- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Black Market Boutique
Category: Shopping Arts & Crafts Arts & Crafts [Edit]
1545 Grafton StHalifax, NS B3J 2B9
(902) 423-5724
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 7 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am - 8 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
23 reviews for Black Market Boutique
Review Highlights
-
"...specialities are definitely knick knacks and accessories." In 3 reviews -
"...got a wide variety of trinkets and treasures sure to please..." In 5 reviews -
"I'm sure you'll find something you like." In 3 reviews
Loading...
23 reviews in English
-
Review from Eleanor M.
Point Edward, NS
7/12/2011
Oh I love this place.
I've had plugs in my ears since 2006 and this is the only place I've bought plugs since then. They have wonderful swirly things, a selection of various coloured stone plugs, metal plugs, tapers, wooden plugs, and all the tacky pop culture plugs you could imagine-- i.e Want Marilyn Munroe smiling from that gaping hole in your ear? Want to solidify your status as pothead through your alternative ear trinket? Come here!
They have more than just plugs. There's adorable jewelery (both the costume-y and the more timeless varieties). There's awesome house decor, a large collection of incense, clothing, scarves, and the most adorable keychains (I personally, have bought a couple of their adorable little elephants... But was also very interested in what seemed to be a dog/cat hybrid)... Ahhh the best way to describe this store is the most amazing mix of tasteful and tacky and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Go here! -
Review from Jill M.
1/26/2012
The Black Market has been in Halifax basically as long as I've been shopping without my mom with me, and I feel like the store has matured right along with me.
When I was younger, it was all about incense, millions of bangles and quirky clothes. But now that I'm older, I still find plenty of things I like there, from funky silver and gold earrings to quirky pieces of decor to spice up my apartment.
Favorite thing? When an out-of-towner says "Where did you get those earrings?" and I say "The Black Market" and they look at me in surprise/horror.Listed in: Hi, I'm Jill, and I'm a…
-
Review from Lori M.
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Happened past the Black Market Boutique Friday evening and popped in. Having lived in HRM for 15 years, I am embarrassed to say that was my first time.
I walked in to a bright but dark (a bit of a contrast) shop. Jewel tones were everywhere from actual jewelry to colourful fabrics. Quite the diverse offerings there!
If you have the time to poke around, i recommend it highly. Prices range from 75¢ for a bracelet to 30 for an article of clothes. Some items are higher but all together quite reasonable. I purchased 7 bracelets of various styles for less than $25.
And the clientele is as varied as the products. All ages, manner of dress, ethnicity... Very cool.
From what i could tell the products come from all over the globe. Peru, Ecuador, Asia...
You should visit, you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Ben B.
I like it. I don't get it. But I like it.
The Black Market has been a Halifax staple for as long as I can remember - even back when I was just a wee little yelper-to-be, begging his parents to take him for a big slice from Pizza Corner before I knew the only way to enjoy them was while intoxicated.
It's a funny little shop on a very colourful block just across from the picturesque Spring Garden Library. It's packed like a marketplace mish-mash of crafty goods from all sorts of different styles and places. For a small shop, they must have thousands of oddities that will surely give you lots to look at during your visit.
Great for nabbing quick, cheap and small gifts for folks back home, or finding unique things that just bring an exotic flavour to your own home.
Staff are friendly, helpful, and generally cooler than the rest of us.
Pro tip: I can only assume this shop would be hell to get in and out of with kids in tow, simply because there are so many things and they're all within grabbing distance. Keep it in mind. -
Review from Cassandra M.
Moncton, NB
2/21/2011
Citadel Hill? Titanic Graveyard? Other things Halifax is famously known for? Fuck those shows. To a teenaged me in nowhere No Funswick the Black Market was Halifax. I had a dream of moving to Halifax,to live on top of the Black Market and work there until I over dosed on Patchouli.
Now that I'm a grownup and was transferred here by my old (very corporate and not Patchouli friendly)company I still enjoy going down to the Black Market to look at all the little wonders they have. My personal favourites are the mirrors and jewelery. Excellent little store that lived up to my big imagination even if I got to it in a much different way than anticipated.
Word to the wise: This place is very touristy in the summer. But really what place isn't down that way?Listed in: Adventuring for the sheltered.
-
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
So you're wandering down Spring Garden road... hohumm, (yeah, we get it TD- you're open all the frigging time) when low and behold a beacon of something decidedly un-corporate wafts it's way across the street... a whiff of patchouli along with bright fabrics to lure and entice and before you know it you're smack in the middle of Black Market Boutique! A beautiful and eclectic marvel in contrast to the stoic catholic boys school building next door.
