60+ Great Black-Owned Shops and Boutiques in Philadelphia

More than a bookstore, this cultural center owned by Hakim Hopkins offers DVDs and an array of health and wellness products in a creative atmosphere. Curbside delivery of books and all-natural cosmetics makes this spot extra convenient.

One of the country’s oldest Black-owned bookstores 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.

This welcoming, Fishtown-based,women-centric, art- and activism-forward, frankincense-scented, named-for-Harriet Tubman bookstore is owned by Jeannine A. Cook, who opened it in February 2020. On its shelves: Toni Morrison’s complete collection, works by Zora Neale Hurston, children’s books and more titles that Cook herself loves to read.

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 bibliophiles’ spot takes its name from the columnist and Temple University prof’s favorite uncle, who nurtured his love of reading.

On Frankford Avenue, the East Coast’s first African American woman-owned comics shop stocks Marvel, DC and self-published books for grown-ups, kids and everyone in-between. The spot — owned by Ariell R. Johnson — currently offers limited coffee service.

Seven days a week for more than 30 years, this Reading Terminal Market stall has represented international artists and lived the motto, “where cultures meet.” For sale: folk dolls, original paintings, body-care products, cultural clothing — including owner Charita Powell’s vibrant pieces from her Urban Karma Wear line, which she also sells by appointment only from her studio in The BOK Building.

Owned by Darryl Jones, this classic comic book store known for dollar comics, manga, back issues, horror, sci-fi and old-school arcade games such as Street Fighter has been a South Street mainstay since 2001.

Reverend Georgiette Morgan-Thomas rescued one of the country’s oldest hat factories (located in Northeast Philadelphia) and now operates a retail outlet offering all manner of old-fashioned and avant-garde styles for proper churchgoers, dapper gents and statement makers.

Celebrities like Cardi B, Teyana Taylor and Fabolous have all been pictured wearing the Deno, the distinctive, colorful puffy coats sold by Banni Peru. Founded by William Walker, its brick-and-mortar store in West Philly complements an impressive online presence. Banni Peru also offers tracksuits, sweatsuits, hoodies, jeans, T-shirts and more.

Owner Steve Jamison, a fashion footwear specialist, established his sunny Rittenhouse Square boutique in 2007 to cater to high-end tastes in men’s shoes, socks and accessories — and to provide high-quality customer service. Among the designers in stock: Harris, Magnanni, John Richmond, Jo Ghost and Tateossian.

Philadelphia native Tanysha Powell helms this online company, founded as a tribute to the Brown women who raised her. On offer: handmade jewelry, apparel, candles and more. Pro tip: Don’t miss the shop’s hand-poured Intention Setting Candles.

At this bright, spacious West Mt. Airy design studio, Tina Dixon Spence and her team create and sell luxurious but practical items for babies, toddlers and the home. Popular offerings include protective masks, blankets, swaddles, bibs, burp cloths, teething rings, scarves, clothing, cards, books and more. Dixon Spence also hosts group-sewing classes, private kids parties and community events in her storefront, which she opened in late 2020 after several years running her business as an e-commerce site.

Opened in November 2020, this West Philly store showcases pieces by more than 50 national and international artists and makers, including works by owner Stefani Threet, all in a modern, minimalist-styled space.

This Midtown Village consigner owned by Phillip Moore offers exclusive collectible sneakers and vintage pieces — Pharrell Williams Adidas, Air Jordans from overseas — and features rare, sold-out merch from prominent sportswear brands like Supreme and Bape.

A bastion of timeless style owned by Erik Honesty, this Brewerytown shop is best known for its stock of smart designer vintage menswear — Hermes scarves, ties, coats and shirts; Louis Vuitton and Gucci luggage; select women’s pieces; and Honesty’s own line of royalty-inspired capes.

Former Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins founded this men’s and women’s boutique to redefine modern custom suiting with creativity, styling and precise tailoring — all while keeping culture at the forefront. The shop stocks 400 ready-to-wear clothing items, along with custom bow ties, neckties and pocket squares.

Stone and wooden jewelry, shea butter, natural soaps and body washes from Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria are on offer at this Reading Terminal Market stand owned by Joycelyn Parks.

