Portland Maine Shopping Guide
The roots of Portland, Maine's storied lineage as a thriving trade port are still very much alive in every cranny of culture and community of the growing town. From the scenic landscapes to the fabled cuisine, the inspiration of the coastline and access to the imports of expansive regions bestow benefits that the creative New England community put to good use. The unique and diverse influences that shape the city are undeniable and on display in an assortment of businesses that have combined to create an unparalleled destination for every type of traveler, including those with a love of retail recreation!
The melting pot of Portland's historical evolution may be at its most evident in the string of Portland's shops and boutiques. The combined contributions of French-Canadian, European, Spanish, and Eastern cultures blend with the maritime vibe to inspire a treasure trove of original merchandise from home decor and antiques to clothing and accessories, as well as handmade crafts, one-of-a-kind jewelry, regional specialty foods, and more.
The Old Port District is the hub of Portland's retail range, and home to a wide range of innovative, original locally-made and imported goods. Unique boutiques, galleries, and cafes housed in revitalized industrial warehouses and historic 19th century brick structures line the charming cobblestone streets, creating a stroll-able, quaint community by day that comes alive with the hubbub of popular pubs, breweries, and cocktail bars at night alongside the vibrant Casco Bay. Beyond the Old Port, you can find Portland's best shopping opportunities clustered within the Congress Street, Commercial Street, and Middle Street square - or just refer to our list below!
Abacus Gallery
44 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 772-4880 • https://abacusgallery.com
Browse a wealth of unique, inspired gifts, including handcrafted jewelry, decor, prints, and home goods. Founded in Boothbay Harbor in 1971, Abacus Gallery now has five locations on the Maine coast, including one in Portland’s Old Port district.
Allen and Walker Antiques
684 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 772-8787 • https://maineantiques.org
This eclectic antique shop is open year-round “by chance or by appointment” in the heart of downtown Portland. Specializing in Asian imports, but also offering modern European art and home furnishings.
Art Mart
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/ArtMartMaine
517 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 775-4244 • http://www.artmartmaine.com
If your visit to coastal Maine leaves you feeling creatively inspired, pop into The Art Mart on Congress Street across from the Maine College of Art. This “Best of Portland” art supplies store offers a wide selection of reasonably priced supplies for hobbyists, students, and pros alike!
Asia West Warehouse
128 Cassidy Point Dr., Portland, ME 04102 • (207) 775-0066 • http://www.asiawest.net
Established in 1992, Asia West is a direct importer and purveyor of home and garden furnishings, textiles, gifts, antiques, and global treasures from countries like India, Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam, and Indonesia for resale from their expansive location in downtown Portland.
Bliss Boutiques
58 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 879-7125 • https://www.blissboutiques.com
With two locations in Portsmouth, NH and Portland’s Old Port District, Bliss Boutiques is at the forefront of trends and fashion! Regardless of the season or your style of choice, Bliss promises a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that will leave every woman feeling stylish, beautiful, and unique.
Blue Lobster
177 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 805-1888 • https://www.facebook.com/thebluelobsterllc
Specializing in Maine gifts, souvenirs, and apparel, this family owned and operated gift shop doubles as a tour company, sharing local merchandise as well as valuable insight!
Cool as a Moose
388 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 774-4515 • https://www.coolasamoose.com
When you’re in search of cool gifts with a New England flair, Cool as a Moose is the only way to go! Featuring Maine-centric apparel, gifts, and souvenirs since 1986, Cool as a Moose has three locations in the state at Brunswick, Bar Harbour, and Portland. Named the 2011 Maine Merchant of the year!
Cotton Garden of Portland
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/cottongardenofportland
55 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 874-0444 • https://www.cottongarden.com
Timeless fashions for women, juniors, children, and infants including branded clothing lines and coordinated accessories such as scarves, hats, gloves, jewelry, handbags, and sunglasses.
David Wood Clothiers
229 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 773-3906 • http://www.davidwood.com
Find your own distinguished Portland style at this traditional haberdashery and men's shop offering custom suits, casualwear, and accessories with personalized, professional service since 1978.
Earthbound Trading Company
22 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 553-2305 • https://www.earthboundtrading.com
What started a quarter of a century ago as a rock and mineral shop has now grown in product and purpose to provide an array of eco-conscious, earthy products from bohemian fashion to eclectic gifts and home decor.
Edgecomb Potters
145 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 780-6727 • https://www.edgecombpotters.com
Family owned and operated since its 1976 founding in a little red schoolhouse in Edgecomb, Edgecomb Potters has expanded to Portland, offering distinct, high-quality, handcrafted pottery by local artists, inspired by the unique natural landscapes and culture of coastal Maine. Also offering unique jewelry, glass, metal and wood art.
