Buy local this holiday season: visit 460 Harrison Ave in the South End

Photographer: Ali Horeanopoulos

The South End has an eclectic mix of retail space and nowhere is that more evident than at 460 Harrison Avenue along the pedestrian walkway, Thayer Street. Cate McQuaid from The Boston Globe wrote a great article talking about the 21 new galleries that opened last month, but her article only tells part of the story because joining these new galleries are 90 artist studios and 40 boutiques.

While Newbury Street has more shops, even Back Bay’s pride and joy can’t rival the South End’s 460 Harrison Avenue and Thayer Street for those looking for unique gift items or those who want to support local businesses. Not a single retail chain can be found here and many of the products sold are unique expressions from the local arts community – meaning your purchases go back into this community – not a corporate headquarters based somewhere far away.

As we approach the holiday season, I’d like to offer a plug for these new galleries, boutiques and artist studios. Shop here first. You may be surprised by the quality and variety. It’s like nothing you’ve seen at any shopping mall.