609 Best Places to Shop in USA

Find coffee-table books, greeting cards, home decor with cheeky and naughty sayings, candles, wearable souvenirs, and other eclectic items at this fun gift shop that celebrates the area's retro-modern lifestyle and desert dolce vita.

Fans of mid-century furnishings, from low-slung modern sofas and sleek Danish coffee tables to both fashionable and kitschy housewares, vintage paintings, and kitchen items flock to this enormous two-floor emporium set along Littleton's increasingly hip Main Street.

You're unlikely to ever have tasted anything like the divine, agave-sweetened, artisanal creations that emerge from this sweet shop. Historically accurate chocolate drinks, like the Aztec Warrior Elixir, divine caramels, and gluten-free chocolate baked goods are served in this cozy, welcoming establishment that's as much an educational experience as a chance to indulge in exceptional sweets. There are three more locations: one is on Rufina Street near Meow Wolf, another sits in midtown on San Mateo Road, and the other is all the way in Salem, Massachusetts.

Housed in a 19th-century building that was home to U.S. president Chester A. Arthur and, later, William Randolph Hearst's New York Journal, this rambling, three-level shop stocks 10,000 food products from 80 different countries. Even if you don't intend to buy something, it's worth wandering around Kalustyan's to ogle at the aisles of exotic and hard-to-find foodstuffs. 

Hawaiian quilts made by hand and machine, a beautiful selection of fabrics, quilting kits, handmade aloha wear, and unique fabric arts fill a cute, small, red plantation-style building a mile outside Lihue. The staff is friendly and helpful---even though a steady stream of customers keeps them busy---and will ship your purchases anywhere.

The signature treat here, the chocolate opihi, is made with a dash of culinary humor: layers of crispy cookie, gooey caramel, crunchy macadamia nut, and chocolate shell form a little cone . . . a lot like the shape and texture of limpets found clinging to shoreline rocks and which are also considered a delicacy. Fear not: no seafood is involved in this decadent candy. Fudge, bars, and chocolate-covered pretzels make good gifts, and the gelato is ono (delicious). Phone and online orders are now accepted.

Kauai produces more coffee than any other Island, and this is the largest coffee farm in the United States. The 100% local product is grown with sustainable practices and can be purchased from grocery stores or at the plantation, where you can sample nearly two dozen coffees before or after a tour. Be sure to try some of the exclusive estate-roasted varieties. Coffee is available online, too. Fun fact: the factory, quaint old camp houses, and visitor center are located in a settlement called Numila, which is a Hawaiian way to say "new mill."

This is the biggest and best farmers' market on Kauai, sponsored by the Kauai Farm Bureau, Kauai Grown, and Kauai Community College and held 9:30 am to 1 pm on Saturdays in the college's parking lot in Lihue. You'll find fresh produce---including those grown by the college's agriculture students---and flowers, as well as packaged products like breads, goat cheese, pasta, honey, coffee, soaps, lotions, and more, all made locally. The market also offers educational displays and cooking tips. Seating areas are convenient if you want to grab a tasty snack or lunch from the food booths and lunch wagons that set up here.

The gift shop at the Kauai Museum sells some fascinating books, as well as lovely authentic Niihau shell jewelry, handwoven lauhala hats and bags, local food items, historic postcards, hand-carved wooden bowls and boxes, Tahitian pearl jewelry, and a wide selection of unique aloha wear clothing. It's a wonderful place to find quality items not sold elsewhere.

Known for its wildly popular and often playfully colorful hiking sandals, boots, and water shoes, this spacious showroom occupies a splendidly restored 1907 steamship factory that also houses this eco-conscious company's headquarters. In addition to just about any kind of footwear you could need to tackle Pacific Northwest's great outdoors, you'll also find backpacks and messenger bags along with socks, pants, shirts, and other rugged outerwear.

