Shopping BostonUSA Fact Sheet 2008-2009

Media Relations & Tourism Sales Department of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. Larry Meehan, Vice President of Media Relations & Tourism Sales, lmeehan@bostonusa.com, 617-867-8231; Stacy Shreffler, Media Relations & Tourism Sales Manager, sshreffler@bostonusa.com, 617-867-8203; Michelle Flores & Noel Moran, Media Relations & Tourism Sales Interns, Spring 2008, printern@bostonusa.com, 617-867-8233.

2008-2009 Edition

 

Contents Shopping BostonUSA Fact Sheet

1. Back Bay & Beacon Hill

Prudential Center

Copley Place

Newbury Street

Charles Street

Filene’s Basement

2. Downtown & Waterfront Boston

Downtown Crossing

Macy’s

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

3. Cambridge

Harvard Square

CambridgeSide Galleria

4. Beyond Boston

Natick Collection

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets New England's Largest Collection of Designer & Name Brands located just 35 miles from Boston

Maine Kittery Outlets – 120 shops 54 miles north of Boston

5. Uniquely Boston : Museum Shops

6. Tips, events, tours, value programs

On & off all day: Use Old Town Trolley for your shopping transportation

When are the BIG Sales?

When are stores open?

How much are sales taxes?

Visit the Shopping destinations on line before your visit

New "BostonUSA Specials! " Card

"T’ Boston public transit pass

For your orientation we have included the map locator numbers of each shopping destination . These map locator numbers refer to the "Walking Boston & Cambridge" Map produced by the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. The map is also online at www.BostonUSA.com. We have also inserted the closest "T" public transit station.

 

 

1. Back Bay & Beacon Hill

Prudential Center Map #H6

Located between Boylston Street and Huntington Avenue in the heart of Back Bay, adjacent to Hynes Convention Center, major hotels, shopping and residential areas, the 23- acre, 2.2 million square foot Prudential Center office and retail complex features a variety of retail shops, restaurants and a food court. Major shops and restaurants include Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Club Monaco, Lacoste, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, L'Occitane, Barnes and Noble, Olympia Sports, J. Jill, Express Men, Talbot’s Kids, Arden B., Legal Sea Foods, The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, Top of the Hub and more. Closest "T" public transit station: Green Line: Prudential

Copley Place Map #J7

Bordered by Dartmouth Street, Huntington Avenue, and South End Southwest corridor park, and joined by enclosed footbridge to Prudential Center, Copley Place has the only Neiman Marcus in the Northeast, lots of dining, and great Westin and Marriott hotels within the same complex. The center features over 100 stores, with names like Gucci, Tiffany, J.Crew, A|X Armani Exchange, Boss Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Nine West, Enzo, St. Croix, Thomas Pink, Jaeger, and Williams-Sonoma. A dazzling mixed-use complex constructed above a maze of urban designed highways, Copley Place is a concept unlike any other in the Boston area. Located on a 9.5-acre site, the upscale center includes two levels of shopping, restaurants, an eleven-screen cinema, four office buildings, 1,400 parking spaces and two hotels, The Westin Hotel and The Boston Marriott Copley Place.

The Boston Copley Place offers a free "Ultimate Shopping Excursions Card " to Boston visitors, with discounts-gifts-special values program that includes most shops. Closest "T" public transit station: Green Line: Copley.

Newbury Street Map # H8 to H5

Newbury Street is an eight-block street that offers a wide array of fashion, museum quality art, specialty boutiques, business services, fine dining set in a historical district with an electric atmosphere. Newbury Street’s eight cross streets are alphabetical, from Arlington to Hereford, so it’s always easy to know where you are. Louis, Boston (corner of Newbury and Berkeley) once housed Boston’s Museum of Natural History. New England Financial, which occupies most of the Berkeley to Clarendon block, was the first location of MIT. The Institute moved across the river in 1916, but the school of architecture remained until the 1930’s. The Copley Society, at 158 Newbury, is the oldest art association in the country. The Vose Galleries, at 238 Newbury, is so old (in the same family for five generations) that it predates Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts.

The building at the corner of Exeter & Newbury was designed as a Temple for the Working Union of Progressive Spiritualists in 1884. From 1914 to 1984 it was the Exeter Street Theatre. Today the building is occupied by T.G.I. Fridays and the idea company. Closest "T" public transit station: Green Line: Arlington, Copley, or Hynes.

