Five Shops to Boutique-Hop in Downtown Needham
As more and more urbanites flee Boston for this charming western ’burb, the town’s retail scene is getting a citified upgrade.
Covet + Lou / Photo by Nicholas Petrella
1. Covet + Lou
Owner Tina Burgos has a reputation for knowing exactly what will be cool tomorrow. At her Needham boutique, the well-curated racks include on-trend denim from Rachel Comey, tailored jackets from A.P.C., and leather booties from Martiniano, not to mention an eclectic selection of accessories and gifts. If you regret leaving a certain piece behind, don’t fret: The shop’s website has an even larger selection, including vintage styles sourced by Burgos herself.
947 Great Plain Ave., 781-449-1408, covetandlou.com.
2. Mostly Gray
Wish you were the type of person who filled your home with treasures from faraway places? Turns out you needn’t journey farther than Great Plain Avenue to become one. Opened last spring by passionate traveler Tamar Kahn, this lifestyle store brings handmade items from around the globe directly to suburbanites looking to spice up their living rooms. Everything it carries, from Belgian linen throws to wooden benches from India, reflects a rustic, sophisticated aesthetic.
915 Great Plain Ave., 781-690-5119, mostly-gray.com.
3. French Press Bakery & Café
Sometimes you need a pick-me-up and other times you need something to help you wind down. Now that it has a liquor license, the French Press offers both alongside its wildly popular baked goods, which often sell out. Pull up a chair in the bright, minimalist space and order a quiche Lorraine with a glass of rosé, or treat yourself with a flaky chocolate croissant and a cappuccino.
74 Chapel St., 781-400-2660, frenchpressbakery.com.
Reveler Beverage Company / Photo by FlauntBoston.com
4. Closet Exchange
Whether you’re on the hunt for classic Calvin Klein jeans or a pair of barely worn Pradas, you’ll have a good chance of finding them at Closet Exchange. The store accepts consignments in sizes 0 to 24, as long as the pieces are in perfect condition. A recent visit uncovered a 1980s double-flap Chanel purse, a “Speedy 30” Louis Vuitton duffel from the ’90s, and an Isabel Marant dress from just a couple of seasons ago, all at ultra-steep discounts.
906 Great Plain Ave., 781-449-2500, closetexchange.com.
5. Reveler Beverage Company
When your bar cabinet needs a boost before a big dinner party, drop by Reveler Beverage. The shop prides itself on stocking limited-release brews, small-batch spirits, and fine wines from family-run vineyards, plus local cheeses and condiments to round out cocktail hour. Looking to keep the good times rolling? Join the beer or wine club to try something new every month.
250 Chestnut St., 781-400-1203, revelerbeverage.com.
