Over the course of the last year, businesses around the country have been in crisis. Independent retailers, department stores, concept shops, and boutiques big and small were all profoundly affected by the pandemic. Many shoppers were saving for better days, or putting their money toward essential items. But nevertheless, there was a longing for beautiful things—whether it be clothing, beauty buys, or home decor—and a desire to invest in local communities. Across America, shopping became a way to feel connected, even from home.
Entrepreneurs, designers, makers, and sellers have met this challenging moment with a renewed sense of creativity. From sea to shining sea, there are fashion obsessives curating the most covetable clothing, crafters making unique objects to help cheer up our homes, and wellness gurus providing tools for self-care. To highlight the wealth of vibrant stores in quiet pockets across the country, Vogue has assembled a retail roadmap made up of small indie shops, individual artisans, and regional crafters.
From Homer, Alaska to Brooklyn, New York, it’s time to meet your neighbors.
