Sarah Griesbach 
Shopping small and locally always beats online, especially for getting the sensory information that will prevent buyers’ remorse. Picking up all that we consume from a source nearby benefits the people and places where we live and, of course, makes the lightest environmental impact. If we’re being honest, however, none of us is likely to buy everything in person. The lure of online shopping is in its immediacy and offerings. Time otherwise wasted during a bus or train commute can end with groceries ordered and delivered, virtual aisles of shampoo perused, book reviews scoured, and the next long read chosen. If ordering online, local shops are still number one as they benefit from our ordering through them. But, making the choice to spend locally doesn’t have to make life more difficult, more expensive, or less spontaneous. At The Hoboken Girl, we’ve come up with some suggestions to widen your shopping options with local alternatives to big box retailers that will still fit busy schedules and tight budgets. Read on for ways to shop local (for real, and for pretty much everything — and skip Amazon!) in Hoboken, Jersey City, and the greater New Jersey area.
7 Tips for Shopping Small for Items You’d Normally Buy Online
1. Take Inventory of Your Purchases: Many of us are accustomed to purchasing items with the touch of a button. Ask yourself: What are you buying and how often? Do you need it right now, and can you plan to purchase it locally? Is it an impulse buy?
Read More: An A-Z List of Local Brick-and-Mortar Hoboken Businesses to Support Every Day
2. Commit to Certain Categories of Buying Locally. Maybe it’s pantry items, cleaning products, pet food, or something else that you purchase regularly. Do the research to find local alternatives and stick to them for a few months. You’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes a habit and easy to do. You may also realize that you overbuy at times and don’t need as many backups for the pantry as you thought.
3. Plan Ahead. Have a birthday party coming up and need a gift for a friend? Calendar out your week and month ahead so you know what you need, and when. Then you can make an easy plan to grab things at local retail shops or brick-and-mortar spots.
4. Be Patient. This goes along with planning ahead, but know that local shops, or even an online (local) website, may be out of stock at times. This can be an inconvenience if you’re in a pinch, but likely, if you can wait a day or two or three (instead of expecting the item to be shipped overnight via Amazon). A little bit of patience is a baby step in the right direction of keeping things local.
5. Explore Thrifting, Buy Nothing Groups, and Secondhand. Not only do you not need to shop online for things that you can find in the local neighborhood, consider not shopping “new.” Secondhand has always been a sustainable, and eco-conscious option for those looking to reduce their footprint and buy something gently used. See all of the local thrift shops here.
6. Ask Around for Shop Small Recommendations + Swaps. Your neighbors probably have their own favorite spots for local shopping. Ask around to learn more — it really can be that simple. We have our own ‘neighborhood’ online in the Hoboken Girl Insiders Facebook Group — users frequently share their recommendations, so that’s a great place to start. Join here.
7. Be Realistic About What You’re Buying, Of Course. We get it: some items can only be purchased online, or the selection online can’t be beaten by what you’d find in person. Or, you have a brand preference that can’t be purchased locally, or having certain items delivered is what works best for your family. As long as you’re going directly to the source, looking at labels and quality, and doing your best, that’s all you can do! Everyone has their own preferences and focus, and the fact that you’re even thinking about swaps and ways to support small is an incredible first step.
Community Resources to Utilize
NJ Libraries
Our New Jersey libraries are among the best in the world, providing just about anything with words that we might wish. The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) system expands our book borrowing reach beyond the walls of the local library, and the online library apps — Hoopla and Libby — go even further with free audiobooks to make commuting the best part of going to work or working out.
Facebook Marketplace
Big ticket items are often way less expensive when sourced from a local who is moving and really just wants their TV or wardrobe picked up, pay-what-you-will. Facebook Marketplace is a commonly used app for that.
Buy Nothing Groups
Buy Nothing is a nationwide movement designed to give lightly used items a second life right in your neighborhood. These hyper-local groups are active here in Hudson County and are a great way to get rid of unwanted items, borrow something, or pick up something you’re looking for.
