Downtown Greenwich, CT, Shopping District: 21 Top Stores

shoe shopping in a greenwich avenue store in the downtown greenwich, ct, shopping districtGreenwich, CT, is a wonderful getaway destination for a wide variety of reasons.

 

The unique atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, great dining, and quaint town streets all combine to create the perfect environment for a relaxing stay away from the stresses of everyday life.

 

There are many activities to take part in while you’re in Greenwich, including going to the beach, hiking, biking, horseback riding and shopping. For some of the best shopping in Greenwich, CT, you don’t have to stray far from Stanton House Inn.

 

Here are a few of our favorite picks for places to go shopping in Greenwich, CT.

 

In order of distance from Stanton House Inn, our downtown Greenwich, CT, inn:


Map design by Stanton House Inn using resources from Flaticon.com | Updated: December 5, 2022

Greenwich Shopping District Stores near Greenwich Avenue

Whether you’re shopping for clothing and accessories or a special gift for someone, the best places to go shopping in Greenwich, CT will have just what you’re looking for. Downtown Greenwich is our major shopping district, and offers some of the best choices for shopping on Greenwich Avenue and nearby.

 

 

It’s one of the most iconic things to do on your birthday in Connecticut if you’re a shopping aficionado.

simon pearce in front of the second congregational church steeple, one of the best stores near greenwich avenue in the downtown greenwich, ct, shopping district1. Navy Lobster

This gift store sits with a cluster of stores nestled in the middle of the Fourth Ward neighborhood.

 

A brief walk from Stanton House Inn will give you access to Navy Lobster, a beautiful gift shop.

 

Mary Beth, owner of Navy Lobster, curates her little shop with unique finds from around the globe. It’s a perfect place to find an interesting house warming or host gift.

 

2. Patrick Mele

Local designer, Patrick Mele, graduated from Greenwich High School a few years ahead of this writer.

 

And his little shop in the Fourth Ward neighborhood is a delightful place to peruse.

 

His style is a mix of high style and joyful exuberance, with an eye for bold patterns and colors.

3. Pinky of Greenwich

Pinky of Greenwich is home to amazing collections of women’s clothing and accessories. Their philosophy brings shoppers an array of clothing that is on trend, yet traditional and timeless. Not only are the clothes and accessories fabulous, but the personalized customer service is second to none!

4. Splurge

While you’re shopping in Greenwich, CT, be sure to stop by Splurge on Lewis Street to get the perfect gift for the special people in your life. They carry Greenwich-themed gifts as well as home decor, jewelry, apparel, and things for kids and teens. Even if you’re not sure what you want, it’s a great place to uncover unique Connecticut gift ideas.

 

5. Amina Rubinacci

Amina Rubinacci is a fashion house, and a gem among the topmost clothing brands. Recognized as “The Queen of Wool”, the store delivers some of the best woolen garments, all enveloped in sheer Italian elegance. It also stores an amazing collection of signature blouses, tops, tees, and several other apparel.

 

The Amina Rubinacci brand offers top-class Italian clothing and accessories to fashion fanatics. Founded in Naples, it is one of the most iconic fashion houses around the world. And you can find their collection right on Lewis Street.

 

6. Greenwich Exchange for Women’s Work

The Exchange for Women’s Work recently celebrated their 120th anniversary.

 

Situated on a cute little house on Sherwood Place, the Exchange is a marketplace for specialty food, fine handiwork, and unusual gifts. Local women artisans produce much of the merchandise.

 

While they’re known for baby gifts, there’s plenty more to find here.

 

7. McArdle’s

McArdle’s of Greenwich is the wonder house for all gardeners, bringing the Green to Greenwich since 1910. A short walk from Greenwich Avenue, it offers the best floral arrangements for various:

  • Events
  • Festivals
  • Parties
  • And other occasions

McArdle’s brings only the best blossoms to its customers. The store hosts an award-winning floral department. Their work tops some of the most innovative and talented designers in the country.

 

Whether you’re:

  • An avid gardener
  • Looking for the perfect bouquet
  • Or want to enjoy a verdant landscape

A visit to McArdle’s is delightful, anytime of year.