From their perch in Norristown, D’Iyanu carries a co-ed line of ready-to-wear, bold print and African-inspired blazers, pants, scarves, maxi dresses, skirts and jumpsuits. Owner Addie Elabor founded the shop with her brother, Dara Ajayi, and named their brand using a combination of the words “miracle” and “wonderful” from their native Yoruba language.

The stylish set loves that this shop — owned by Shani Newton — carries women’s clothing for all sizes (extra small through triple extra-large), ages and budgets. On the racks: silky tops, stylish separates, maxi dresses and on-point accessories.

Expect Lace aims to build customer confidence through an intimate understanding of the female body and offerings that sculpt every shape and size. Owned by Shaw Lewis, the Manayunk boutique carries some of the world’s top intimate brands for women and men. Services include personalized under garment fittings and lingerie consultations.

Philadelphia native Imani (Faith) is the self-taught seamstress behind this online-only clothing store for women and children. On offer: modest and custom apparel influenced by Imani’s “passion for the beautification of women through fashion.”

Flourishing Beauty and Wellness encourages consumers to indulge in self-care with a soothing cup of organic tea and organic skincare products with natural ingredients. The online-only company, which Charisse Nelson opened in 2020, offers loose-leaf teas with delightful names like Brain Love and Mellow Out and skin-care serums.

When she started her line of women’s clothing and accessories in 2017, Kimberly McGlonn prioritized three things: sourcing reclaimed fabrics, manufacturing exclusively in Philadelphia, and supporting incarcerated and returning citizens. And she’s just as committed to that mission today. Devotees of the shop can score casual joggers, elegant skirts, color-blocked jackets and attention-grabbing, organic cotton T-shirts.

Luxury streetwear for men and women is the focus for this online retailer, selling bright, bold, art-inspired jackets, hoodies, T-shirts, pants, shorts and accessories. Owners Deric “Nyce” Crawley and Muhammad “Homm” Abdul-Basit have collaborated with many celebrities on their creations as well. Among them: Missy Elliott, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keyes and Michael B. Jordan.

Kelly Monk’s South Philly home decor shop is designed to feel like a sanctuary, and her rich fabrics and textiles can transform any home to feel the same way. Cozy blankets, coordinated bedding and luxe table fabrics are among the offerings, and Monk provides by-appointment-only design services.

Shoppers can find the latest fashion and loungewear at Kicks and Fashion, a unisex boutique in South Philly, co-founded by Dru Major. The real draw here though is sneakers. Customers are known to line up outside the store (and all the way around the block!) awaiting the latest footwear release.

Across the street from West Philadelphia’s Malcolm X Park, Love Yourself by Shea Elizabeth is a chic boutique that helps women create their own definition of cool with a great selection of shoes, blazers, dresses, jumpsuits and more.

Hand-poured, uniquely scented candles are the star attraction for this growing business from owner Marques Davis born in 2018. Online and at select Pennsylvania retail locations, devotees can purchase candles, pillow sprays and body butters. Fun scents include white tea and ginger, grapefruit mimosa, lavender clouds, and peppermint and cocoa.

Founded by friends (and former competitors) Aaron Johnson and Bruce Tabbs, The Movement Philly specializes in handmade clothing, T-shirts, jewelry and vegan bath and beauty products. The Mt. Airy shop was recently featured in a “Buying Black” segment on Philly’s Fox 29 TV station.

For half a century, Paul Beale’s Florist has been the go-to florist for every occasion from proms and weddings to illness and sympathy bouquets. This family-owned business is committed to offering the finest in contemporary or traditional floral arrangements.

Custom engagement and wedding rings, one-of-a-kind pieces and gemologist-certified appraisals are the reason clients call ahead to book appointments at this Old City jewelry shop, owned by Ken and Nicole Black.

From zines to tote bags, the goods from this workshop (based in South Philly’s Bok Building) are adorned with modern designs, all through the lens of social justice. Founded in 2010 by Maryam Pugh and Ruth Perez, Philadelphia Print Works’ products can be found online and at select brick-and-mortar stores in Philly.

