Press Release

ENJOY AN AFRICAN SHOPPING SPREE ON PHILADELPHIA SOIL
Authentic African Clothing, Decor, Music And More Enhance City’s African Offerings

PHILADELPHIA, February 5, 2007 - Philadelphia’s melting pot of merchants offers a tempting array of authentic and African-inspired clothing, accessories, home décor, music and other items, making it easy for visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s African experience. And, with no sales tax on clothing in Pennsylvania, indulging in an African shopping spree here comes guilt-free:

Great shopping in Philadelphia

Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC

• Getting gorgeous naturally is what it’s all about at Chic Afrique. Using original African recipes and such natural ingredients as African shea butter and black soap, owner Victoria Onwuchekwea has developed her own line of all-natural, hand-made soaps and skin care products. The shop’s shelves overflow with everything necessary for an at-home spa day, including hair care products, scrubs, bath oils, creams and lotions, all whipped up by hand at this beauty boutique. 703Walnut Street, (215) 592-9023, www.chicafrique.biz
• It’s easy to find Pearl of Africa Gates of Zion. Just follow the sounds of the reggae and African rhythms that spill out onto bustling South Street. Owners Brother Ahmed and Sista Nandi have created a one-stop shop for African crafts and music. Tribal drums and carved masks are nestled beside decorative items, and an entire wall is lined with CDs by such African recording artists as Peugeot Bebey and Fred Boto. A mini-salon in the back of the shop allows patrons to have their hair done in locks or braids. 624 South Street, (215) 413-8995
• Amid the hustle and bustle of Reading Terminal Market, Amazulu is an oasis of exotic style. Every inch of this little boutique features works by artisans from around the corner and around the world, including hand-crafted silver jewelry, hand-painted batik clothing and hand-carved decorative items, art and sculpture. A second outpost of the shop thrives in Northern Liberties. 12th & Arch Streets, (215) 627-8667; 1627 N. 2nd Street, 2nd floor, (215) 426-3387, www.amazulu.com
• With the purchase of Yoruba beadwork, an Ethiopian chair or a Senufo bed from Tribal Home comes a lesson about the tribal society from which it originated. This antique African artifact gallery, which specializes in pieces dating back 50 to 100 years, works directly with importers throughout the African continent, ensuring the availability of a continuous array of new masks, statues, textiles and bronze pieces. 56 N. 3rd Street, (215) 592-4215
• A whole continent of art and collectibles awaits shoppers at Indigo Arts. Among the offerings: masks and statuary from the Ivory Coast; Kuba and Ashoke textiles from the Congo and Nigeria; ibeji spirit figures from Nigeria; religious relics from Ethiopia; and one of the nation’s largest collections of recycled wire baskets from South Africa. The co-owner, who lived in Africa during his youth, has an eye for talent and often shows works by the contemporary Yoruban artist, Twins Seven-Seven. The collection is so large they can’t show it all, but there’s plenty more to be had in the back room. 151 N. 3rd Street, (215) 922-4041, www.indigoarts.com

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside™ a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676. 

Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit our Photo Gallery. On the pressroom, you can also subscribe to RSS feeds to receive updates on topics that are specifically of interest to you: What’s New, Dining, Events, Seasonal Travel, Hotel Packages and Tourism Research.

CONTACT:

Leha Anderson-Rhyens, GPTMC
(215) 599-2298, leha@gptmc.com

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