Where to Back to School Shop that’s NOT Amazon or Target
Amazon powers ICE's detention machine and Target abandoned its promises to our communities the moment it got politically convenient.
This back-to-school season, redirect your dollars to businesses that align with your values. Shop Black-owned, women-owned, immigrant-owned, and DC’s local small businesses for school supplies, clothes, and dorm essentials instead.
Back-to-school is exactly when families feel pressure to default to Amazon and Target for convenience and low prices. This is exactly why it's a critical moment to interrupt that habit. Every backpack, notebook, or dorm essential bought locally this month is a vote for the kind of city we want to live in.
This isn't a one-time inconvenience; it's building a lasting habit of spending that aligns with our values, starting now and continuing after the school year begins.
We’ve put together this handy list of alternatives to Amazon and Target!
Free DC Procott Bookstores:
Where: 7350 Georgia Ave NW
When to visit: Tuesday–Saturday 8am–9pm, Sunday 10am–5pm
What you’ll find: Art and craft supplies, seasonal décor, a café, bar, and community space.
Why we love them: Open crafting every day to help you unleash your creativity or work on your latest masterpiece.
Where: 7014 Westmoreland Ave Suite A, Takoma Park, MD
When to visit: Monday–Sunday 9am–8pm
What you’ll find: With over 15,000 new books, this indie bookstore offers stories for readers of all ages.
Why we love them: The store is super charming, well-organized, and has super personable and knowledgeable booksellers ready for your questions and recommendations. Grab a drip coffee or kombucha from the front, take a long browse, and soak in the vibes.
Where: 716 Monroe St NE, Studio #11
When to visit: Thursday–Friday 4–7pm, Saturday–Sunday 10am–3pm
What you’ll find: Curated, diverse, unique books, community, and events.
Why we love them: They are the first worker-owned cafe, bookstore, and event space in DC. They encourage community and solidarity for social change.
Where: 645 Pennsylvania Ave SE
When to visit: Tuesday–Friday 11am–7pm, Saturday 10am–7pm, Sunday 11am–6pm
What you’ll find: Neighborhood independent bookstore
Why we love them: Lovely staff, cute gifts, in-store events, and if they don’t have a book in stock they’ll order it for you. We kind of want to live in this store.
Where: 631 Pennsylvania Ave SE
When to visit: Tuesday-Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 11am-6pm
What you’ll find: An LGBTQIA+ Specialty Independent Bookshop
Why we love them: D.C.’s only queer bookstore as of April 2026.
Where: 600F H St NE and 1809 14th St NW
When to visit: H St: Monday–Friday 10am–9pm, Saturday–Sunday 9am–9pm; 14th St: Monday–Saturday 10am–9pm, Sunday 10am–7pm
What you’ll find: Books! A café. Great community vibes. Merch and gift cards are also available.
Why we love them: Black-owned bookstore with an amazing selection and a strong supporter of DC statehood. Check out their statehood t-shirt designs!
Other Alternatives
Ace Hardware
Blick Art Materials
Costco
Giant (Unionized)
Lakeshore Learning
Office Depot
Michaels
Safeway (Unionized)
Staples
Amazon and Target have chosen to profit off harm to our communities. We're choosing to use our spending power differently.
