Shops in Venice have traditionally been small and independently owned. Sadly, in recent years many of these are closing down and being replaced with major chain stores, which is draining the charm of the city. One of the main shopping streets, Strada Nova, has undergone massive changes and is now home to big retail names that you can find anywhere in Italy. Family run boutiques are now being replaced with stores selling mass-produced candy and sweets, which seem to be popular with tourists. On the other hand there are many tacky shops selling cheap souvenirs, which somehow manage to survive. Here we want to point you towards some of the more charming, local run shops that families and kids might enjoy, including places to buy crafts, gifts, toys, books, clothes. If, like us, you sometimes forget to pack socks or gloves for your little ones, you might also like to know where you can go to buy those forgotten essentials. Finally, this section introduces you to the wonderful street markets and local food and wine producers where you can purchase groceries if you have self-catering accommodation or just pick up delicious memories to take back home.