Top 5: Jersey City Shops We Love Right Now

Long admired for its hyper-convenient proximity to Manhattan, Jersey City has rightly earned accolades for its own attractions as well. Residents love the city's historic and artsy vibe, but "The Sixth Borough" has an interesting shopping scene as well. Stores here offer a welcome relief from New York City crowds, a fleet of warm staffers and eclectic goods.

Here are the top five places to shop in Jersey City right now.

1. Iris Records

114 Brunswick Street near 2nd Street

Perhaps as a reaction to wave after wave of new technology and the download-centric mode of modern music, vinyl is more coveted than ever. At Iris Records, you'll stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow music lovers, trading tips on your favorite albums as you thumb through the bargain bins. And you won’t just find Jersey boys like Springsteen and Sinatra here — that one album of that one band you’re always hoping to stumble upon? At Iris Records, today might just be your lucky day.

2. Another Man’s Treasure

195 Montgomery Street between Grove Street and Marin Boulevard

Often named among the top vintage clothing stores in the entire country, Another Man's Treasure is the spot for you if you're a fan of fantastic threads at great prices. Part of the pleasure of the boutique is browsing through the curated selection of current on-trend items, and then stumbling upon something, say, Victorian or Edwardian. The owners have a taste for the antique and unusual, so you never know quite what you’ll find, and don’t be surprised if you see a well-known stylist or designer among your fellow shoppers. Whether you’re looking for a complete 80s ensemble or a steep discount on a modern, name-brand dress, your wardrobe is about to get an upgrade.

3. WORD

123 Newark Avenue near Grove Street

The best bookstores tend to transcend the tomes on their shelves to become valuable community gathering spaces. You may first come to WORD to grab the latest bestseller, but you’ll likely linger for the Stumptown Coffee in the café. There is ample space for kids to roam too, flipping through a picture book or sitting in on the bookstore’s latest story time event. And, if you’re dying to chat about your latest read, there are many book groups to choose from.

4. Newport Centre

30 Mall Drive West between 6th and 11th streets

Once you’ve finished taking in the gorgeous views of lower Manhattan along the western edge of the Hudson River Waterfront, say goodbye to the outside world for a bit and enter the shopping bonanza that is the Newport Centre. To find a mall in the New York metro area is still something of a novelty, and Jersey City’s offering won’t disappoint. Hit up H & M for clothes, Clarks for shoes, Brookstone for gadgets, Toys R Us for the kids, plus more than 100 other stores. When you need a shopping break, stop by the Cheesecake Factory or one of the other great restaurants, or hit up the mall’s 11-screen movie theater to take in the latest box office hits.

5. 14th Street Garden Center

793 Jersey Ave. between 14th and 15th streets

Jersey City has a larger than expected share of green space, especially for a city that rose to prominence as a gritty transportation hub. And if you're a city girl or guy, you know that great garden centers and plant nurseries can be few and far between in the big city. At Jersey City's 14th Street Garden Center, you’ll be able to load up your pots to your heart’s content. Rookie gardener? Savvy master of succulents? Wherever you fit in on the green-thumb scale, you’ll find a friendly, knowledgeable staff to guide you through a tremendous selection of seeds, herbs and plants.

Interested in more of what this fabulous city has to offer? Check out our Jersey City neighborhood guide for recommendations of restaurants, nightlife and entertainment.

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