Shopping
Shop local this holiday season at these Fall River area stores and markets
With the holiday shopping season kicking into high gear, shoppers are on a quest to find unique, thoughtful gifts to share with the people that they care about.
Sometimes it can be hard to come up with ideas for something that will express the right or most meaningful sentiment, but it actually doesn’t have to be that complicated, especially if you look right in your own community.
Local businesses and shops are preparing for the oncoming holiday rush, with special, locally sourced, crafted, or themed gifts that are sure to be just the ticket for everyone on your list.
Here are just some of the places around the Greater Fall River area where you can do your holiday shopping this season:
Portugalia Marketplace, Fall River
Address: 489 Bedford St.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Portugalia Marketplace promises “Portugal, delivered to your door,” with a vast array of products covering everything from cooking ingredients, to kitchen tools, specialty drinks and sweets, and so much more.
You can sample their selection of dry goods and home goods, their showcase of Portuguese design in Artigos, and enjoy something to eat while you’re there at the cafe.
They’ve got prepared foods that you can take home as well.
And they’re gearing up for the most festive time of the year.
“As we prepare for the holidays, Portugalia will be in full festive spirit with the return of its annual Azorean Nativity and Village Life Display, throughout the month of December,” Portugalia Marketplace Vice President Michael Benevides said in an email to The Herald News.
In addition to festive displays, they’ve got some exciting events coming up, like “a book signing with PBS host and author Maria Lawton on Nov. 30 featuring her latest book, and weekend wine tastings, taking place every weekend through the end of the year,” Benevides said.
All events are free and open to the public.
Portugalia Marketplace also offers shipping nationwide, if you want to send something special to far-away loved ones.
“From all of us at Portugalia, we wish you Boas Festas and look forward to celebrating this joyous season with you!” Benevides said.
Viva Fall River Visitors Center and Shop, Fall River
Address: 38 Granite St.
Hours: Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Closed Monday
The Viva Fall River Visitors Center and Shop celebrates shopping local, with curated souvenirs and locally-made goods, while also highlighting local event information.
Viva Fall River also has a hand in putting together tons of fun local events throughout the year, like the Trolleyoke events that rolled out this year, where guests can enjoy a night of singing karaoke aboard Fall River’s restored, historic trolley, while enjoying light bites at Fall River restaurants.
“The holiday season is an incredibly important time for our local makers and a wonderful opportunity to support their creative entrepreneurial endeavors,” Executive Director of Viva Fall River Patti Rego said in an email to The Herald News. “Shopping local allows you to give gifts that tell a story and carry meaning — they’re not just presents, they’re part of the experience.”
They’ve got some special things planned this holiday season.
“This Small Business Saturday, we’re thrilled to debut our Annual Gift Guide, packed with unique ideas for everyone on your list,” Rego said. “We’re also introducing this year’s Holiday Box, ‘Feliz Natal,’ which celebrates our Portuguese heritage with food-related items from beloved local establishments like Avo’s Feast, Chaves Market, Europa Coffee Shop & Pastries, and Portugalia Marketplace. It’s the perfect hostess gift or a way to share the spirit of Fall River with loved ones near and far.”
The Fall River Historical Society Museum Shop and Boutique, Fall River
Address: 451 Rock St.
Hours: Open Nov. 25 through Dec. 30; Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Fall River Historical Society has been undergoing major renovations, but on Nov. 21, they made an announcement on their Facebook page that the Museum Shop and Boutique will be open for the holiday season.
New merchandise has arrived, plus they’ve got hand-blown ornaments, holiday-themed items, women’s accessories, jewelry, umbrellas, pashminas, scarves, and Fall River branded merchandise.
Plus, they’ve got their line of McWhirr’s candy.
FRHS members receive 10% of all items (excluding clearance merchandise).
For more information, call 508-679-1071, Ext. 105.
Patenaude Jewelers, Fall River
Address: 1473 S. Main St.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Jewelry is also a popular gift for the holiday season, so why not check out a local jewelry store?
Patenaude Jewelers has been a Fall River fixture since 1890, and they also offer cleaning and repairs, as well as custom jewelry design.
Columbia Jewelers, Fall River
Address: 60 Columbia St.
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, and Thursday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Find stunning Portuguese jewelry at Columbia Jewelers, with everything from necklaces, earrings, rings, and watches, to religious items and even items that celebrate Portuguese sport clubs.
The Portuguese Kids and ShopPortuguese.com
If you want to find something unique for everyone on your list, whether they live near or far, The Portuguese Kids and ShopPortuguese.com have tons of great finds, from food, to apparel, accessories, home goods, and more.
They’ve got seasonal promos, and they ship from coast to coast.
With Portuguese snacks and specialty products and desserts, you can find some fun gifts for the foodies on your list too.
Plus, you can grab one of their iconic JuÍzo na Cabeça T-shirts.
Buster’s Bookhouse, Somerset, traveling
Buster’s Bookhouse is a mobile bookstore, spear-headed by Somerset resident Libby Reilly.
You can find them at pop-up and other local events, selling books and bookish gifts, sure to please the readers in your life.
They’ve got e-gift cards too.
To keep up with the latest news, and to see where you can find them next, find Buster’s Bookhouse on Facebook at facebook.com/BustersBookhouse.
SOPH, Westport
Address: 875 State Rd., #10
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
SOPH has everything from clothing and accessories to gift bundles this holiday season, with sizes ranging from small to 3XL.
“People can shop in-store or online and we offer free in-store pickup,” SOPH founder Sophia Teves told The Herald News.
SOPH’s mission of size inclusivity is an “equal shopping opportunity for all,” and you can keep up with all of the latest happenings on the shop’s Instagram page, @shopsoph.ma, including events and giveaways.
Artisans Alley, Swansea
Address: 544 Milford Rd.
Hours (and updates): For the latest hours (and updates) follow Artisans Alley on Facebook
Artisans Alley features a range of artisanal goods, from printed and crochet items, to jewelry, skin care, and even 3-D printed items.
The array of goods is as varied as the vendors who rent space there.
Tiverton Four Corners
Address: 3848 Main Rd.
At Tiverton Four Corners, you can make a day of it!
With shops and galleries, you’re sure to find a little bit of everything for the people on your list.
From thrifting, to antiques, art and ceramics, furniture, home decor, garden ornaments, and even eccentric gifts, there’s a little something for every personality.
Plus, you can enjoy local events at the Four Corners Arts Center, and grab a bite at Groundswell, Four Corners Grille, and more.
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