Shopping in Manchester: Independent Shops Worth a Stop

Manchester is the most populous city in New Hampshire, and it sits on the Merrimack River in the southern part of the state. Most visitors know it for its mill buildings, its arena and its restaurants, but the city also rewards anyone who comes to browse. If you are planning a day of shopping in Manchester NH, the best finds tend to be in independent stores, each focused on one thing and run by people who know that thing well.

This guide skips the malls and big-box plazas. Instead it groups a handful of independent Manchester shops by interest, from books and antiques to comics, guitars, jewelry and hobby gear, so you can build a route that fits the people in your car. Late spring is a comfortable time to walk Elm Street between stops, and most of these shops are worth a visit in any season.

Why Shop in Manchester

There is a simple, practical reason to shop anywhere in New Hampshire: the state has no general sales tax. The price on the tag is what you pay at the register, which matters most for bigger purchases such as a guitar, a piece of furniture from an antique dealer or a watch.

The other reason is concentration. Downtown Manchester puts a bookstore, an antique group shop and plenty of places to eat within walking distance of each other, and the specialty shops farther out are a short drive away. You can easily fill an afternoon without getting back on the highway.

Books and Gifts on Elm Street

Bookery Manchester calls itself Manchester's independent bookstore, and it is a good first stop for nearly any group. The store is at 844 Elm Street and combines a bookstore, a gift shop and a cafe. Its shelves cover new releases alongside up-and-coming independent authors, and the booksellers are happy to recommend something if you do not know what you are looking for.

Beyond books, Bookery carries cards and gifts with a literary flair, including candles, mugs, accessories and stickers, plus non-book gifts for the friend who came along for the ride. There is also a section of puzzles and party games, from old classics to tabletop role-playing games. The shop hosts author visits, storytimes, workshops and a monthly book club, so check its events calendar before you go if you would like to time your visit to one.

A bookstore with a cafe is an easy anchor for a downtown shopping day. Grab a drink, browse, and then head south on Elm Street to the next stop.

Antiques and Vintage

Antiques on Elm is a group shop at 321 Elm Street, in the heart of downtown. It covers about 10,000 square feet and brings together more than 90 dealers, which is why its tagline is that you never know what you will find. The shop says it specializes in variety: primitives, glassware, artwork, books, cameras, mid-century pieces, records, jewelry and collectibles are all part of the mix, and there is a furniture gallery as well.

The shop is a short walk south of the SNHU Arena, so it pairs well with a game or concert. A group shop with that many dealers is not something to rush. Give yourself at least an hour, walk the whole floor once before you buy, and then circle back to the booths that caught your eye.

If you are furnishing a camp, a first apartment or a cottage, a dealer mall like this is one of the better places in southern New Hampshire to find pieces with some character.

Comics, Card Games and Collectibles

Double Midnight Comics describes itself as a local game store for comics and card games, with locations in Manchester and Concord. The shop stocks comic books both new and old, and it offers a subscription service so regulars can keep up with new releases. On the gaming side it carries Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokemon and other card games, along with collectibles and its own merchandise.

The store runs events throughout the week for card game players, so if you are shopping with a teenager who plays, it may be worth checking the events page and planning around a tournament or open play night. Even if you are not a player, a well-stocked comic shop is a fun browse, and it is a good place to find a gift for someone who collects.

Guitars and Music Gear

Manchester Music Mill sells new and used guitars, basses, amps, pedals, drums and other music gear. Its stock includes brands such as Gibson, Fender, PRS, Taylor and Martin, and the store also carries vintage gear, left-handed instruments, pro audio, keyboards and band and orchestra instruments.

Music stores are best experienced in person. Trying a guitar through an amp or feeling the neck of a used acoustic tells you more than any product page, and a shop with a wide used and vintage selection gives you room to compare. The Music Mill also offers service, so it is worth knowing about if you play and need a setup or repair.

Estate Jewelry and Watches

Pearson's Jewelry in Manchester buys, sells and trades jewelry, watches and writing instruments. Its inventory includes estate jewelry, loose diamonds, fine watches, writing instruments, gifts, watch winders and jewelry cleaning products.

