The best local shops in New London

20 local shops we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of New London’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Health & Wellness · Arts & Culture · Cafes · Nightlife · Bakeries & Sweets · Home & Garden · Parks & Outdoors · Entertainment · Pets · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts

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Shopping · 20 places · showing the latest additions first

Best Buy

Shopping

Chain retailer with a large array of brand-name electronics, computers, appliances & more.

913 Hartford Turnpike (Waterford)

“Chain retailer with a large array of brand-name electronics, computers, appliances & more.”

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The Annex

Shopping

The Annex is a team of local artists selling original art, apparel, accessories, and more, with rotating shows that keep things fresh. Pop…

140 State St

“The Annex is a team of local artists selling original art, apparel, accessories, and more, with rotating shows that keep things fresh. Pop in for pieces you can hang or wear, meet makers from around New London, and catch community events like the El Dia de los Muertos celebration.”

From the Waterford newsletter, October 11, 2026

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Flavours of Life is a woman-owned, fair-trade gift shop just over in New London, stocked with jewelry, bags, clever cards, toys and…

86 Bank St

“Flavours of Life is a woman-owned, fair-trade gift shop just over in New London, stocked with jewelry, bags, clever cards, toys and instruments, clothing, and home decor from global artisans. When you want a birthday surprise with actual meaning, this place delivers culture, sustainability, and zero big-box vibes.”

From the Waterford newsletter, October 6, 2026

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Go! Calendars blends calendars, toys, games, and gifts, so last-minute birthdays and actually staying organized are a one-stop errand. Part…

850 Hartford Turnpike (Waterford)

“Go! Calendars blends calendars, toys, games, and gifts, so last-minute birthdays and actually staying organized are a one-stop errand. Part of the family-run Go!”

From the Waterford newsletter, September 24, 2026

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Five Below

Shopping

Teen-oriented retail chain for a large assortment of games, snacks, jewelry, room decor & more.

917 Hartford Turnpike C2 (Waterford)

“Teen-oriented retail chain for a large assortment of games, snacks, jewelry, room decor & more.”

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Chain retailer offering a huge selection of fine jewelry, including diamond wedding rings & watches.

1 Dayton Pl (Waterford)

“Chain retailer offering a huge selection of fine jewelry, including diamond wedding rings & watches.”

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New London parents, if playgrounds are your kid's natural habitat, A&Y Coastal Collective has ultra soft bamboo pieces inspired by New…

333 Long Hill Rd Ste 1D (Groton)

“New London parents, if playgrounds are your kid's natural habitat, A&Y Coastal Collective has ultra soft bamboo pieces inspired by New England shores, including the Seafoam Dreams collection, plus curated extras like shoes and bags, all chemical free and gentle on sensitive skin for everyday adventures.”

From the Groton newsletter, October 1, 2026

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Whether you're ring shopping, plotting a custom piece, or finally fixing that watch battery, Grader Jewelers, Inc. keeps it easy with…

500 Long Hill Rd (Groton)

“Whether you're ring shopping, plotting a custom piece, or finally fixing that watch battery, Grader Jewelers, Inc. keeps it easy with natural and lab grown diamonds, build your own options, and a friendly team to guide you. Repairs, resizing, restringing, and cleanings keep your everyday sparkle in shape.”

From the Groton newsletter, September 25, 2026

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If you knew Hoelck's, you'll be happy to know it's now Shoreline Florist with the baton passed after 36 years, same friendly service and…

341 Boston Post Rd (Waterford)

“If you knew Hoelck's, you'll be happy to know it's now Shoreline Florist with the baton passed after 36 years, same friendly service and those signature bowed vans still bringing the pretty.”

From the New London newsletter, October 13, 2026

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From elegant wedding florals and just-because bouquets to gift baskets loaded with gourmet specialties and imported cheese, Thames River…

70 State St

“From elegant wedding florals and just-because bouquets to gift baskets loaded with gourmet specialties and imported cheese, Thames River Greenery is the downtown New London standby when you want to look thoughtful, fast. Thames River Wine & Spirits also has fine bottles and premium cigars, so gifting is a breeze.”

From the New London newsletter, September 22, 2026

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KAY Jewelers

Shopping

Retail jewelry chain featuring engagement rings, timepieces & designer collections.

907 Hartford Turnpike E11 (Waterford)

“Retail jewelry chain featuring engagement rings, timepieces & designer collections.”

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Naturali Home, right here in Groton, mixes small-batch vibes with practical treats... handcrafted soaps, soy candles, tea kits, and other…

787 Long Hill Rd (Groton) · ✓ checked Oct 16

“Naturali Home, right here in Groton, mixes small-batch vibes with practical treats... handcrafted soaps, soy candles, tea kits, and other little self-care finds that make last minute gifting weirdly easy. Keep an eye out for their candle pouring workshops if you want to DIY a present or just have fun.”

From the Groton newsletter, September 23, 2026

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Marshalls

Shopping

Retail chain offering brand-name clothing, accessories, shoes & housewares.

351 N Frontage Rd

“Retail chain offering brand-name clothing, accessories, shoes & housewares.”

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If your nightstand could use an upgrade, Amazing Intimate Essentials keeps the New London and Groton crowd covered with a deep lineup of…

591 CT-12 #8 (Groton)

“If your nightstand could use an upgrade, Amazing Intimate Essentials keeps the New London and Groton crowd covered with a deep lineup of vibrators, dildos, lingerie, lubes, and even playful games, plus wellness picks and bath stuff that make self care feel a lot more fun.”

From the New London newsletter, October 3, 2026

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Whether you need a last-minute birthday save or a just-because pick-me-up, Fisher Florist has been hand-designing and same-day delivering…

87 Broad St

“Whether you need a last-minute birthday save or a just-because pick-me-up, Fisher Florist has been hand-designing and same-day delivering bouquets in New London since 1910, with a Florist’s Choice that keeps things fresh and one-of-a-kind. You can even add premium wine if you’re 21+.”

From the New London newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Nautilus Ship's Store is the local go-to when you need a gift with real Navy grit, from challenge coins and dolphins to Ship's Store…

1 Crystal Lake Rd (Groton)

“Nautilus Ship's Store is the local go-to when you need a gift with real Navy grit, from challenge coins and dolphins to Ship's Store exclusives, NR-1 goodies, Rosie the Riveter gear, books, puzzles, kid-friendly toys, and Made by a Military Spouse finds.”

From the Ledyard newsletter, October 8, 2026

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Hive Skate Shop is the local spot for decks, completes, trucks, wheels, and all the protective gear you promised your knees you'd wear,…

139 Shaw St Unit D

“Hive Skate Shop is the local spot for decks, completes, trucks, wheels, and all the protective gear you promised your knees you'd wear, plus Hive Brand apparel and shoes. They also run skate camps and lessons that build skills and confidence, great for first-timers and longtime park regulars.”

From the New London newsletter, September 26, 2026

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Retail chain for household goods, clothing & grocery items at closeout prices.

128 Boston Post Rd (Waterford)

“Retail chain for household goods, clothing & grocery items at closeout prices.”

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Target

Shopping

Retail chain offering home goods, clothing, electronics & more, plus exclusive designer collections.

900 Hartford Turnpike (Waterford)

“Retail chain offering home goods, clothing, electronics & more, plus exclusive designer collections.”

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Retail chain known for its discounted brand-name & designer shoes, handbags & accessories.

917 Hartford Turnpike (Waterford)

“Retail chain known for its discounted brand-name & designer shoes, handbags & accessories.”

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