By: Maddie Conley, VisitErie Marketing Intern, University of Pittsburgh '25

If you are looking for a shopping day filled with remarkable local shops and hidden gems, Erie, PA is the ideal shopping destination for you! In addition to Pennsylvania having no sales tax on clothing, the Erie community prioritizes supporting local businesses to create a unique and cost-effective shopping experience. Shopping in Erie County is never mundane as there is an abundance of different local businesses, thrift shops, and vintage boutiques to choose from. Find your favorite items that speak to your style with ease while exploring a variety of stores that are close in proximity to each other.

Erie Apparel

Located in the heart of Downtown Erie’s Shops at 5^th and State is Erie Apparel: City Supply. Erie Apparel is a beloved clothing store that proudly represents the “814,” as their shops are filled with comfortable and stylish merchandise for locals and visitors alike. Erie Apparel is dedicated to showcasing many iconic Erie attractions and businesses by featuring them on a variety of apparel including drinkware, sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, and more! You can also visit their flagship location on West 12^th Street. Whether you’re visiting or an Erie native, Erie Apparel is the perfect store for finding a memento of your Erie favorites or a souvenir of your choice to remember your time visiting Erie.

Cobb’s Second Time Around Thrift Shop

Just a short drive east of The Shops at 5^th and State and Erie Apparel: City Supply is Cobb’s Second Time Around Thrift Shop. Cobb’s is an especially unique thrift shop as it offers three full levels to explore. From gently used retro furniture, to discounted clothing, and beautiful décor, Cobb’s has unique finds that will certainly add character to your home and wardrobe. Alongside having a variety of intricate antique furniture to shop from, some exciting finds include beautiful glass dinnerware and vases, shelves filled with vinyl records from classic musicians, and quality kitchen appliances. Whether you are looking to revamp or add new additions to your home, each floor is filled with one-of-a-kind finds and impressive deals that will have you wanting to come back for more great shopping!

Presque Isle Consignment

If you are looking for unique furniture, home décor, and appliances at a discounted price, Presque Isle Consignment is a must-stop shop for you! As you head west in Erie County toward Presque Isle State Park, you will find a broad assortment of luxury goods such as chic, quality furniture and home décor to spruce up spaces in your home. Presque Isle Consignment also offers a wide selection of jewelry to shop from. If you are lucky, you may even stumble upon designer brands like Tiffany and Co.

The Shops at the Colony

Located less than a mile away from Presque Isle Consignment is The Shops at the Colony. This shopping plaza has plenty of parking availability, so you can easily park and begin your retail therapy. You are guaranteed to have a successful shopping day here, as there are over 20 locally-owned boutiques, shops, and cafés within walking distance from each other to explore!  

Allen Stoneware Gallery is shop that has the best of both worlds—shopping and creating! As you enter the shop, you will find an incredible gallery of locally-created art pieces that are available for purchase. If you are feeling inspired, you can even craft your own piece of pottery in one of their classes. To book a class, click here.

As you stroll down The Shops at the Colony, you may also smell irresistible wafts of gourmet popcorn! The Original Popcorn House is a local treasure that offers an abundant selection of sweet and savory popcorn flavors. They have over 25 unique flavors to satisfy every type of craving possible, from indulgent Carmel Tuxedo, to classic Movie Theater Butter, and savory Smokey Cheddar Bacon.

Other fun shops to visit include Inside the Jelly Jar & New Beginnings—a kid friendly shop, with a wide selection of educational toys and games, A la Carte—a shop that has everything from stylish clothing, to glamourous jewelry, to cute knickknacks, and Lollie & Co.—a couture clothing shop, fit for all styles. Each of these local stores are perfect for finding unique souvenirs or adding a new staple piece to your closet.

You can conclude your shopping day by re-energizing with a coffee from Brewhaha or having a refreshing pressed juice from the Juice Jar.

Village West Plaza

Also located on Erie’s west side is a small, yet impressive collection of shops called Village West Plaza. This shopping area offers the perfect blend of locally owned clothing stores, art and candy shops, and outstanding restaurants. Similar to The Shops at the Colony, Village West Plaza has adequate parking available and the shops are in close proximity to each other, which makes for an ideal shopping day!

Before you begin your shopping day, fuel up at Butch’s Place Family Restaurant. This is an iconic breakfast spot that offers top-notch entrées. Their specialty breakfast items include a Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast made with homemade cream cheese, topped with a fresh strawberry glaze. They also offer a best-selling savory Crab Cake Eggs Benedict. This is an excellent breakfast place for visitors to try!

After you finish eating breakfast, become a DIY master at Board & Brush Creative Studio, where you can create your own personalized wood sign at one of their workshop sessions. If you’re looking to purchase instead of create, look no further than Lake Erie Variety. This is a new, local business that sells custom laser cut and engraved creations. In addition to creating engraved wooden products, Lake Erie Variety partners with the Erie Bubble Company to create Erie imprinted bubble bars, bath bombs, and soaps and much more!

If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, every candy lover’s dream is fulfilled at Lake Erie Candy Company. Lake Erie Candy Company is a locally owned one-of-a-kind candy shop that creates their own beach glass candy. From sugary candy to delectable chocolates, Lake Erie Candy Company gives you the perfect treat to indulge in by the lake – right on theme!