There is not a single chain store on Nantucket, and that is precisely the point. The island's shopping is a collection of independent boutiques, many of them decades old and family-run, clustered along the cobblestoned streets of Downtown. It is one of the quieter reasons the island feels the way it does, and a real part of daily life for anyone who lives here. Drawing on more than twenty years on the island, Bernadette Meyer shares nine shops that capture Nantucket's particular style, from the home of the original Nantucket Reds to a beloved independent bookstore.
Key Takeaways
- Nantucket's shopping is almost entirely independent and locally owned, a result of the island's long-standing restrictions on chain and formula businesses.
- Murray's Toggery Shop, established in 1945, is the original home of Nantucket Reds, the island's signature salmon-colored clothing.
- Most of these shops sit within walking distance of one another in Downtown, part of what makes the in-town neighborhood so sought after.
- Several are island institutions that have operated for decades, reflecting the continuity and community that define Nantucket.
Murray's Toggery Shop
Murray's Toggery Shop is a staple of Nantucket's shopping scene and a must-visit for classic island style. Established in 1945, Murray's is the original home of Nantucket Reds, the distinctive salmon-colored trousers that have become synonymous with island fashion. The store carries men's, women's, and children's clothing that pairs preppy, nautical style with quality craftsmanship, and its timeless collection makes it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
The Skinny Dip: A Summer Collective
The Skinny Dip: A Summer Collective offers a curated mix of clothing, accessories, and home goods. The boutique brings together a collaboration of more than 30 designers and brands, many of them local or exclusive to the store. The collections change each season, so every visit turns up something new, and the bright, airy interior makes for easy, leisurely browsing.
Nantucket Looms
Nantucket Looms is a beloved destination for home decor and artisan craft. Located in the heart of Downtown, the shop features handwoven textiles, handcrafted furniture, and unique gifts that reflect the island's tradition of craftsmanship, including throws and pillows made by local weavers alongside pottery, artwork, and home accents. Its emphasis on quality and artistry makes it a standout for anyone wanting to bring a piece of Nantucket's heritage home.
Vis-A-Vis
Vis-A-Vis is a chic boutique specializing in women's fashion, accessories, and home decor. The store is known for an eclectic mix of established designers and emerging brands, with styles ranging from casual island wear to elegant evening attire, plus a selection of jewelry, handbags, and home pieces. The inviting layout and personalized service make it a favorite for finding either a wardrobe refresh or the perfect gift.
Stephanie's Nantucket
Stephanie's is a go-to for stylish women's clothing and accessories. The boutique offers a curated selection of apparel, from breezy summer dresses to sophisticated outerwear, that captures the relaxed yet refined feel of the island, along with jewelry, handbags, and footwear to complete a look. Friendly service and carefully chosen collections give it a personal, exclusive feel.
Force Five Watersports
For anyone drawn to the water, Force Five Watersports carries everything needed for a day out, including swimwear, apparel, and gear for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The shop also stocks beach essentials and accessories, making it a convenient stop for residents and visitors who want to make the most of Nantucket's coastal lifestyle.
Erica Wilson
Erica Wilson is a Main Street institution offering a distinctive mix of women's fashion, accessories, and gifts. Named for the late Erica Wilson, the celebrated needlework designer, the boutique is now run by her family and continues her legacy, pairing coastal women's fashion with the needlepoint kits she was famous for. Shoppers find elegant clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and home goods, along with the occasional weekly stitching gathering, making it a true Nantucket experience as much as a store.
Lemon & Line
Lemon & Line specializes in nautically inspired, handcrafted bracelets and accessories. Made with marine-grade materials, the shop's signature knot bracelets are a favorite keepsake for anyone who loves the sea, and the collection includes Nantucket-specific designs named for island places. Found at its Straight Wharf location in season, it is a lovely place to find a stylish memento of time on the island.
Mitchell's Book Corner
Mitchell's Book Corner is a classic independent bookstore that has been a fixture of Downtown for decades. Its shelves range from bestsellers and literary classics to local history and children's books, making it the perfect place to find a beach read or learn more about Nantucket's past. The welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make it a beloved stop for book lovers of all ages.
Nantucket shopping questions
Nantucket shopping questions, answered
What are the best places to shop on Nantucket?
Some of the best shopping on Nantucket includes Murray's Toggery Shop for the original Nantucket Reds, Nantucket Looms for handwoven textiles and home goods, Erica Wilson for fashion and needlework, and Mitchell's Book Corner for an independent bookstore experience. Most of the island's notable shops are independently owned boutiques clustered in Downtown, within easy walking distance of one another.
Where can I buy Nantucket Reds?
Nantucket Reds, the island's signature salmon-colored clothing, originated at Murray's Toggery Shop, which has been on Nantucket since 1945. Murray's remains the original source for Nantucket Reds in men's, women's, and children's styles, and it is considered the definitive place to buy them.
What is Nantucket known for when it comes to shopping?
Nantucket is known for independent, locally owned boutiques rather than chain stores, a direct result of the island's long-standing restrictions on chain and formula businesses. This is why the shopping experience feels authentic and distinctive, with family-run shops, local artisans, and curated collections you will not find elsewhere. For more on the island's character, see things you might not know about Nantucket.
Is there a bookstore on Nantucket?
Yes. Mitchell's Book Corner, a classic independent bookstore in Downtown, has served the island for decades. It carries a wide range of books, from bestsellers and literary classics to local history and children's titles, and is a favorite spot for both residents and visitors.
Expert Perspective
Discuss Your Nantucket Goals With Bernadette
The independent shops, the walkable streets, and the sense of community they reflect are all part of what draws people to live on Nantucket. Whether you are visiting or considering a home here, the right move depends on how you want to live and the neighborhoods that fit best.
