visitphilly.com
Editor’s Note: This is a partial listing; contact these stores for any Black Friday deals.
Among Philly’s thriving small business scene is an array of Black-owned and -operated shops, boutiques and bookstores, from Manayunk to East Passyunk Avenue.
Shop sci-fi and comic books (Multiverse); learn the basics of woodworking (AR Workshop); get the shape-up of a lifetime (Ethos GSFM); and peruse history, health and fitness, and children’s books at one of the oldest Black-owned bookstores in the country (Hakim’s Bookstore).
Of course, this guide can only scratch the surface of the many great Black-owned shops and boutiques throughout Philadelphia. Explore this directory from The African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ and DE for more Black-owned businesses in the region.
Read on for a curated list of just some of the city’s standout Black-owned shopping destinations.
Note: Businesses in this article are arranged alphabetically by section.
Atomic City Comics
Owned by Michael Yates and Darryl Jones, this classic comic book store, known for its wide selection of comics, graphic novels, manga, back issues, horror, sci-fi and old-school arcade games such as Street Fighter, has been a South Street mainstay since 2001. The shop aims for inclusiveness, offering comics for kids and families, too. Keep your eyes peeled on their social media for updates on in-store author signings, new releases and other events.
Where: Atomic City Comics, 638 South Street
Black and Nobel
More than a bookstore, this cultural center owned by Hakim Hopkins offers DVDs and an array of health and wellness products — like lotions and sea moss, which is touted for its supposed health-fueling properties — in a creative atmosphere. Peruse the books for children and adults lined along the shop’s walls and take a peek at some of the art and body products. The shop also ships to prisons, offering incarcerated folks reading materials.
Where: Black and Nobel, 422 South Street
The Black Reserve Bookstore
Branded as not just a bookstore, but an experience, this Lansdale shop has been supplying Black culture since 2017. Among its literary offerings are novels, fantasy books, reference books, books on Black history and culture, young adult and teen literature — and everything in between. They have a sitting area if you want to take a load off and dig into one of your recent finds. Aside from books, The Black Reserve Bookstore stocks jewelry, stationery and records.
Where: The Black Reserve Bookstore, 319 W. Main Street, Lansdale
Hakim’s Bookstore & Gift Shop
One of the country’s oldest Black-owned bookstores — now an official historic site — resides at the same West Philly address where Dawud Hakim founded it more than 60 years ago. Historic, welcoming, old-school and family-friendly, the shop now belongs to Hakim’s daughter, Yvonne Blake. Hakim’s Bookstore has a rich tradition of stocking rare books you can’t find elsewhere, and continues that tradition with books on African American studies, philosophy, history, memoirs and children’s books. They also ship books to prisons to support incarcerated readers.
Where: Hakim’s Bookstore & Gift Shop, 210 S. 52nd Street
Multiverse
A person wearing a black shirt and dark jeans looks at a magazine while inside Multiverse in Philly.…
This is the stuff nerdy dreams are made of. Fans of speculative fiction (think science fiction, fantasy and horror) can find a lovingly curated assortment of comics and novels, alongside toys, games, posters, apparel and more on the shelves at Multiverse. The shop is run by husband and wife owners Gralin Hughes, Jr. and Sara Zia Ebrahimi Hughes, who credit speculative fiction fandom as vital to their sense of belonging. With Multiverse, they aim to create a welcoming space for fans of any race, gender, body type, or ability.
Where: Multiverse, 8026 Germantown Avenue
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
Owner Marc Lamont Hill’s Germantown hangout exudes community pride in its book selection and living-room vibe, a la Washington DC’s acclaimed Busboys and Poets chain. This bibliophile’s spot takes its name from the columnist and Temple University prof’s favorite uncle, who nurtured his love of reading. Since its opening in 2017, the bookstore has provided underserved communities with books and a place to connect with others. On the shelves you’ll find new releases, books from local authors, YA and kids, historical, nonfiction and so much more.
Where: Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books, 5445 Germantown Avenue
Between Friends Boutique
So, just between us friends, this Chestnut Hill boutique is perfect for cozy sweatshirts, silk tunics, jumpsuits, reversible tops and so much more. Founded by a mother-daughter pair, the store stocks colorful scarves and jackets that you can dress up or down. Fun fact: The spot’s vibrant silk tops are one of a kind, with no two featuring the same patchwork pattern. Between Friends Boutique also carries brands from independent designers, many of whom are Black women.
Where: Between Friends Boutique, 7833 Germantown Avenue
BLACQSKIRT
With a size-inclusive range of clothing that runs from small to triple extra-large, BLACQSKIRT Boutique is your spot for comfortable yet fashionable women’s clothing. Founded by Sherri Hall and her mother Sybil Lyles, the brand began in 2005 with a line of A-line skirts — a black skirt. The boutique is stocked with comfy hoodies with witty sayings (like “Note to self: You’re the sugar, the honey and the iced tea”), cozy dresses, flowy skirts, hats, earrings, belts and so much more.
Where: BLACQSKIRT, 7161 Germantown Avenue
Blk Ivy Thrift
The latest project by Grant Blvd’s own Kimberly McGlonn, Blk Ivy Thrift calls back to the work and aesthetic of the Civil Rights Movement, combining community engagement and activism with cultural artifacts and fashion. The West Philly shop curates vintage and second-hand clothing that challenges industry norms for men and women. Comb through the sunny boutique’s racks of 1960’s dresses, skirts, jackets, sweaters, jeans and more. Blk Ivy Thrift fosters community engagement with regular open mics, too.
Where: Blk Ivy Thrift, 3605 Lancaster Avenue
Common Ground
Sneakerheads, rejoice. This Midtown Village consigner owned by Phillip Moore offers exclusive collectible sneakers and vintage pieces —retro Air Jordans, Nike Lebron — and features rare, sold-out merch from prominent sportswear brands like Supreme and Bape. Plus, where else in the city can you find a 1994 Barry Manilow T-shirt? Never miss out on a drop: Keep your eyes peeled on their Instagram, where new arrivals are posted daily.
Where: Common Ground, 134 S. 11th Street
Dolly’s Boutique & Consignment
The stylish set loves that this shop — owned by Shani Newton — carries women’s clothing for all sizes (small through triple extra-large), ages and budgets. Dolly’s has provided wares to some of the most prominent women in Philadelphia, including hip-hop and radio legend Lady B and Mayor Cherelle Parker. If you want some of that for yourself, head to Mt. Airy and sort through the racks for pant sets, stylish separates, maxi dresses and on-point accessories.
Where: Dolly’s Boutique & Consignment, 6778 Germantown Avenue
Jonesys Accessories
Don’t let the name fool you: Jonesys Accessories has everything a woman needs to upgrade her wardrobe, from apparel to accessories. Located in two of Philadelphia’s most stylish areas, Center City and Chestnut Hill, the chic boutique carries bold dresses, tops, shoes, jewelry and more in a rainbow of colors and patterns. With over 20 years of experience helping customers express themselves using fashion, owner Stephanie Jones and her team take pride in providing exceptional customer service alongside high-quality products.
Where: Jonesys Accessories, 7916 Germantown Avenue
