Sneak Peek at United by Blue’s New Walnut Street Location

Just one year after the eco-conscious coffee shop and clothier opened their flagship in Old City, they’ve expanded into University City with a new location at 3421 Walnut Street. “It’s been in the works for the past six months now,” says founder Brian Linton. It’s not open yet, but Shoppist got a sneak peek at what’s in store and we’ve returned with lots of snaps to share.

Housed in a former chocolate shop, the new space is admittedly smaller than their flagship, but it still packs in a surprising amount of seating and a well-curated selection of goods (think: lots of cozy blankets, scarves and canvas bags). There are several tables on the cafe side along with a comfy booth in the back that’s sure to be a favorite among the studying crowd.

As always, the shop’s details are painstakingly on point with enough reclaimed wood to make any conservationist proud, a vintage soap dispenser, and quirky light fixtures fashioned out of old whisks from a Tastykake factory. A Tastykake factory. How great is that?

Linton hopes they’ll be set to open by the end of this week or early next week. So in the meantime, start perusing the fall arrivals in their e-store. (We’ve got our eyes on these camp blankets and this gorgeous infinity scarf.) Remember: for every product sold, UBB removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways.

Our thoughts: The shop is sure to be well-received among the Penn and Drexel students and staff that populate the ‘hood. Plus, after Hello World’s surprising move to University City last month, maybe we’re about to see a retail surge in West Philly. (Fingers crossed!) In any case, welcome to the neighborhood, United by Blue!