Charles Street on Beacon Hill Map # F8

Charles Street is the main commercial area of historic Beacon Hill. With brick sidewalks, gaslit streetlamps, stores, restaurants and cozy cafes tucked on every level of the brownstones, this is one of the most charming areas in the city – ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll. There are specialty antique shops, one-of-a kind gift boutiques and excellent galleries. Closest "T" public transit station: Red Line: Charles

Filene’s Basement Back Bay Map # H7

New Back Bay location: 497 Boylston Street at Clarendon. The new 2-story 38,000 sq ft Filene’s Basement at Boylston Street in the Newry building between Berkeley and Clarendon Street in the Back Bay. Featuring designer clothing at incredible discount the store is one of Boston’s top visitor attractions. The Boylston Street location will within 5 minutes walk of the 18 Back Bay hotels. The world-famous Filene’s Basement flagship downtown Boston store will continue at the corner of Washington & Summer Street.

2. Downtown & Waterfront Boston

Downtown Crossing Map # H10

Downtown Crossing was the name given to Downtown Boston’s historic retail core in 1978 when the city converted the intersection of Washington, Summer, and Winter Streets to a pedestrian zone in a successful attempt to revitalize this once moribund, but now bustling commercial area. The district has gone through many changes over the years, changing in both use and appearance several times. Visitors can see buildings from each period as they walk through its streets.

Although Downtown Crossing is Boston’s retail section and has been for many years, the area actually began as a residential district. Trade occurred on the wharves along the waterfront and in shops along the streets leading up from the water, especially State Street. At the head of State Street is the Old State House, then the seat of government in the colony. The colony’s leaders built their houses around the intersection of State, School, and Washington Streets, close to the State House and the Great Spring, the main fresh water source for the area and the source of Spring Street’s name.

Macy’s, 450 Washington Street, 357-3094. Mon–Sat 9:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–7 p.m. If what you want is everything, Macy’s Downtown Crossing is your destination. Featuring floor after floor of cutting-edge culinary tools, bed and bath items, incredible gifts and the hottest fashions. Choose from your favorite designers—Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Polo, Liz Claiborne, Nautica, Jones New York and DKNY. Discover Macy’s exclusive labels—I.N.C./ International Concepts, Charter Club, Alfani, Club Room, Arnold Palmer, Badge and Tools of the Trade. Boston’s Macy’s hosts two annual events : "Macy’s Santa Trolley" and

Faneuil Hall Marketplace : Map # G11

Located in the heart of downtown Boston, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is the nation's premier urban marketplace. It combines the glories of the past and vitality of the present, with over 70 shops, 14 full service restaurants, 40 food stalls and Boston's most popular comedy nightclub.

The Marketplace is comprised of three restored 19th century buildings. A blend of Neoclassic and Greek Revival architecture, the complex is a beautiful representation of old Boston, tastefully enhanced by urban contemporary additions. Ethnic foods, unique gifts and street performers are just a few elements that make the cobblestone streets of Faneuil Hall Marketplace such a festive and special attraction. Faneuil Hall Marketplace offers locally-owned treasures, plus the Bull Market — the world’s first "fleet" of 38 wholly unique pushcarts featuring New England artisans and their fabulous wares. Sprawling on 6.5 acres, Faneuil Hall Marketplace attracts more than 12 million visitors annually. Closest "T" public transit station: Green Line: Government Center

3. Cambridge

Harvard Square Map # B2

The Square is filled with restaurants, historic sites, unique shops, quaint parks, and entertainment that reflect the international cultures that that derive from its many educational institutions and diverse neighborhoods.

Brick sidewalks lead to over 20 bookstores, 9 music stores, over 100 dining establishments ranging from fine dining to bistros, cafes, coffee houses, and hundreds of shops ranging from department stores to specialty stores.

Culturally, the Square holds 5 performing arts theatres, 4 movie theatres, and 9 museums ranging from the arts to the sciences. Other forms of entertainment can be found inside and out, with several restaurants and clubs providing live performances. Some of the most popular and diverse music can be found on the sidewalks and local parks where street musicians play music for all ages and cultures.

