Worcester Wares
“Shop local” takes on a powerful meaning at Worcester Wares, with locally-made gifts and souvenirs at the forefront by owner Jessica Walsh—who isn’t shy about her love for this city. She partners with other Worcester-based artists to design products that represent different points of view and styles throughout the city, with online and in-store shopping options.
C.C. Lowell Art Supply & Custom Framing
Paint brushes, decorative paper, stationery—oh my! A Pleasant Street staple, C.C. Lowell Art Supply & Custom Framing serves as a fine arts supplier, custom picture framer and art educator for children and adults alike. And for those who don’t know where to start, the crew at C.C. Lowell offers Art Adventure Packs, a simple way to explore your options and get the creative juices flowing.
Tinker's Cart (& more at Worcester Public Market)
The Tinker’s Cart brings a bit of Ireland to Central Mass., regularly gracing Worcester Public Market with Irish imports like woolens, jewelry and Guinness-inspired gear. Other women-owned spots you’ll find at the market include Girly Girl Soaps’ exfoliating scrubs, K Sense Co’s ethically-sourced gifts and Wildflower's mobile flower shop.
Crate & Howl
To honor your trustiest friend, check out Crate & Howl dog boutique. From dog walking to subscription treat boxes, the team at Crate & Howl understands the importance of family businesses and furry friendships, stocking their shelves with small batch, regionally sourced products.
Sweet Jane’s Designer Consignment
As a curated retail reseller, Sweet Jane’s is the spot for sweet designer deals. Whether you’re shopping or consigning, this adventure will bring out your inner “huntress, fashionista and style queen.”
The O Shop
Celebrate the female figure at The O Shop, a boutique specializing in sleepwear, lingerie, lounge and athletic ensembles—because confidence begins with properly fitting undergarments and cozy clothes.
Modern Muse
Vintage shoppers unite! With a passion for street style and vintage finds, owner Maria Pappas started Modern Muse with a keen eye for one-of-a-kind finds and a knowledge behind the history of each piece in the store.
Grime
For more in the clothing realm, Grime sits conveniently on the bustling Shrewsbury Street for buying, selling and trading. Here, you’re bound to find something (new or used) from every decade.
Crompton Collective
In true honor of the makers, Crompton Collective acts as a curated gift boutique celebrating local and independent creators in the space. The Crompton Collective team has “a love of old things,” and after a visit to the shop—you, too, may find a newfound appreciation for the old.
Haberdash
A women’s clothing boutique (located upstairs from sister store Crompton Collective) Haberdash now boasts three locations: Hudson, Worcester and Cape Cod. The Worcester location sits right near Polar Park, sitting pretty in Kelley Square among several other independently owned businesses.
Birch Alley
Spurred from their love of home design, the lifelong friends at Birch Alley founded a brick and mortar back in 2013 to offer custom designs and inspirations. Through building relationships, the Birch Alley team first aims to understand your design needs, then offers their expertise for your unique interior instance.
Sparkle on Park
A full-service flower shop with seven-day delivery options, the booming blooms at Sparkle on Park speak for themselves. Their beautifully curated Instagram page shows just that, plus all the ways in which these florals can be displayed.
Ed Hyder's Mediterranean Marketplace
A specialty food store in Worcester, Ed Hyder’s is primarily run by two strong female family members. This is a one-stop-shop for your travel cravings taken local, with wines, cheeses, homemade dips, marinated meats and spices. Freshly baked chips and roasting garlic welcome you as soon as you enter this Mediterranean dream.
Maker to Main
With goods crafted by local growers and makers, Owner/CEO Lynn Cheney launched Maker to Main as a “Hybrid Food Hub” designed to aggregate and transport local foods from farm to market.
Mrs. Moriconi's Ice Cream
I scream, you scream... We all scream for Mrs. Moriconi’s Ice Cream, because farm fresh dairy makes all the difference. But Mrs. Moriconi is always on the move, not bound to your traditional scoop shop. You’ll find her at places like the Shrewsbury Farmers Market and various pop-ups across the city, also offering curbside pickup at the Sprinkler Factory.
Bedlam Book Café
A quaint Worcester staple, Bedlam Book Café marries two ingenious concepts: a cool used bookstore with a rotating menu of organic juices and smoothies. Social and intellectual energy runs deep at Bedlam, courtesy of two strong owners and an endless number of visitors to the shop.
Annie’s Book Stop
Another full service bookstore (for both new and used selections) is Annie’s Book Stop, owned by longtime children’s bookseller Patricia Cryan. Sci-fi, romance, western, suspense—you name it and the Annie’s crew will point you in the right direction.
The women of Worcester really know how to run the show, and this is just the beginning for women-owned businesses in the area. Check back for additions and updates to our current running list.
