is Boatman, a 100% sustainable, vegan clothing apparel company specializing in cactus leather shoes. 

For a more traditional antiquing experience, check out Susan Silver Antiques in Sheffield – their specialty is English Georgian and Regency period furniture. If you’re looking for vinyl, pop into Berkshirecat Records in the Stationary Factory. They offer quality used and new records, CDs, and more, and if you happen to be traveling in May, you’ll want to check out their annual record show. In 2025 it will be on May 4th and will feature more than 10,000 records, a DJ, snacks, and beverages. 

If your aesthetic is more rugged than ritz, you’re in luck. Both the Arcadian Shop in Lenox and Nature’s Closet in Williamstown offer outdoor gear for nature enthusiasts. Suit up to brave the cold or pick out a new swim suit when visiting in warmer months. During the holiday season you’ll find an extensive selection of puffer jackets, cozy sweaters, snuggly hats, and waterproof gloves and shoes – everything you’ll need for a snowy trek in the woods or soaring downhill on one of our many ski slopes. (You can enjoy snacks near by, too – treat yourself to sweets at Chocolate Springs close to the Arcadian Shop or a smoothie served at Nature’s Closet.) Love to run and forgot to pack your favorite footwear? Berkshire Running Center can outfit you with with the perfect pair selected after a customized fitting and analysis.

For whimsical wares and handmade items of all kinds crafted by local creatives, stop by Inspired Creations and Lanesborough Local Country Store in Lanesborough and Hoffman Pottery in West Stockbridge. Gardners will love Shaker Mercantile on the grounds of the Hancock Shaker Museum in Pittsfield. The beautiful gift shop has a wide selection of carefully-curated goods from oval wooden boxes, lush textiles, and woven baskets to old fashioned candy, beeswax candles, and beautifully crafted garden tools. Other memorable gift shops can be found at the Norman Rockwell Museum, the famed Red Lion Inn, and Naumkeag, which tailors its offerings of ornaments, books, stickers, toys, jewelry, and accessories to the season.

Guido’s Fresh Market, credit Rachel Kawate

Dory & Ginger, adjacent to Hotel on North in Pittsfield, boasts an array of fine home goods, bar ware, personal accessories, and charming gifts for babies and children. Give the plant lover in your life a little something green from the floral department of Guido’s Fresh Marketplace where you’ll also find hand-dipped candles in vibrant hues and seasonally inspired dishes, table settings, and picnicware. Thistle ‘n Thorn Floral can make a stunning and unique centerpiece for you to enjoy. Take some blooms home when you visit Pryjma Petals – they offer dahlia tubers. If you’re feeling crafty, sign up for a hands-on workshop at either Thistle ‘n Thorn or Pryjma Petals. Kids have a sweet tooth or you have one of your own? Bounce into Robin’s Candy in Great Barrington to be wowed by the wonderland of treats!

Whatever you’re shopping for, you’re likely to find it in the Berkshires!

Clark Art Institute Gift Shop

Find more Berkshire shopping inspiration here, and if you’re interested in experiencing a cannabis dispensary during your visit, explore this list of companies eager to shepherd your journey. Also, in addition to Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2024, consider supporting our museum gift shops the following day on Museum Store Sunday on December 1st. A few ideas…Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, Chesterwood, The Clark, MASS MoCA, Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, and the Williams College Museum Shop. This #shoplocal season, enjoy shopping #intheberkshires!

Thank you to Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, the community’s bank since 1889, for sponsoring Shop Local Month!

Return to the Berkshires Blog.