The Sable Collective is an online boutique curated for women to explore narratives of joy, beauty and wellness. All of the shop’s clothing, jewelry, housewares and wellness products are intentionally sourced from BIPOC and women artisans and entrepreneurs.

This South Street boutique is owned by Charrita Jones, who curates the shop’s collection of “effortlessly chic” women’s apparel. The vibe at Senoj is all about empowering women to be comfortable in their own skin. The shop offers all kinds of looks, from vintage tees and outerwear to skirts, dresses and pantsuits.

Dubbed Philadelphia’s magical floral studio, this eco-conscious online shop, owned by artist Tolani Lawrence-Lightfoot, features a range of hard-to-find botanicals, candles and Insta-worthy arrangements for homes and events. The shop is known for its terrariums and vertical gardens.

With a showroom featuring a pool table, elegant wooden side tables and a beautiful fireplace to display his unique selection of shoes, owner Voltaire Blain — known as the best-dressed man in Chestnut Hill — strives to make shopping for shoes an experience like no other. His shop carries a wide selection of hard-to-find shoes, including loafers, oxfords and both high- and low-cut boots for men, as well as several styles for women.

This Northern Liberties lifestyle boutique, co-owned by Dorothea Gamble and Dagmar Mitchell, carries socially responsible, locally made and environmentally conscious products for the home and body, including bespoke furniture,accessories, clothing, art, jewelry and beauty essentials. Every second Saturday, the shop hosts an artist reception for that month’s featured artist.

This fine art photo gallery in Germantown showcases the work of its founder and owner Steven CW Taylor. Large-format color photography immerses visitors and encourages them to interact with the places and people Taylor has photographed during the course of his travels. Each print comes with care instructions and a certificate of authenticity.

Cara Stipa combined all the things she loves to create The Utopia Collective, a go-to business for event planning of all size occasions, along with a fabulous retail shop. It features delicate jewelry, modern home decor, bridal party gifts and themed “party in a box” packages that come with table settings, paper garland and other accessories.

Owner Christa Barfield’s approach to what she sells is clear: She wants to offer her customers “high-quality, healthful tea with traceable origins.” To do that, she grows and harvest plants on a small farm in Pennsylvania and pays close attention to the practices of her partner farms. In her Germantown shop and on her online store, tea aficionados can purchase teas, honeys, gift sets, accessories and more.

Scoring a 2021 Best of Philly nod, Xavi Row Bespoke is known for its bold, ultra-dapper custom suits. Owner Leroy West creates suits and shirts for professionals, grooms and wedding guests, promgoers and celebrities, including pro basketball player Dion Waiters. Clients make appointments online for West to do measurements and fittings in their home or office. The time from measurement to outfit completion is about four weeks.

At her minimalist home and lifestyle shop along Queen Village’s Fabric Row, former fashion designer Shannon Maldonado assures each limited-edition Domenic Frunzi planter, Fly by Jing chili crisp or coffee table book feels like a work of art. YOWIE is a brand as interested in building community as it is in showcasing one-of-a-kind products, events and services.

Proving sisters make the best small business partners, owners Tomika Branch and Chyvonne Shackelford established their full-service day spa in West Oak Lane. Popular here: oxygen facials, gel manicures, detox pedicures, plush waxing, lash and brow enhancements, massages and self-care products, including 3rd Element lip balms and body butters.

When crafting skin and hair products that are safe for the whole family to use, owner Topia Tessema focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly ingredients. Everything on offer in the East Falls shop is handmade — from the soaps and the oils to the moisturizers and the deodorants to the jewelry and the art.

Award-winning body builder and coach Audra Anusionwu takes a holistic approach to wellness. In an East Falls studio, Anusionwu and her team offer personal training, group fitness classes and nutritional guidance to help clients feel strong and confident.

Owned by Bria Hodge since 2017, this Chestnut Hill boutique dance fitness studio offers in person, online and on-demand classes for people who love to dance. With offerings like Zumba, HipFit and Tone Zone, DanceFit disguises exercise as fun and makes working out feel like a party.