Estate pieces are where a shop like this stands out. An antique or vintage ring has a story that a new piece does not, and the buy, sell and trade model means the inventory changes as pieces come and go. If you are shopping for a significant gift, ask about a consultation, which the store offers through its website.

Hobby Gear for RC Fans

Hobby Etc has been open in Manchester since 1987 and online since 1996. The shop focuses on radio-controlled vehicles and parts: RC cars, trucks, crawlers, buggies, boats and planes, along with models and trains. Its website lets you choose your vehicle to see which parts fit, and it publishes guides on topics such as brushed versus brushless motors and choosing RC tires.

For anyone who races or bashes RC trucks, a shop with real parts inventory is a big help, because the right part on the shelf beats waiting for shipping. It is also a good stop if you are shopping for a young hobbyist and want advice on a first vehicle.

Crystals and Metaphysical Goods

Alchemized Divinity is a metaphysical shop on Manchester's West Side. It describes itself as Manchester's newest West Side metaphysical shop, with crystals, herbs, jewelry, tools and more on its shelves.

A visit here takes you out of the downtown core to the West Side. It is a small, specialized shop, so it suits a quick stop rather than a long browse.

Planning a Shopping Day

A few tips will help you get the most out of a Manchester shopping trip:

• Start downtown. Bookery Manchester and Antiques on Elm are both on Elm Street, so park once and walk between them. Elm Street also has plenty of restaurants for lunch.
• Group the specialty stops. The comic shop, the music store, the jewelry store and the hobby shop serve different interests. Pick the ones that matter to your group rather than trying to see them all in one day.
• Check hours and events before you go. Independent shops set their own hours, and several of these stores run events. Each shop's website is the best place to confirm what is happening on the day you visit.
• Bring room in the car. If an antique dealer or a used guitar is on your list, plan for the drive home.
• Remember the tax savings. With no sales tax, bigger purchases go further here.

FAQ

Is there sales tax when shopping in Manchester NH?

No. New Hampshire has no general sales tax, so the price on the tag is what you pay.

Where is the best place to shop for antiques in Manchester?

Antiques on Elm, at 321 Elm Street downtown, is a group shop of about 10,000 square feet with more than 90 dealers selling furniture, glassware, records, jewelry, collectibles and more.

Is there an independent bookstore in Manchester NH?

Yes. Bookery Manchester, at 844 Elm Street, is an independent bookstore with a cafe, gifts, puzzles and games, and regular events.

Where can I buy a used guitar in Manchester?

Manchester Music Mill sells new, used and vintage guitars, basses, amps, pedals and other gear.

Where can I find comics and card games in Manchester?

Double Midnight Comics stocks new and old comics and card games such as Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokemon, and runs events throughout the week.

Sources

• Manchester, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (most populous city in NH; on the Merrimack River): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester,_New_Hampshire
• New Hampshire, Wikipedia (no general sales tax): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire
• Bookery Manchester (844 Elm Street; bookstore, gift shop and cafe; books, gifts, puzzles and games; events and book club): https://www.bookerymht.com
• Antiques on Elm (321 Elm Street; 10,000 sq ft group shop; 90+ dealers; item types; furniture gallery; near SNHU Arena): https://www.antiquesonelmmanchester.com
• Double Midnight Comics (comics and card games; Manchester and Concord; subscription service; events): https://www.dmcomics.com/
• Manchester Music Mill (new and used guitars, amps, pedals, drums; brands; vintage and left-handed gear; service): https://www.manchestermusicmill.com/
• Pearson's Jewelry (buy, sell, trade; estate jewelry, watches, writing instruments; consultations): https://www.pearsonsjewelry.com/
• Hobby Etc (Manchester; open since 1987, online since 1996; RC vehicles, parts, models, trains; fit finder and guides): https://hobbyetc.com/
• Alchemized Divinity (West Side metaphysical shop; crystals, herbs, jewelry, tools): https://www.alchemizeddivinity.com