While researching local shopping destinations for this “Shop Local” edition of South Jersey Local, we had a question: where would someone go to find just the right gift for that person in their lives whose tastes run a bit more toward the…unconventional?
Luckily for us, and for those shoppers, there are plenty of unusual specialty shops all around our region. We won’t go so far as to call these shops “weird,” but the first store on our list already calls themselves that, so we didn’t have to!
The shop is Collingsweird, and as of this writing, they haven’t opened just yet. But just in time for the holidays, they have a planned grand opening date of Nov. 15 for their store on Haddon Ave. in Collingswood, where you’ll find fun and unique items, all created by local artists. You’ll find T-shirts, stickers, home decor, prints and much much more. This foray into a “brick and mortar” shop is just the latest venture for the Collingsweird folks, as they’ve been organizing markets for some of these same artists for the past few years. Their next “Collingsweird Holiday Bizarre” will be held at the Collingswood Grand Ballroom on Sun., Dec. 14.
If you’re looking for a similar vibe, just a little further north, you can check out Creepella’s Posh Pit & Dizzy Edge Records on High Street in Burlington City, who call themselves a “Local Mom & Pop Goth/Punk/Alt Shop.”
Here you’ll find a great selection of alternative music, art, clothing, collectibles, and more.
Next we head back to Camden County to take a look at Venus Moon – a “Metaphysical Meeting Space & Crystal Warehouse” – located on Chestnut St. in Glendora. Think of Venus Moon as a spiritual superstore where you can find an incredibly large collection of crystals for sale along with many other items to help guide you along your spiritual journey. They also offer a number of classes, readings and events on a regular basis, so be sure to check out their website and follow them on social media if that particular brand of spirituality speaks to you.
Finally, we journey to Absecon in Atlantic County, where you’ll find Oddball Vintage right on New Jersey Avenue. Here you’ll find a well-curated collection of items and vendors, where they say they’ve “got your quirky cravings covered.” The shop also periodically hosts events like open mic nights and outdoor flea markets, so if you’re looking for something kitschy for a gift or for yourself this holiday season, you should definitely check them out online and visit their shop if you’re in the area.
Collingsweird
679 Haddon Avenue
Collingswood
www.colingsweird.com
Creepella’s Posh Pit & Dizzy Edge Records
243 High Street
Burlington City
www.dizzyandcreep.com
Venus Moon
234 Chestnut Street
Glendora
www.thevenusmoon.com
Oddball Vintage
135 New Jersey Avenue
Absecon
www.oddballvintagenj.com