Folia
50 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 761-4432 • https://www.foliajewelry.com
Folia’s Edith Armstrong has been creating custom jewelry for more than 25 years in this high-end Old Port jewelry store and design studio where “fine craftsmanship meets innovative concepts in goldsmithing”.
Lisa Marie's Made in Maine
35 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 828-1515 • https://lisamariesmadeinmaine.com
Lisa Marie’s has been a Portland mainstay for more than 15 years, offering one-of-a-kind products created by over 400 Maine artisans and craftsmen. Products include pottery, jewelry, glassware, photography, artwork, children’s items, and specialty foods.
Maine Potters Market
376 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 774-1633 • https://www.mainepottersmarket.com
This spacious gallery in the Old Port District has served as an outlet for the wares of Maine-based potters since 1978. Featuring original, handmade decorative ceramics, including dishes, vases, and more, the Maine Potters Market is a cooperative, owned and operated by local artisans.
Mexicali Blues
10 Moulton St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 773-9099 • https://www.mexicaliblues.com
Groovy, hippie boutique offering original accessories, exotic home goods, boho clothing from recycled silk wrap skirts to classic tie dyes, and handmade gifts from around the world, as well as their own custom line of self-branded clothing, jewelry, accessories, home decor, and gifts.
Motifs
221 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 518-9494 • https://shopmotifs.com
Voted best store in the Old Port by readers of the Maine Sunday Telegram, Motifs is an eclectic mix of style, humor, and fun in a friendly, social setting. Shop clothing, jewelry, hats, scarves, candles, perfumes, home decor, gifts, and so much more in a classic French flea market locale. As they say, “Motifs is a place to browse, laugh, and linger”.
Portland Dry Goods
235 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 699-5575 • https://portlanddrygoods.com
Sophisticated shop carrying designer casual apparel, shoes, and accessories for both men and women seeking a discerning New England style. High-quality, curated product lines from smaller brands based in the USA as well as England, Portugal, Ireland, and Japan.
Portland Flea-for-All
585 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 370-7570 • http://portlandfleaforall.com
This funky market is home to more than 50 vendors offering a vast array of antique furniture, retro clothing, vintage jewelry, classic vinyl, and more from various vendors. The Flea For All has repeatedly been voted the best local furniture store and best place for vintage and antiques. New vendors every week!
Portland Trading Co.
83 Market St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 899-0228 • https://www.portlandtradingco.com
Portland Trading Co. is a modern general store with a New England twist. Located in the Old Port District, this is a great spot for finding stylish clothing, accessories, footwear, homegoods, and vintage items - for yourself, or to gift!
Renys Department Store
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/RenysAMaineAdventure
540 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 553-9061 • https://www.renys.com
The epitome of New England tradition for 70 years, Renys has 17 locations across the state of Maine, including one in Portland. Renys truly is an everything store, with a sense of adventure at its core and the nature of Maine in its heart. Many locals hold to the idea that “if Renys doesn‘t have it, I don’t need it!”
Shipwreck & Cargo
207 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 828-8065 • http://www.shipwreckandcargo.com
Situated along the waterfront of Casco Bay, Shipwreck & Cargo is considered to be the first retail store on the waterfront. Enjoy the variety of unusual and hard to find products - many with distinct marine and nautical themes.
Simply Scandinavian
19 Temple St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 874-6768 • https://simplyscandinavian.business.site
Simply Scandinavian is Maine's full-service Scandinavian importer, offering traditional and modern products hand-selected from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Thoughtful gifts for men, women, and children, from home goods to specialty foods.
Stonewall Kitchen Company Store
182 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 879-2409 • https://www.stonewallkitchen.com
Located in the Old Port, the Stonewall Kitchen Company Store carries signature culinary products, home and kitchen accessories and thoughtful gifts. Cooking classes and tastings are regular occurrences here, and they pair well with this foodie-centric shopping experience!
Vena's Fizz House
345 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 747-4901 • https://venasfizzhouse.com
Craft soda and cocktail bar with retail shop featuring housemade craft sodas and artisanal beverages incorporating bitters and other uniquely nostalgic ingredients, like shrubs and switchels.The retail shop offers specialty cocktail and mocktail ingredients, vintage glassware, coasters, and more.
Venn + Maker
65 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101 • (207) 835-0590 • https://vennandmaker.com
Venn + Maker combines the best of Maine and Europe with thoughtfully curated product lines that are interesting, useful, and unique in housewares, apparel, and art.
If you plan to venture out and explore the area a bit, make sure to add South Portland and Freeport to your shopping list. Just about ten minutes from the center of Portland, The Maine Mall in South Portland is the largest shopping center in the state, with more than 140 shops and restaurants. About 20-25 minutes north of Portland in Freeport, you can find dozens of outlet shops as well as the flagship L.L.Bean store, offering everything you need to explore the outdoors safely and in style.