The Hoboken Girl Team’s Picks for Shopping Small Swaps
We polled our local HG team living in the area to give their picks for everyday items one could find locally in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Local Candle + Diffuser Swaps in Hoboken:
Photo Credit: Wicked Scents
“Wicked Scents has everything from smaller, niche names to my favorite luxury brands like Boy Smells, so you don’t have to shop them online, and can support a local retail shop in Hoboken.” ~ Lily Flood
Storage Containers + Cleaning Supplies Swaps in Hoboken:
“City Paint & ACE Hardware always has some hidden gems! Storage containers, cleaning supplies, seasonal items, reusable water bottles, etc,” ~ Joelle Hernandez
Book Swaps in Hoboken + JC:
^ Little City Books
“My go-to spots for books are Little City Books in Hoboken and Word Bookstore in Jersey City.” ~ Jordan Hernandez
Clothing Swaps in JC + Hoboken:
“I love going to Mint Market for clothing and accessories — they have both contemporary and vintage pieces!” ~ Kerrie Joyce
Pet Supplies Swaps in Jersey City:
“Fussy Friends on Newark Avenue in Jersey City is a great choice for pet supplies. They have an abundance of options, so you and your furry friends will be spoiled for choice,” ~ Regina Chung Loy
Gift Swaps in Hoboken:
“Washington General Store is a go-to for ALL things gifts. The selection ranges from kids’ items, candles, picture frames, local Hoboken swag, home decor, and so much more.” ~ Amber Veltri
Tea Swaps in Jersey City:
“I get my teas from Raine + River Apothecary, there is a huge selection of stuff and the team can help you ID what kind of herbs/teas are best for your needs,” ~ Via Rutkowski
Vitamin Swaps in Hoboken:
“I purchase all my vitamins and supplements from Organic Basic Foods on Washington Street in Hoboken. One could easily order online (though I wouldn’t recommend Amazon for this, regardless!), but I make the walk over, bring my reusable shopping bags, and usually get a good explanation of other herbs that might be helpful from one of their amazing employees! It’s been family-owned for years and is such a gem of a spot.” ~ Jen Tripucka
There are literally endless options in our area for so much that can be purchased locally instead of online. Our site is dedicated to all of these :)) But if you ever aren’t sure, DM us or email us, we’re happy to share ideas or find someone who knows!
On the Food Front: Some Local Farms Even Deliver
The farm-to-table life is easy to get used to: no plastic produce containers, dirt still on the roots, and tomatoes that taste candy sweet — what’s not to love? That pleasure can continue with a convenient food subscription to one of the local farms that specialize in bringing customers exactly what they need for that week’s meals. Several fantastic farms deliver locally in Hudson County.
Bone-In Food is a Hoboken farm-to-door delivery service. It delivers grass-fed local raw dairy (cow and goat), meats, seafood, salmon, bone broth, produce, ferments, and prepared foods through weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly subscription programs.
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Jersey City Harvest has a Circle Brook Farm CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program that encourages members to get out of the city and come get their hands dirty. Volunteering on the farm is part of the package.
Stony Hills Farm’s CSA home delivery service boosts more fruit than your average subscription services and even homemade ice cream. Being part of that kind of deliciousness feels and tastes great.
Just Farmed is a year-round, fresh farm box delivery company that emphasizes its sustainably farmed, locally grown fare. The farm offers weekly delivery in multiple sizes and pick-your-own choices, bringing their customers products from over 75 nearby farms and over 90 local producers.
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Jersey City’s Pampita Meat Shop, located at 393 Central Avenue, is a great source for the carnivores looking for high-end cuts of meat, consultation with a master butcher, and delivery. For locally sourced meats, there’s no better option.
See More: 11 Eco-Friendly Businesses in Montclair + Essex County
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