Photo courtesy of Lorenzo L. Sr.
One of the benefits of growing up in a small town is that, although there are a limited number of stores, they are usually large (think Walmart, Five Below, and Target). The downside to these stores is that they sell the same items, meaning you miss out on finding something rare, such as a cool vintage piece that is no longer being made.
Moving to Baltimore showed me a world filled with hidden gems I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. Beyond the local bookstores, Hampden—a neighborhood about a 20-minute shuttle ride from campus—is filled with small companies. My friend Noah is excellent at discovering interesting places to shop and, thanks to him, I’ve visited several vintage clothing stores and other unique shops in the area. Prices varied widely, from shirts for around $10 to hats for up to $30 at a store called Balto. Even so, just window shopping was fun. At one store (which unfortunately no longer exists), I came across a treasure trove of donated goods, ranging from pet supplies to an entire collection of “Gone with the Wind” memorabilia. I even got started on a modest tie selection there, after finding ties for just two dollars each.
On one of my trips with friends, I saw some truly amazing things from residents who were selling their belongings on the street. We discovered a trailer packed to the brim with books—most of which I had never heard of before. On the same day, a woman was selling vintage items, including a racing jacket I was tempted to buy—if only my wallet had let me.
The sense of community selling is strong in Hampden. Although I haven’t been yet, my friends plan to attend an “on the curb” flea market in the area. I’m not sure if there’s a specific schedule, but their Instagram page is frequently updated with upcoming market dates.
Back home, my appreciation for small stores came from their rarity. Living in Baltimore has deepened my love for them. Thanks to the niches they occupy, the clothing they offer, and, most importantly, the strong sense of community you can feel throughout the city. Without the individual contributions of residents, a lot of the charm of these small shops would be lost, really showing the powerful sense of community that shopping locally nurtures.