The Black Market primarily stocks the sort of otherworldly goods that you would likely come home with after a trip around India/South East Asia. -been there, bought the t-shirt, or sari in this case.
Notable finds: summer skirts (on sale) in deep rich colours, incense in all sorts of scents, as well as earrings galore. Looking for some funky ear jewels on the cheap (but not plastic looking)? BMB has something for every taste from fancier sterling silver with gem stones right down to swirly bits of fabric with earring piece attached. Couple other notables: earthen dishware, silk drapery, and organic cotton tops/skirts and dresses!
This is a great place to stop and check out! BMB can get extremely overcrowded at times so beware bringing your impatient significant other or small kidlits. Actually, this place is pretty much just stacked to the gills with things kids aren't allowed to touch so maybe leave your monsters at home or install them at a pizza corner table down the road while you whip over.
Best to give yourself a budget as well or you'll end up like me with 1/2 dozen more wrap skirts than one gal has any need for! Enjoy! -
Review from Leslie F.
7/22/2011
The Black Market is one of the greatest spots in Halifax for wallet-friendly accessories. They've got a diverse selection of rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, clothing, and much much more at prices that any recessionista can support. Are jangling bangles your style? They've got those by the armful. More of a classic stud earring girl? Robe your lobes with some sparklers from the selection by the cash register. They've also got a wide variety of trinkets and treasures sure to please most shoppers, and perhaps best of all, they consistently provide friendly and helpful service.
-
Review from Deirdre L.
Halifax, NS
10/12/2010 4 photos
There are quite a few reviews already about this fabulous little shop o' wonders. I'm not one to repeat what others have already said, but I wanted to add a few tidbits of info (and some photos as well).
What I love about the Black Market (other than the Nag Champa incense) is the variety in selection and price point: you can browse almost endlessly, and even if you've only got a few dollars to spend, something cool/kitschy/funky will find its way to you.
What I really, really love about the Black Market is something perhaps not as well known: a significant portion of their stock is purchased directly from the craftspeople and artisans who create it. The owners and staff make multiple trips each year to far-off places, bringing back beautiful trinkets, yes, but also building community. Some of the relationships stretch back almost two decades to when the shop began. I love knowing that by spending my money at the Black Market, I am not only supporting a locally-owned store here in Halifax, but also small businesses and artisans in other parts of the world.
Hot tip: this Saturday (October 16th) is the Black Market's 22nd birthday and annual charity day ... 100% of every dollar spent will go to:
- The Ecology Action Center
- Themba Project
- Art of Living: Care For Children
- Feed Nova Scotia
- Bryony House
Feel-good shopping just doesn't get any better than this!Listed in: Shop ... Local!, Spooky Dukes!
-
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
2/13/2010 1 photo
Now this is a neat little store. I don't know whether to call it a new age store, accessory store, clothing store or what. They've got quite the mix of different items in here, all worth a closer look.
I have to say, I would have expected everything to be extremely pricey in here. It all looks so unique and one-of-a-kind. But the prices are great and extremely reasonable! I was almost shocked at some of the sales they have, ie. lanterns for $9, rings for $5, even an entire skull-ridden guitar-shaped case of some sort for only $35. If I had an easier way of getting that weird thing home I definitely would have bought it. Things like that can run for waaay more than that at other stores.
I especially enjoyed all the jewellery they sold. I'm not really the jewellery wearing type, but I'm considering changing that because of how neat some of the stuff was. I also like the paper lanterns they sold. It can turn a dull boring lamp into something really cute and interesting.
They've got a tiny section for clothes in a small room off to the side. The clothes were pretty nice, but more expensive than the rest of the store.
Check it out. I'm sure you'll find something you like... whether you need it or not. -
Review from Laura P.
3/10/2010
The Black Market is a fun little shop to drop into every now and again. Years ago when I'd come to the city to visit friends, it was always a staple shopping destination. Nowadays, I don't feel the need go in as often because their selection of product doesn't have much of a turnover. (The variety is there, but they just don't switch up with new looks so often) Nonetheless its still a great spot for materialistic explorations!
This teeny little shop is covered wall-to-wall with jewelry, trinkets, clothes and decor. You can find some really fun pieces at lip-curling prices as well. I will agree with Lacy with the atmosphere as a sort of "Urban Buddhist" type... the interior is draped and cluttered with spiritual guidance and product to satisfy the inner bohemian.
Its a key spot for out of towners to grab up on fun, cheap jewelry and a safe bet for locals to venture as well. -
Review from Lacey H.
