Tucked into Somerville’s Union Square, Bow Market is proof that good things really do come in small spaces. Part open-air mall, part food court, part art experiment, it’s built inside a converted storage building. What started in 2018 as a vision to turn an underused lot into something better has since grown into a thriving center for over 30 small, local businesses — many of them artist-, chef- or independently-owned. Their motto is simple: “Small is beautiful, with the belief that the small businesses run by individuals in a community are beautiful.”
The layout further reflects its creative spirit: Small storefronts curve around a central courtyard, making the space feel intimate but alive. The vibe is casual — less like a traditional mall and more like a walk through your most interesting friend’s favorite places.
There are plenty of shops worth exploring, but a few stood out during my visit.
Sidequest Books & Games is a fantasy-lover’s dream — it is a queer- and women-owned bookstore with a focus on sci-fi, fantasy and tabletop role-playing games. It’s cozy and welcoming, full of books that feel more carefully chosen than your typical Barnes & Noble. It strikes a rare balance between a retail space and a gathering spot for readers, gamers and creatives alike.
Just a few doors down is The Bright Spot, a pastel-toned boutique that’s home to Goldie Ceramics. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to replace every mug in your kitchen. Think smiley face cups, striped vases and handmade objects that manage to be playful without being tacky. They also host ceramics workshops, giving you a chance to get more directly involved and connect with the art behind the products.
For jewelry, Finding YoYo was a highlight. The shop offers a well-curated mix of bohemian and minimalist styles — from funky, colorful pieces to solid gold classics. What really stood out was the owner’s warmth; she encouraged people to try things on, offered honest opinions and treated the process more like a conversation than a traditional sales pitch. I walked out with the sense that the shop was built not just to sell but to connect with people through jewelry.
Then there’s KEEPER, a chainstitch and embroidery shop and studio run by embroidery artists Amelia Fitch and Sam Lee. This shop was unlike anything I had ever come across before — it combines vintage fashion with custom embroidery, offering on-the-spot chainstitching that can transform denim jackets, workwear and canvas into one-of-a-kind pieces. The shop combines floral embroidery, hand-lettered details and vintage fabrics for a look that’s both unique and thoughtfully crafted.
Green Tiger & Co. adds a leafy, grounding element to the mix. It’s part plant store, part zero-waste refillery and part home goods shop, filled with candles, planters, journals and sustainable essentials. The shop promotes mindful living — they ask you to slow down and create a home that feels intentional. The refill station for soaps and household products is a nice touch, and the aesthetic is calm and earthy without feeling overly curated.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Bow Market without good food.
I stopped by Nagomi Bento, a small kitchen offering authentic Japanese bento boxes. Founded by Nagisa Ikemura, the place feels personal and focused. I tried the spicy tuna onigiri — warm rice with a savory tuna filling and just the right amount of kick. It was simple, comforting and flavorful, everything a small bite should be.
For something sweet, Maca serves fresh, small-batch macarons from a tiny, 320-square-foot, almost entirely pink storefront. They keep the door shut to maintain ideal baking conditions, which somehow makes the experience feel even more special — like you’re being let in on a secret. I tried the pistachio macaron: crisp on the outside, chewy in the middle and perfectly nutty. The flavors rotate weekly, and they offer drinks, too, making it a great final stop.
Bow Market’s central courtyard ties it all together. Bright yellow seating and patio tables invite strangers to share tables, and what starts as a quick sandwich from Mike & Patty’s can easily turn into a whole afternoon of wandering. (That’s exactly how I ended up there — and left with a beaded necklace I hadn’t planned on buying.)
At night, the space softens. Twinkle lights glow overhead, floral garlands spill from the upper floor and quiet conversation drifts through the air. It’s not polished, but it feels alive — and that’s the charm. Bow Market is not just a cluster of stalls. It is a reminder that community can be found in the strangest of spaces — including an abandoned storage building..
