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An Open Letter to HuffPost: Make Philly Shopping #32!

By Julie Davis
The goods at Old City's Third Street Habit. Image credit: <a href="http://www.thirdstreethabit.com">Third Street Habit</a>
The goods at Old City's Third Street Habit. Image credit: Third Street Habit

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Dear HuffPost,

Thanks for naming Philadelphia the Most Underrated City in America. You're right: Our position between NYC and DC does cause us to be oft overlooked. Thing is, we try not to complain too loudly because it's almost like Philly's our own little secret—and we want to keep it that way. Still, while we hate to look a gift horse in the mouth, we'd like to (very gently) nudge you to consider adding our shopping scene as your list's number 32 bullet point.

You might be surprised to hear someone make a case for Philly retail, but the secret's already out among national retailers like Madewell, Intermix, Theory, Michael Kors, Calypso St. Barth, and Vans, all of which have (or will) set up shop along the popular shopping corridor of Walnut Street. In fact, the demand for Walnut Street frontage has gotten so hot—and rental rates so high—that many of the street's indie stalwarts have been displaced one north block to Chestnut Street. (It's a whole big thing here.) No worries: They'll be in good company once Uniqlo and Nordstrom Rack open on Chestnut later this year. That's the thing about Philly retail: It's still evolving; it hasn't yet reached the pinnacle of its potential.

We can't end our letter without a shout-out to Philly's crazy good indie boutique scene (here are 38 examples to whet your appetite). Store owners here are passionate, dedicated, informed—they take entrepreneurship to new levels and give Philly retail its unparalleled local flavor. (They even win awards for being the best at what they do!)

Love,

Racked Philly

P.S. Did you know that the King of Prussia Mall, located just outside the city, is the largest mall on the East Coast? Just sayin'.

· 31 Reasons Philadelphia Is The Most Underrated City In America [HuffPost]
· HuffPost Declares Philadelphia The Most Underrated City In America [Uwishunu]
· Philly Excluded From Condé Nast's 'Best Shopping Cities' List [Racked Philly]