Harvard Square specializes in shops not found elsewhere- like the Cambridge Artists Cooperative Gallery , the only year round artists owned and managed crafts cooperative in the Boston-Cambridge area. The gallery features the work of over 180 American artisans working in various media, as well as wearable and decorative fiber. New work is selected and displayed every month in the spacious 2000 sq.ft. gallery. The selection is wide ranging in prices and styles, offering a broad choice of contemporary and traditional crafts. Closest "T" public transit station: Red : Harvard

CambridgeSide Galleria Map # E7

This hip urban center, with spectacular waterfront location, offers more than 120 of Boston's favorite stores, specialty boutiques and restaurants. Discover great shopping at Best Buy, Macy’s, Sears, H&M, Borders, J.Crew, Old Navy, Guess, Hollister, Banana Republic, Apple Store and more. Enjoy casual dining at The Cheesecake Factory and California Pizza Kitchen or simply grab a bite on the go at the Waterfront Food Festival.  Just steps from Boston and easily accessible via Green Line T station.

4. Beyond Boston

Natick Collection

Natick Collection – the largest mall in New England - is a world-class retail and restaurant destination with 270 of the finest retail stores, including the first Nordstrom in Massachusetts, the area’s only suburban Neiman Marcus, along with JC Penney, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, and Sears. A gorgeous streetscape is set to open in October 2008 and will feature The Cheesecake Factory and other remarkable retailers.

Natick Collection boasts breathtaking architecture - including the largest skylight in New England, new landscaping and plush soft seating areas, and the finest amenities conveniently located at our two brand new Concierge Centers! With more than 7,000 parking spaces, including valet and premium parking, Natick Collection offers more parking options than any surrounding retail destination.

Conveniently located on Rt 9 in Natick and easily accessible from the Mass Pike and I-95, Natick Collection is THE premier retail destination!

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets New England's Largest Collection of Designer & Name Brands located just 35 miles from Boston.

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets -  Stroll through a charming New England style village and find 170 outlets stores from the world's leading designers and brand names, all offering savings of 25% to 65% every day.

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets has emerged as a year round destination for visitors including international tour groups, motor coach tours and conventions.

Among the 170 stores: Barneys New York Outlet, Brooks Brothers Factory Stores, Banana Republic Factory Store, Burton Snowboards, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Gap Outlet, Hugo Boss, J.Crew, Lacoste, Nike Factory Store, Puma, Off 5th - Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Theory, Tommy Hilfiger, Salvatore Ferragamo, Timberland, Williams-Sonoma Marketplace and many more.

Boston Common Coach offers daily all day shopping tours featuring round trip transportation from Boston and a VIP Coupon Book worth hundreds of dollars in additional savings. Call toll free for reservations and schedules: 877-723-3833

Maine Kittery Outlets – 120 shops 54 miles north of Boston

Maine’s first stop for outlet shopping. Less than an hour from Boston, you’ll find more than 120 outlets and The Kittery Trading Post. There’s something for everyone – fashion, footwear, jewelry, china, crystal, tools, books, house wear, sporting goods and more at savings of 20% to 70%.

5. Uniquely Boston: Museum Shops

Children’s Museum

300 Congress Street, 617-426-6500 x203

This award winning store features educational toys, creative arts and crafts, science kits, games, and multi-cultural products as well as books, music, and great gifts for your family, friends, business associates and yourself.

Concord Museum

200 Lexington Road, Concord, 978-369-9609

This shop offers a wide variety of reproduction and replicas from Colonial times, specializing in jewelry, miniatures and children’s toys.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

280 The Fenway, 617-566-1401

Beautiful hand-crafted jewelry and scarves, books on art and gardening, prints, postcards and books of the Museum’s preeminent collection of art and architecture are just some of the unique gift items offered for the discerning shopper.

John F. Kennedy Museum

Columbia Point, 617-929-4558

The Museum store offers unique gifts for visitors including collectors items, posters, President Kennedy’s favorite rocking chair, videos, T-shirts, children’s items, books and much more. Open 7 days from 9:30am-5:00pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Located minutes from Downtown Boston and easily accessible by public transportation. A museum catalog is also available.

Museum of Afro American History

46 Joy Street, 617-739-1200

Featuring adult and children’s books, CD’s, videos, stationery, posters, umbrellas and African American crafts.

