Merchants A veritable “nirvana” for shopping enthusiasts, Nantucket is home to an impressive array of shops and boutiques to satisfy the most eclectic tastes, from the traditional to the whimsical. Many stores are small and independently owned, insuring that you’ll receive a rare level of personal attention while browsing for the perfect souvenir, or a fabulous gift for that special someone back home. During the island’s centenary reign as whaling capital of the world, our wharves bustled with activity and the majority of local businesses catered to the building and outfitting of ships—sperm-oil refineries, sailmakers, and cooperages—while a preponderance of shops on Centre Street were maintained by the wives of whalers, with the thoroughfare aptly dubbed “Petticoat Row.” (Many of these shops continue to be owned and operated by women.) Much manufacturing on Nantucket continues in the “made by hand” tradition, and maritime crafts remain a hallmark of the island’s mercantile scene. Nantucket’s iconic lightship baskets continue to be lovingly hand-crafted by islanders, as is the scrimshaw that carries on the centuries-old tradition brought back to the island by whalers who circumnavigated the world.
Antiques shops abound, featuring nautical pieces such as sailor’s trunks, scrimshaw, maps, paintings and lightship baskets paying homage to Nantucket’s rich maritime history. You’ll marvel at the myriad opportunities to window shop—or to purchase—a unique piece of history on this island with a past that is ever-present. Antiques Depot continues its annual tradition of sponsoring an “Antique Short Story Contest” for all ages. Visit nantucketantiquesdepot.com for further details. Peruse the following pages to explore the diversity of businesses serving the island yearround. In addition to clothing and accessories, you’ll find firewood, fishing gear, garden centers, janitorial supplies, mail order products, power equipment, thrift shops, and more!
Nantucket is also renowned for its artists and artisans, including painters, weavers, potters, jewelers and furniture makers, all of whom lovingly create one-of-a-kind heirlooms and treasures. R.H. Macy (of Macy’s department store fame) was a native Nantucketer and shopkeeper, and the innovative ideas he brought to the mainland were forged during his early on-island business years. (Macy’s distinctive red star logo was actually his tattoo.)
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