Published in The News Record
Photograph Students opt to shop local, Pangaea Trading Company being a Clifton favorite.
Sep 22, 2018
With so many unique locations to shop in the Queen City, it can be hard to narrow down the best spots. But when venturing outside of major retail outlets, a few considerations are bound to arise: sustainability, price and customizability.
“The clothing industry is the second most polluting industry in the world,” said Jade Wilson, a fashion design student. “With ‘fast fashion,’ so many clothes end up in landfills.”
Avoiding traditional retailers enables small businesses to thrive, directly impacting the culture and economy of the Greater Cincinnati community. So, if you’re looking to explore the world outside of Target, here’s a few ideas to get you started:
The City Flea
The City Flea is a once-a-month local flea market that sets up shop in Washington Park. It has everything from handmade clothes to vintage furniture, jewelry, plants and artisan cuisine.
“My favorite pieces in my closet are the ones that I’ve thrifted,” said Wilson. “They have history and are more unique than the tube tops you find at Forever 21.”
Kismet
Kismet, a boutique shop in Over-the-Rhine, is another Cincinnati favorite.
From chic dresses and shoes to bralettes and tapestries, everything in Kismet is a total mood. While it’s not necessarily cheap, the shop occasionally discounts some products and features a broad range of affordable small items.
“The key to getting the best deals is to look,” said Wilson, who said she sometimes spends hours searching for the best piece out there.
Toku Baru
If you’re looking to stay close to campus, Toku Baru is the place to go.
The locally-owned shop focuses mainly on embellishments, furnishings and other aesthetic displays for homes. From journals and pens to bags and statues, this place features all the ornamental accents to make your home a compliment magnet.
The Little Mahatma
The Little Mahatma, a modest shop on Vine Street in Over-The-Rhine, is an eclectic, culturally-inspired store that offers jewelry and artifacts from all over the world.
Whether you’re seeking decorations for your room or for your body, this is a great place to find something unique. Much of the proceeds go directly to the artists and craftspeople around the globe that create the products you purchase.
If you’re looking for rings, this place is worth checking out.
Pangaea Trading Co.
Pangaea, operated by the same folks that own Toku Baru and Kismet, is a women’s clothing store located in the heart of Clifton’s gaslight district.
The shop offers beautiful dresses, shirts, shoes and more for a reasonable price. There are often sales and discounts for items.
Another reason to quit traditional retail is, naturally, the cost. Sale prices at retail outlets are often subject to heavy markups, and customers end up paying a lot for very little.
Greta Schneider, a fine arts student, said she loves finding good deals on items she can customize herself. She frequently picks up jackets with pins and patches to add to her collection.
By customizing her own apparel, Schnieder said she enjoys creating something that’s truly one of a kind.
By supporting local businesses, students can find unique pieces, avoid the ‘fast fashion’ plague and help Cincinnati thrive.
Maggy McDonel 