 

read more on downtown greenwich ct shopping district stores

8. Sophia’s Costume Rentals

One of the more unique stores in the Cos Cob shopping district, Sophia’s Costume Rentals have a broad selection of high-end costumes for sale or rent. This is the place to go for accessories or quality costumes, or get help with ideas from the friendly staff.

 

12 Places to Go Shopping in Greenwich, CT on Greenwich Avenue

 

Often referred to as “The Ave” by locals, Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich, Connecticut, is a historic street that has been the pulse of the town for centuries. Hundreds of years ago, when the town was founded, The Ave was a simple muddy road called Piping Lane. The road that once epitomized small-town Americana is a world-renowned shopping district today!

 

And the top of Greenwich Avenue is only a 7-minute walk away from Stanton House Inn.

 

Below, we’ve compiled some of the best things to do when you take a stroll here.

 

For a preview of all the shops and restaurants along Greenwich Avenue, including ones we don’t mention here, check out this drive along the Ave from top to bottom:

 

  1. Out of the Box

Out of the Box is located at the top of the Avenue and focuses on dresses, sportswear, and accessories for women. It has gained a local reputation as one of the best Greenwich Avenue clothing stores to poke around, as you never know what you’ll find there! The ladies of my family (among many Greenwich locals) are fans of the jewelry sold there, but they often take advantage of the store’s penchant for having a good eye for quality clothing and accessories that suit contemporary styles for every season. Out of the Box also designs custom items by appointment. It’s normally the first store my stylish sisters visit during the Sidewalk Sales every July.

 

2. Manfredi Jewels

Manfredi Jewels has been in business since 1988.  It is one of the first Greenwich Avenue stores you encounter from the Inn on the second block of the Ave as you enter the street from the Post Road. The business was begun by Roberto Chiappelloni with hopes of diffusing his enthusiasm for timepieces into the local Greenwich community. While I cannot say whether Manfredi was successful in his goal, the store has certainly gained a local reputation for high-quality pieces, excellent personalized service, and a willingness and ability to fix any piece or create custom pieces. Even visitors to the store who make it clear they are simply browsing are still treated with the utmost respect and an idea of how passionate the members of Manfredi Jewels are about their product. The store is beautiful inside and is well worth a visit!

 

3. Vineyard Vines

While Vineyard Vines is a chain, it started here in Greenwich. The founders both attended Brunswick School together.

 

4. Hoagland’s of Greenwich

Hoagland’s is of course not unique to Greenwich. But this high-end home goods store is always beautiful to explore, whether looking for something specific for your home or not. While items here are not inexpensive, the quality of what’s on sale and the expert staff make it worth a visit.

 

5. Saks Fifth Avenue

Whether you’re just planning to window shop or hope to buy your next favorite item, a trip to Saks is a must when you’re in the area. Plus, when you stay at Stanton House Inn, you’ll be just a short 5-minute drive from all the retail therapy at Saks Fifth Avenue you’ll ever need!

 

betteridge greenwich on greenwich avenue, one of the best stores in the downtown greenwich, ct, shopping district6. Betteridge Jewelers

Whether you’re searching for a breathtaking birthday gift, planning a romantic anniversary surprise, or treating yourself to something beautiful, Betteridge Jewelers in Greenwich, Connecticut has everything you’re looking for and more. Founded in 1897, Betteridge is one of America’s most historic family-owned jewelers and the Betteridge name has been synonymous with fine jewelry for centuries.

 

And check our guide to the most romantic restaurants in Connecticut, while you’re at it.

 

Just in case.

 

7. Lynnens

Lynnens is a high-end luxury linen shop located next to the Town Green and almost across the street from the Greenwich Senior Center (or old Town Hall). Lynne Jenkins has been running Lynnens since 1980 and prides herself and her business for the best quality American-made and international soft goods she stocks as well as the business’s highly-rated customer service. Be sure to visit Greenwich and find-out why Lynnens was awarded the Home Fashions Products Association Retailer of the Year Award in 2003!

 

8. Peserico

 

As with all things Italian, Peserico has a completely unique perspective on fashion. And you can experience its unique focus at 279 Greenwich Avenue. Started at the Olivetti Shop in Venice, it’s not your typical clothing line. Designed for both men and women, this store is a one-stop shop for all fashion enthusiasts. Serving fashionistas traversing the globe, it is the perfect store to find Italian-made products.

