The list of new independent shops I need to check out is starting to get lengthy. Since winter gave way to spring, a tidy pile of new addresses have quietly cropped up, expanding our already abundant options for quirky shopping based on the personalities, specialties, and obsessions of creative small business owners. Until I’m able to hit the streets, I’ve scoped out a few of the hotter ones (AKA stalked them online) over on MOD, including new territories in clothing, home goods, shoes, and vintage. Get a heads up and a head start.

The Shoe Store

Marjorie Skinner is the Portland Mercury's Managing Editor, author of the weekly Sold Out column chronicling the area's independent fashion and retail industry, and a frequent contributor to the film and...