Spot The Sales: Best Places to Shop In New England For Black Friday

Shopaholics and frugal spenders alike can agree on one thing: some of those post-Turkey day deals are just too good to pass up. If you’ve exhausted all your backyard shopping options on Black Fridays past, don’t fret — New England is chock-full of specialty stores, shopping centers, and outlet malls to help you blaze a fresh trail towards red-hot deals for Black Friday (or any other day that you’re in the market for a shopping extravaganza).

Best Places to Shop In New England For Black Friday

For Tax-Free Shopping: Merrimack, New Hampshire

It doesn’t get much better than a day of sensational sales sans tax. Merrimack Premium Outlets in southeast New Hampshire is a shopping staple in New England — with over 100 stores that see everything from women’s and men’s fashions to home goods, you won’t have to venture far to cross off every item on your shopping list. Merrimack is conveniently located right on the Everett Turnpike, leading south into eastern Mass. — perfect for a pit stop or detour during a Bay State getaway.

For Clothes Shopping By The Sea: Kittery, Maine

Not to be outdone, the famous Kittery Outlets are a must-hit on a Maine visit. Almost all of the stores here are apparel or accessory-based, from big names like Aeropostale and American Eagle to lesser-known brands unique to the outlets, such as The Maine Collection (where you’ll also encounter specialty Maine-made gifts). The outlets in Kittery present the perfect opportunity to pair some holiday shopping (or any type of shopping, really) with a getaway to one of southern Maine’s best resorts or to the New Hampshire seacoast (Kittery is located right on the border).

For A Green Mountain Goodie Bag: Stowe, Vermont

Maple syrup, cozy flannels, hand-carved wooden moose… Vermont is a prime spot to snag your stocking-stuffers. Grab all your Green Mountain gifts in one go in downtown Stowe, where you’ll find Vermont specialties that include (but are far from limited to) fresh-off-the-farm treats at Cabot Cheese, shiny new ski gear at Stowe Sports, and a variety of souvenirs from mugs to cutting boards at the Stowe Mercantile Country Store.

For Nautical Gifts: Downtown Old Saybrook, Connecticut

If you’re on the hunt for something to please your maritime-loving friend or family member, set sail to downtown Old Saybrook. With specialty shops like The Little Gift Shoppe, Swag, and Eclectiques Coastal Whimsical Decor, you won’t have any problem piling up those little lighthouse paperweights, boat calendars, and custom-made nautical knick-knacks.

For Inspired Artwork: Newport, Rhode Island

Art aficionados will have trouble parting ways with Newport — downtown is stuffed to the brim with eclectic paintings, pottery, and artisan crafts. Many of these treasures stay true to Rhode Island’s nautical nature, such as the glass sculptures at Anchor Bend Glassworks or the naval hangings at Art on Spring (there’s nothing fishy about them).

For Unexpected Treasures: Salem, Massachusetts

You probably know Salem as the harrowing home of New England’s spookiest attractions, reminiscent of the 1692 witch trials — but the ghostly goods don’t disappear after Halloween. Shop spells, herbs, potions, and other quirky novelties at “witch stores” like Crow Haven Corner and Old World Witchery, or grab some more-conventional Salem souvenirs at Coon’s Card & Gift Shop.

No matter which shopping spot in New England speaks to you, be sure to make a reservation at an inn or resort close by. After all, when you shop ‘til you drop in New England, you’ll need a place to… you know, drop.