Blog post by Holly Herdman of Block Island Marketplace.
2020 has been a year of firsts for many of us; Our day to day lives have changed, the usual and traditional summer plans were altered or canceled, and many of us were not able to experience and explore the Block Island we know and love. With the holidays on their way and the annual Holiday Stroll cancelled, online shopping has become more prevalent than ever.
Traditionally, Block Island has been a place to shop in person; A place to see your favorite shop owners, browse the shelves and clothing racks while chatting about your winter and what is new around the Island. This year, more Island artists and shop owners have joined the world of ecommerce to bring Block Island to you.
Now you have more of an opportunity to do your Christmas shopping safely from home and still get your favorite trinkets and artisan treasures to share with the ones you love!
“Who's online”, you ask? Let's break it down A-Z!
Block Island Marketplace is a new website to connect shoppers with local artists selling handcrafted items. All available products are one of a kind, constantly changing, and crafted with love of the island.
https://www.blockislandmarketplace.com/
Adrift Eco Boutique has great clothing and accessories focused on being sustainably and ethically made. https://adriftbi.com/
BlockDuck has a collection of comfortable clothing and accessories in their original BlockDuck designs. https://www.blockduck.com/
Block Island Coffee sells various sustainably sourced and island roasted coffees and coffee beans. https://blockislandcoffee.com/
Block Island Day Dreams sells shirts designed with love on the shores of Block Island and printed locally in little Rhodey. https://www.blockislanddaydreams.com
Block Island Fishworks added a shop to their website for Block Island face masks, hats, and t-shirts, including new 2020 designs. https://www.sandypointco.com/shop
Block Island Sport Shop has all of your outdoor apparel and product needs with a broad selection and the best brands. https://blockislandsport.com/
B.I. Tees, Solstice, and True North Outfitters has a combined website to feature all of B.I. Tees’ custom designed t-shirts, Solstice’s unique gifts, and even hand blow glass by Eben Horton, creator of the Glass Float Project. https://bitees.com/
Block Island Trading Company has the largest selection of Block Island paraphernalia available online or in store. https://blockislandtradingcompany.com/
Blvck Market is a unique boutique with original clothing and jewelry styles designed on Island and made with exotic materials from around the world. https://www.blvckmarket.com/
Diamond Blue Surf Shop allows you to shop top clothing and accessories brands while planning family activities for next summer’s vacation. https://diamondbluebi.com/
DOCK is a woodworking business started by an Island native who makes boards, furniture, and custom items. https://www.dock-bi.com/
East of the River Nile is completely online now with their entire collection of jewelry, handbags, books, clothing, and more from around the world. https://eastoftheriverniletradingcompany.com/
Island Bound Bookstore has a large collection of literature for all ages including best sellers, Block Island books and activities, e-books, and can even do special ordering. https://www.islandboundbookstore.com/
Island Mist Natural Products is an all-natural skin care line hand-crafted on Island using high quality Island resources. 100% plant based and free of chemicals, dyes, and synthetic fragrances. https://islandmistnaturalproducts.com/
Littlefield Bee Farm sells Block Island honey, cinnamon honey, honey mustard, and beeswax candles on their site. http://www.blockislandhoney.com/
Mar Mar Boutique sells handcrafted jewelry by over 30 local artists as well as the famous BLOCKSTAR products. https://www.marmarboutique.com/
Mary MacGill Studio has an eclectic selection of high-end jewelry, clothing, accessories, books, textiles, and more. https://www.marymacgill.com/
Marye-Kelley has numerous options for handmade and customizable gifts and household decor to make the perfect holiday presents. https://www.marye-kelley.com/
Minnow is a new store on the Island selling kids games, crafts, and activities. Their website is new, so check back for new products regularly. https://minnow02807.com/
Mutt Hut carries lots of great brand’s dog supplies and their online shop has Block Island exclusive pet items for your pups, grandpups, and fur friends. http://www.mutthutbi.com/
North Light Fibers sells handcrafted yarns made 100% on Block Island as well as beautiful designs created to reflect the Island. https://northlightfibers.com/
Photo Dog now sells their collection of handmade signs, picture frames, ornaments, and other home decor items online. https://www.thephotodogartgallery.com/
Pop On The Block has a selection of their gourmet popcorn and other treats available on their website. https://popontheblock.com/
Royal Jewelers offers Block Island designs and royal fine finds that you can buy right on their website to add to your Block Island jewelry collection. https://www.jennifersjewelry.org/
Salty Dog has their Fish The World clothing and sticker designs available online, as well as Yeti drinkware. https://fishtheworld.us/
Seas Mtns Co is a small creative photography studio based on Block Island that sells framed prints and cards. https://seasmtnsco.pic-time.com/art
Traveling Seamstress sells handmade and hand-dyed clothing accessories that have a constantly evolving offering of items. https://www.travelingseamstress.com/etsy-shop
Wild Flowers Boutique is a shop dedicated to extending island style far beyond the Island. Shop clothing, accessories, and decor to bring the Island home. https://www.wildflowersbi.com/
While many stores do not have an online checkout option, you can browse their websites and contact them to place an order. Some of those include:
D. Chatowsky Art Gallery https://www.dchatowskyartgallery.com/
Golddiggers https://www.blockislandgolddiggers.com/
Jessie Edwards Gallery https://jessieedwardsgallery.com/
Malcolm Greenaway Gallery http://www.malcolmgreenaway.com/
My Oyster https://myoysterbi.com/
Spring Street Gallery https://www.springstreetgallery.com/
If you don’t see your favorite store listed, find them on social media or contact them directly. You may still be able to order from them and have the items shipped to you!
Remember, shop small this holiday season. Shop local to support your community and those around you so they can be around to serve you again, in person, next Spring!