Shopping in Boston.. or San Fran?

Rose

Hi all, I have a work trip taking me to Boston, and am wondering if I should try to find some persona time to shop there? I ask because I live in an area with not great shopping opportunities near by (e.g. small Nordstroms, no H&M, no rack, etc) and high sales tax and I think I read MA has no sales tax on clothes? Is that correct? I have been saving up for a shopping trip since I travel so much for work, and I am debating if I should use my shopping savings in Boston or in San Fran where I am also traveling for work soon. I don't have a big budget, mainly I just want the variety and density of stores typical of a big city.

16 years ago

Shopping

4 replies

Latest reply was from Isabel

Dashrashi

Veteran

I prefer the shopping in SF to that in Boston--I think the major shopping district in SF is easier to navigate, and I think that quirkier shopping options are also grouped together in more convenient blocs (e.g., vintage? go to the Mission or Haight. Adorable boutiques? Consider the Marina). In Boston, there's Newbury St, but everything else is sort of all over the place. That's just my opinion, though, and I don't live in Boston-proper. Unfortunately, CA does tax clothing (and not at an insignificant rate) and MA doesn't (up to $175 I think). So I guess it's a toss-up in some respects.

16 years ago

Rose

Active Member

Thanks Dashrashi-- that is sort of my impression too having visited these cities for work a few times.

16 years ago

cciele

Veteran

Yeah, I agree with Dashrashi -- great summary!

16 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

I lived in Boston for 10 years and spent another 10 working there. I have to agree that Boston is not the best shopping place. Newbury Street and Boylston St. have great stores, but very expensive. But there is a Club Monaco, HM, Zara, and Urban Outfitters on these streets with some great stuff - no Nordstrom yet. To get to the more affordable funky stuff, as well as to Bloomingdale's , you really do need to be able to get around in a car because it is all dispersed.

So, sadly, I can't vote for Boston after reading the other posts.

16 years ago

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