Sisters (and Philly natives) Nakia and Taahirah Stith are the owners of this this Rittenhouse Square apothecary — or “a‘plant’ecary,” as they call it — that sells plant-based remedies in the form of lattes, smoothies, tonics, teas and tinctures. Their goal? To offer up herbs of the liquid, powder or cut variety that relieve customers of what’s bothering them in a judgment-free zone.

Syreeta Scott — stylist to Jill Scott, Ava DuVernay, Questlove and Janet Jackson — has held court in North Philly for two decades, pioneering natural styles and in-demand services (locs, braids, two-strand twists, hair color) that definitely require advanced booking.

Faheem Alexander has taken the barbering world by storm with his hands of precision. At it for over 25 years now, he’s known for his expertise in styling, hairline correction and beard grooming. Faheem has worked on many celebrity clients, including Tracy Morgan, Rick Ross and Philadelphia’s favorite hip-hop group, The Roots.

This Northern Liberties self-care and wellness shop, owned by Morrisa Jenkins and Bonkosi Alyssa Horn, stocks holistic skin and lifestyle products, like CBD tinctures and makeup all sourced from female-founded companies.

Engineer turned mechanic (and author of Girls Auto Clinic Glovebox Guide) Patrice Banks has established the city’s first and only women-run garage. Next door, she opened Clutch Beauty Bar, serving up manis, pedis and waxing services.

Owner Chartel Findlater’s focus is on creating handcrafted soaps, bath items and home decor in small batches. She sells these items online and at various brick-and-mortar shops in Philadelphia (think Marsh & Mane, Art Star Philly, Moon + Arrow) and beyond. Gold + Water products can also be found at various pop-up events.

Who says only women should be pampered? The pop-up spas and skincare line from A Man’s Cave are all about helping men enjoy a bit of self-care. Founder Judith Dumorney-McDaniel was inspired to start the business after her husband complained that most spas cater to women.

Located in the South Street Headhouse District, this natural hair beauty supply boutique — owned by Jenea Robinson — carries a curated selection of hair, skin, and bath and body products. Shoppers will find goods from makers such as Zuresh, Bask & Bloom, Anita Grant, Angie Watts and Scotch Porter, in addition to candles, hair accessories, brushes and shower caps.

With three locations in Philadelphia — South Street West, Roxborough and Queen Village — this full-service waxing studio is a convenient option for those interested in quick and painless body and facial waxing, as well as lash-brow tints, lash perm-lifts and threading. Owned by Sarah Giovinetti, The Naked Peach has provided more than $20,000 in scholarships for vocational training schools to single moms and teens in the Philadelphia area.

Owned by Naeemah Johnson, Nbeauty Inc. is a beauty brand and salon that caters to the professional woman. From natural hairstyling to braids and extensions, two locations in North Philadelphia and Ardmore offer full salon services, with stylists who specialize in working with the diverse textures of African American hair. In addition, an online shop offers a line of skincare products, shampoos and conditioners.

With over 23 years of expertise, owner Tish Taylor created a relaxing and tranquil setting to ensure that clients get the best hair-care experience. Stylists work on all textures of hair. Services include relaxers, weaves, highlights, special-occasion hair and more.

At QueenStylista’s, Sheena Dickerson has cultivated a friendly, welcoming space exclusively for women. The Ardmore salon is known for its precision cuts, coloring and styling, and the staff has a reputation for building trust with clients in search of a fresh look.

Owner Aundrea Watkins’ experience in natural hair care helped her create a loyal client base when she opened Salon A’Marie in 2020. The hair-brow-lash studio in Manayunk also sells hair oil, edge tamer and Black Lives Matter merchandise.

This by-appointment-only studio, which is an Allure Magazine hotspot, is owned by Ursula Augustine, an industry vet whose 25-plus years in the business include stints with Bobbi Brown, François Nars and Aveda. Devoted clients swear by her award-winning brow sculpting, microblading, lash lifts, derma-planing — but especially her signature URS cosmetics line for note-perfect makeup.

Peter Watts opened his gym in 2003 in the heart of the city’s Latinx community and nurtured an all-are-welcome atmosphere. Today, Watts Fitness Studio serves a very diverse clientele. People here regardless of age or fitness level are encouraged to participate in a variety of classes, including Zumba, cardio kickboxing and belly dancing, as well as personal-training sessions.