Where to Find Loose Leaf Tea Infusers and Accessories After Teavana's Closure
With Teavana's closure leaving a void in the tea industry, there are still several excellent options for finding high-quality loose leaf tea and infusers. Here's a comprehensive guide to discovering these options:
Exploring Local Specialty Stores
When Teavana closed stores across the United States, many consumers were left searching for alternative retailers. Fortunately, there are various physical stores where you can still find the delicate tea infusers and related accessories you need:
Davids Tea: Specializing in loose leaf teas and accessories, this retailer has several locations in major cities across the country. World Market: Known for its diverse range of international goods, this store carries a variety of loose leaf teas and infusers. Whole Foods Market: One of the larger supermarket chains, Whole Foods often stocks a good selection of loose leaf teas and tea accessories in their grocery aisles. Local Tea Shops: Many cities have independent tea shops that focus on loose leaf tea. A quick online search can help you find these local shops. Health Food Stores: Stores like Sprouts or Natural Grocers typically carry a selection of loose leaf teas and accessories. Barnes Noble: Some larger Barnes Noble locations have a small section for loose leaf teas and tea accessories. Specialty Kitchen Stores: Retailers such as Williams Sonoma or Sur La Table may carry tea infusers and related items. Farmers Markets: Local vendors often sell a wide variety of loose leaf teas, including unique blends that may not be found elsewhere.Finding Quality and Expertise
Teavana's closure didn't diminish the quality of tea accessories and loose leaf tea available in the market. Many small, independent tea shops offer a more personal experience, with owners who will take the time to help you find the perfect tea based on your tastes. Here are some personal experiences and recommendations from my travels:
I have shopped at several fantastic local tea shops in Graton, CA, and Guilford, CT. These small establishments offer high-quality loose leaf teas and an intimate shopping experience. However, finding a comparable shop in Southern California has proven challenging, so we often rely on Whole Foods and online shopping.
For those visiting the UK, two places stand out: Fortnum Mason and the duty-free shop at Heathrow Airport. Fortnum Mason, a storied tea retailer with over 200 years of history, offers some of the finest teas in the world and a delightful tea room that feels like a return to a bygone era. The Heathrow international duty-free shop has reasonable prices on Twinings teas, and I always make sure to purchase a kilogram of Earl Grey or English Breakfast for the journey home, which lasts for an extended period.
Call Before You Go
To ensure you find what you're looking for, it's a good idea to call ahead or check online for the specific availability of the stores in your area. This will help you plan your visit more effectively and save time.
Whether you're a tea enthusiast or just looking for a new infusion method, there are plenty of options available to keep your tea routine vibrant and enjoyable.