Museum of Fine Arts

465 Huntington Avenue, 617-369-3575 & at Copley Place

Both shops feature products developed from the Museum’s distinguished collections. Jewelry, textiles, children’s educational toys, posters, prints, stationery and decorative items are among the finest selections.

Museum of Science

Science Park, 617-723-2500

Favorite items include Astronaut Ice Cream, Kinetic Action Balls, Pin Art, "Tyranno-Toes" and an extensive book collection for children and adults.

New England Aquarium

Central Wharf, 617-973-5266

More than just fun and games (but with plenty of them!), this gift and book shop is packed with educational items, all with an aquatic theme.

Old North Church/Freedom Trail

193 Salem Street, 617-523-4848

The shop features an extensive selection of peter items, historical flags, candles, books for all ages and numerous souvenirs.

Old South Meeting House/ Freedom Trail

310 Washington Street, 617-482-6439

Newly expanded shop features high-quality items related to American history including maps, toys, music, jewelry, and a wonderful selection of books for both children and adults. New England made and tea-related items are a specialty.

Old State House/ Freedom Trail

206 Washington Street, 617-720-3290

Boston’s history museum features unique items for the visitor and resident alike. Specializing in children’s gifts, the shop offers hundreds of book titles and toys. A large selection of teas, books on Boston, jewelry and other gift items allow the visitor to bring a piece of Boston home with them.

Old Sturbridge Village

Sturbridge, 508-347-3362

The museum gift shop and the book store offer a wonderful selection of early 19th century replicas including foods, toys, kitchen items, jewelry and gifts and over 5000 titles on museum-related subjects.

Paul Revere House/ Freedom Trail

19 North Square, 617-523-2338

The shop offers gifts including reproductions of Revere’s silver work, colonial toys, and books on Revere, the Revolutionary era and architectural history. Historical maps and curriculum materials are also available.

Plimoth Plantation

Plymouth, 508-746-1622

The museum shops include a Craft Center for period reproductions, two specialty food stores, a Native American shop, a children’s store and a gift shop.

U.S.S. Constitution Museum / Freedom Trail

Charlestown Navy Yard, 617-426-1812

The largest gift shop on the Freedom Trail, features illustrations and prints of "old Ironsides," naval and maritime books and posters, classic marine items such as rum-ratio cups, T-shirts, ball caps and a variety of Boston souvenirs.

6. Shopping Tips, events, tours, value programs

On & off all day: Use Old Town Trolley for your shopping transportation

Tour at your own pace! Old Town Trolley Tours allows you to get off at any of the fourteen (14) convenient stops (close to all attractions and shopping). When you are ready, just reboard and it's on with the tour. You will see and can visit... New England Aquarium, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Old State House, Historic North End, Old North Church, U.S.S. Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument, Beacon Hill, Bull and Finch (Cheers!), Boston Tea Party Ship, Newbury Street, Chinatown, and Symphony Hall. Tickets are good for two days.

When are the BIG Sales?

Boston and Cambridge offer amazing post holiday sales January-March and summer clothing sales in July and August.

When are stores open?

Although times vary with stores, most stores are open 10am – 8pm, Monday –Saturday and noon – 6pm on Sunday. Most stores are open from 10am to 7pm, Monday through Saturday. However, some remain open somewhat later, particularly those located in malls. Massachusetts laws prohibit most stores from opening before noon on Sunday and they generally close between 5pm and 6pm. We suggest calling ahead to verify hours for particular shops and stores.

Banking hours vary widely. Most banks open at 8:30 am or 9am Monday through Friday and close at either 3pm or 5pm. Some have Saturday morning hours, typically from 9am to 12 noon. However, the city is well served by an extensive networks of ATMs.

How much are sales taxes?

There is no sales tax on clothing (valued at less than $175) or food items. All other items are taxed at 5%. No sales tax on clothing- from head to toe.

Visit the Shopping destinations online before your visit

To enable visitors from around the world to "visit" shopping districts in Boston & Cambridge before they arrive, the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau’s web site www.BostonUSA.com is directly linked to the major shopping mall web sites as well as individual shops. Visit the www.BostonUSA.com web site- select "visitor" and select "shopping" from the 20 categories. There are more than 250 choices!