Shopping in Camden

Fairmount Running Company's stockpile of shoes, apparel, and accessories outfits athletes in gear designed by some of the industry's top names, including New Balance, Brooks, Nike, and Asics. As the changing seasons present a variety of weather-related challenges, from winter's ankle-deep snow to summer's torrents of falling air conditioners, the shop keeps its shelves and racks loaded with all the equipment for runners to remain in top shape. The store also offers minimalist shoes from such brands as Vibram, Brooks Pure Line, and New Balance, and more casual shoes from Asics. Seven days a week, visitors can browse the arsenal while the staff of seasoned runners dispenses advice. In addition to an expansive selection of merchandise, Fairmount Running Company spearheads a weekly running club open to any level of athletes, whether they're training for a marathon or trying to go from lying on the couch to running a 5K during commercial breaks. Group runs depart from the storefront every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m.

For nearly 30 years, The Paperia has equipped patrons with the pulp-infused goodies they need to announce celebrations and correspond with friends and colleagues. Brightly colored invitations and announcements broadcast news of impending nuptials or upcoming graduation to two-ply paper-towel use, and a selection of unusual greeting cards issues heartfelt or comical salutations. Boxed or loose stationery and envelopes sport designs appropriate for personal or professional use, and gift-wrap hugs gifts such as address books and journals so that shoppers don't have to keep the nature of their presents secret by burning them before the party.

At Posh Lingerie and Bra Boutique, lingerie experts strive to strike a balance between seductive and practical—sheer, lacy thongs and leopard-print push-up bras share shelf space with sturdy sports bras and seamless boy shorts. This diverse inventory for women of all ages and sizes earned storeowner Denise Magaziner a feature on Talk Philly. The in-house bra fitters help customers hone in on their ideal fit, and they specialize in prosthetic bras, postsurgery corsets, and undergarments for expectant or nursing mothers.

Founded by Joe Mortimer in 1963, Select Jewelers has evolved from a door-to-door jewelry business to a thriving duo of elegant jewelry boutiques. Now run by Joe's son, called Joe Jr. by longstanding customers, the jewelry store carries high-quality brands such as Bentelli diamonds—which are sold below market-recommended prices—and Speidel watches. The shop's dexterous tinkerers also do repair work, replacing broken clasps on chains and resetting watches so that they skip over unlucky 13:00

The wedding-attire experts at Philadelphia Bridal Company Bridal Loft dress the betrothed in avant-garde gowns from couture design houses including La Chatuise, Paloma Blanca, and Winnie Couture. The window-fronts’ intricate gowns entice brides to enter the shop's chandelier-lit confines, where a bridal specialist stands ready to help them try on fascinators, find a stylish veil, and snag the right shoes. Once brides-to-be have found their gowns, the staff can also alter threads to fit perfectly, rather than requiring too-long dresses to be worn with stilts.

Viva Fashion’s staffers handpick the European threads that hang from the store's shelves, which heave under the weight of more than 3,000 unique styles. The clothing cloaks men, women, and children with a selection of dresses, women’s tops, women’s outerwear, menswear, and accessories. The high-quality fashions come from European brands including Deca, Angels Never Die, and Lauren Vidal, and they range in size from XS to 4XL, ensuring that whole families of nesting dolls can shop in the same store.