3/3/2010 1 photo
As a child, I thought this was the most magnificent place in town: an imaginarium of color with snazzy wares fulfilling my style desires. It is a haven for all things Indian: from bangles and necklaces, to carvings and incense - most of the stuff for sale comes straight from the mother land.
The atmosphere is very cool; perhaps I'll label it "sexy hippy" mixed with a bit of "urban Buddhist." Colors whirl about in your vision and spicy aromas fill the nostrils as music of many different genres spills out overhead. There are usually around five people working, which seems excessive because the shop is so small, but the employees always appear to be doing something: from polishing rings to hanging up new merchandise to chatting with patrons.
Most of my visits are of the pursuing variety. I bop about, touch things, try things on, smell stuff, and chat with one of the many lovely women working. In the past I've purchased rugs, incense, earrings and little decorations. The quality isn't always top-notch, but you get what you pay for.
If you're visiting from out of town, I think a stop into the Black Market is a must. You can indulge your desire for enlightenment by purchasing goods to help you on your journey: small colorful Buddha paintings and Ganesh posters abound!Listed in: Trinkets and Marvels
-
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
3/21/2010
I'm a shameless supporter of this little hole in the wall store, and I stop in nearly everytime I pass on Grafton Street. Even though it's a tiny little shop it can take hours to go through and look at everything that it has to offer.
The Black Market specialities are definitely knick knacks and accessories. Anything from household decorations (hand carved shelves, handmade curtains, wooden dishes, etc.) to jewelry (all styles of earrings, bracelets and necklaces) and much more. I've always been able to find great bargains, sales are usually great and the staff is friendly and helpful (they know, and will pass on the best deals to you).
There are also fair trade clothes for sale in a small room to the left as you enter the store. The style is very bohemian, with some pieces being more fashionable than others. My favorite buy from the Black Market was a reversable pullover hoodie, which is great because it's one of a kind (and my friends all things it's pretty awesome).
Hot Hint: Don't miss the tiny change room available in the clothing show room. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
9/19/2009 2 photos
Karma lives at the Black Market!
This store has been around for at least twelve or thirteen years and I can see why. From mosaic plates and mirrors, to dresses and incense, this store has everything needed to add some color or fresh scents to your life. I never think about going anywhere else when it comes to picking up my incense. And the Black Market is always on my shopping list for Christmas presents.
The Black Market is a bit cramped and always busy with activity. So long as you are okay in confined spaces, you will be treated to a really nice selection of alternative gifts. The staff are pleasant but I do not remember ever being asked if I needed a hand with anything. So there is room for improvement there. But once you strike up a conversation with them, you always get a smile.
I also had a great, personal experience when shopping for my two year old Niece. I had purchased a few items for her at the Black Market and told the cashier it was for my Niece. She then rushed over and grabbed a cute wind chime with animals hanging from it and gave it to me. To this day, the wind chime is still hanging in my Niece's room.
I can't promise anyone freebie's when you go to the Black Market. But I can promise a wide assortment of gift ideas no other store will have! -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
10/21/2009 1 photo
How much tie-dye, incense or batik can one hippie have? Never too much, I'm sure.
If that's your bent and you need to stock up, Black Market is your store. I'm not particularly airy-fairy, but I like a lot of the kitschy art objects in here and the great selection of earrings, bracelets and brow- and belly- rings and studs. Plus, it smells like patchouli heaven in here.
Lots of glittery things and good gift items. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
12/18/2009
I know the Black Market Boutique is a great store. I have friends who love it, swear by it even. They always want to stop in and poke around and buy new rings for new holes in their bodies. And I'm happy to poke around with them, but when it comes down to it I don't think I've ever gone into this smelly little shop and seen something I had any interest in owning. It's time to come out with it (and probably lose a few friends), I'm just not that into this place.
Now I know there's no reason not to be. The staff are really great and the location is perfect. It's stocked full of unique trinkets from all over the world and prices all seem to be pretty fair. I'm sure any new age hippy would think they had died and gone to heaven (or been reincarnated as the concept of awesome) stepping foot in this store.
I encourage anybody with an interest in burning scented candles to check this place out. I'm glad it's in our city and I hope to maybe one day find something I'd like to purchase here. If I do, I will certainly update this review, but until I do I can't really rate it any high than the ol' 3 star A-OK. -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
3/25/2010
The Black Market is a nifty little hole-in-the-wall. From the outside, you may not be able to guess that it's a treasure trove of unique finds. From stretchy toe rings (important!) to sarongs (quirky and neat!), Black Market has it all.