 

9. The Tobacconist of Greenwich

The Tobacconist of Greenwich is a unique store. If you need somewhere to relish a fine cigar, this is the place to go on Greenwich Avenue. They sell the finest cigars from around the world, all in easy reach.

 

Just be sure to smoke your purchases at least 20 feet away from the Inn and public outdoor spaces, if you decide to bring any back with you.

 

10. Restoration Hardware

The next, most recent addition to this list of Greenwich shopping is Restoration Hardware. Restoration Hardware has been on the Avenue for years, but it has certainly taken advantage of its newer digs in the historic Post Office building. Filling a very prominent building vacated shortly before by the United State Postal Service, the original tenant, it was beautifully restored before it re-opened. The store is beautiful even to just wander around and admire. The various levels of the building offer plenty of opportunities to appreciate both the home furnishings and the excellent job of restoration performed on the building.

 

11. Petticoat Lane

Petticoat Lane is one of the few non-chain stores on Greenwich Avenue, and it’s been there forever. While the main focus of this boutique shop is lingerie, it’s also perfect for gifts, swimwear, and inexpensive handbags.

 

12. Richards

Richards of Greenwich is a great department store featuring all the best designers in women and men’s apparel, shoes, and jewelry. One of the most well-known Greenwich Avenue stores, this is one of the best places to go shopping in Greenwich, CT due to the amazing selection and the personalized service provided.

 

13. Michaelangelo

Way down at the bottom of the Ave is Michaelangelo, which an old, established, locally-owned and operated business selling silver and metal items. This is where to go for metal engraving work, even rush engraving orders.

 

More of the Best Things to Do on Greenwich Avenue

Shopping isn’t the only thing to do on Greenwich Avenue. It’s also the place to go for dining in downtown Greenwich, and Greenwich in general, for that matter.

 

Greenwich Avenue Restaurants

After some much-needed retail therapy, satisfy your appetite with a taste of Greenwich Avenue! There are so many delicious downtown Greenwich restaurants along The Ave for you to try. Here, you’ll discover an eclectic mix of cuisine including authentic Italian at Mediterraneo and Terra Ristorante. You’ll also find a variety of French restaurants and Indian eateries. If you’re in the mood for lighter fare, stop by Steam. These spots serve some vegan- and vegetarian-friendly dishes made with fresh, locally grown ingredients. Wash it all down with a glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail from Harvest Wine Bar.

 

Or finish the trek down Greenwich Avenue until it becomes Steamboat Road. Caddy-cornered to the Bruce Museum, overlooking Greenwich Harbor, is L’Escale Restaurant. Its position makes it a top pick for waterfront restaurants in Greenwich.

 

Your taste buds will thank you!

 

More Attractions Near Greenwich Avenue

greenwich harbor is close to the stores on greenwich avenue and the downtown greenwich, ct, shopping districtGreenwich Avenue is at the center of the Greenwich Avenue Historic District, as the name implies. From a historical standpoint, there are plenty of historical Connecticut points of interest along the Ave, to name a few:

  • Old Town Hall, now the Greenwich Senior Center and headquarters of the Greenwich Arts Council
  • Greenwich Town Commons
  • The Post Office Building
  • Havemeyer Building, originally a public school and now the Board of Education
  • Saint Mary’s Church

Be sure to visit the Greenwich Historical Society, situated in nearby Cos Cob, to learn even more about Greenwich history.

Equinox

For a great workout during your trip, head to Equinox Gym on Old Track Road where you can break a sweat with pilates, yoga, or an intense personal training session. After a rejuvenating workout, finish the day with a massage at the full-service spa. The gym is an easy 10-minute walk from Greenwich Avenue!

Bruce Museum

Also located near Greenwich Avenue is the historic Bruce Museum. Built in 1853, the museum features permanent exhibits, rotating exhibitions, annual events, and even a gift shop. We recommend spending your morning shopping on The Ave and taking a tour of the museum in the afternoon. There’s no better way to spend the day!

 

Even more shopping near Greenwich, Connecticut

Want to keep the retail high going?

 

Head to some of the most unique shopping spots close to downtown Greenwich:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy shopping!

 


Updated and republished December 5, 2022