My kids love going to the Black Market and dropping their allowances. The nice thing is that Black Market actually has prices in their affordable range - no subsidy from Mom needed. We enjoy pawing through the trinkets and geegaws, searching for exactly the right accessory for a particular mood. The mirrored items are a particular favourite of the kiddos, especially my daughter.
We have a great time exploring all the nooks and crannies of Black Market. It's true that no matter how many times you go, you'll find something new to admire on every visit. -
Review from Honey B.
Halifax, NS
7/6/2010
Love, love, LOVE this place! A great little boutique, tucked in on a side street in the downtown. Carrying glittery, shiny, gauzy things from India and China.
There is a whole wall, plus a glass case, filled with silver jewelry, mostly from India but also with some pieces from Latin America thrown in.
They sell incense, candle holders, tapestries and wooden buddhas. There is a good selection of cotton dresses and blouses from India as well as many other little decor items, curtains, rugs etc...
Though the place is a bit claustrophobic, this is part of its charm and the staff is usually quite smiley. A nice place with nice people and nice things. :-)
My only wish is that they had some more traditional Indian clothes as well, such as sarees and cholis. My favorite thing about the place is the groovy mobiles hanging from the ceiling!
Take a stroll on in, the place smells great! It's like a peaceful little slice of heaven. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
12/16/2009 6 photos
I do not know how anyone could not love this store! It brings a smile to the face when you walk in. I am sure I miss half of the wonderful gifts in there, it is so jammed packed.
The smell of incense is very pleasing, the colors and the variety of goods. We always manage to come out with something. It is usually not a necessity, but a must have moment!
This is one of our favorite stores in the downtown area. The owner is very nice and the staff is always friendly.
Be prepared to be elbow to elbow most of the time, it was very busy when we were there, although I can not remember a time when it was not.
They have some of the most beautiful scarfs and sweaters in the side room. Make sure you a have a look. -
Review from Ruth D.
Halifax, NS
1/25/2010
Truth be told, this place takes me back ...well, I won't tell exactly, but let's say it was sometime in the late 60's & early '70s and when ever I feel the need to escape today's reality....I'm there for a bit of Nirvana....or at least what smells like it. Not to mention the glorious bangles and other jewels of a time gone by.
My daughter shopped here for her first apartment when she attended Dalhousie years later, but the feel was, is and will be the same for generations, I hope.
So the next time you need a quick escape...check it out. -
Review from cheryl d.
Halifax, NS
4/21/2010 2 photos
If you are looking for something for that person who has everything then go to the Black Market. From the outside you can smell the incents burning so that will tell you something.
Walking into this store you are confronted with wooden masks and carvings of animals that are shipped to this store. Beads and jewelry wooden and chunky are available, not for me bit some really like that kind of thing.
This is the kind of store that you will have to take some time in to see everything. -
Review from ness y.
Toronto, ON
12/21/2009
once upon a time, when i was 16, the Black Market Boutique was neat; in an alternative, "big-city", maybe i lived in a small town, before internet was accessible to the public, 'whoa, look at all this cheap stuff' sorta way.
and for that, Black Market is ok. i wasn't even a hippie then.
or maybe it's because i'm a bit of a hippie (confession: bordering on hipster) now.
having travelled and thought it through a bit, it's just another rip-off of the campy sections of (most of it is) San Francisco's Haight Street. squished, or "brimming", with junk or "eclectic wares", that smells of mold and musk or too much "incense".
save your cash for a trip or diy and give your junk some meaning, unless you're 16. -
Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
1/6/2010 3 photos
Have you found yourself thinking lately, "Man, I wish I spent more time inside a scented heavily with Nag Champa"? If so, quick! Get thee to the Black Market!
This store is packed to overflowing with baskets and piles of woven rugs, brilliant scarves, plastic rings, bangle bracelets, bindis, glittery tin ornaments, lantern shades, silver earrings and all matter of other bohemian knick knacks. I looked around for a while with the thought of getting a little ornament to attach to each gift I'm giving my family members, but left without finding anything I had to have.
The Black Market does have a committed fan base, though, so I don't think it's having any problems. It was particularly crazy in here when I went in, which I attribute to how close we're getting to Christmas.
On the stereo: Norah Jones. With clutch lyrics like this you can't go wrong: "But I can't choose between a vegan and a pothead. So I chose you, because you're sweet, and you give me lots of loving and you eat meat." -
Review from Patricia M.
Edmonton, AB
11/8/2009
To say that I LOVE this place is an understatement. This place has the most amazing eclectic collection of home decor, jewelry, and little knick knacks. I brought back an entire shopping bag of jewelry and gifts from this place. Great prices and great selection.