Founded by local entrepreneurs Jillian Corn and Hunter Long (who is also a professional skateboarder), Keep It Simple strives to promote a healthier planet by selling high-quality natural, organic, and/or vegan items with minimal (or zero) packaging. Look for sustainable beauty and bath products; beachwear, cover-ups, and accessories; and items for the kitchen and elsewhere in the home.

With joyful designs composed in the spirit of traditional woodblock prints, whimsical pure cotton flour-sack dish towels—and yardage, napkins, potholders, and more—roll off the silk-screen presses here (don't miss their special misprint sales). While the perfectly soft and absorbent towel fabric is imported from Pakistan, the themes and attitude are purely local and New Mexico-inspired. View the printing process from their retail shop, where you will also find an irresistible selection of finely made hand-hewn products from other sustainably focused makers with keen eyes for design. The colorfully felted Flying Dragon children's mobiles (Nepal) are delightful, and the pewter animal magnets from Roofoos in Oregon are pretty cool too.

You'll see Kermit himself standing on the corner every time a trolley passes, pie in hand. He carries many key lime products—from barbecue sauce to jelly beans—and his key lime pie is the best on the island. Once you try it, perhaps frozen on a stick and dipped in chocolate, you may consider quitting your job and moving here. Savor every bite in the patio-garden area, or come for breakfast or lunch in the on-site café. Note, too, that Kermit's frozen pies, topped with a special long-lasting whipped cream instead of meringue, travel well. There's a smaller second location on the corner of Duval and Front Streets.

This shop produces hundreds of soap, candle, sunscreen, and skin-care products for men and women. Soothe your skin from head to toe and slather on natural, tropical products that boast an added boost from science. A second location is at 1075 Duval. 

The only chocolate factory in the Keys specializes in key lime truffles. In addition to fine white, milk, and dark Belgian-chocolate confections (the salted turtles, a fan favorite, are worth every calorie), you'll find cupcakes and ice cream. Chocolate-making classes are also available for kids and adults, and a small gift area showcases local art, jewelry, hot sauces, and other goodies.

Beautiful hand-stitched Hawaiian quilts grace the walls here, quilting kits and books are plentiful, and the vast inventory of tropical fabrics is amazing. The friendly proprietors also offer fine art, photography, cards, and cool souvenirs you won't find anywhere else.

Originally a general store built in 1914, this shop features handmade products crafted by local lauhala weavers, who use the leaves of the hala tree. Among the offerings are hats, baskets, containers, and mats, many of which are woven by the proprietors. Owner Alfreida Kimura-Fujita was born in the house behind the shop, and her daughter Renee is also an accomplished weaver.

Serious shoppers will want to make a trip to King of Prussia Mall, the largest retail shopping complex on the East Coast. The Plaza, Court, and Pavilion at King of Prussia provide elegant places to stroll and shop. There are nearly 400 specialty shops and six department stores, including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, and Crate & Barrel. The mall is about 20 miles from downtown; SEPTA Bus 124 or 125 from 17th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard runs to the mall.

This enchanting emporium brims with both vintage and new finds to embellish and enliven the home. There's also a selection of unusual gifts and darling children's items. Everything is thoughtfully chosen and high-quality.

A pair of Kino sandals was once a public declaration that you'd been to Key West. The attraction? You can watch these inexpensive items being made. The factory has been churning out several styles since 1966. Walk up to the counter, grab a pair, try them on, and lay down some cash. It's that simple.

Shibori-style hand-dyed and intricately sewn textiles—both contemporary and vintage—form the basis for most of the products in this gorgeous shop that practically bursts at the seams with kimonos, boros, dresses, neckties, socks, dopp kits, wallets, and other items for the home and wardrobe. It's easy to lose yourself in this colorful space, where you'll also discover plates, bowls, tea sets, and pottery works.

Opened in 1983 by the late Nach Waxman, a member of the James Beard Foundation’s Hall of Fame, this is so much more than a cookbook shop, with its vast selection of books on food history and culture, beverages, operations and technical manuals, out-of-print finds, and a "terrific array of great food writing," too. With about 12,000 books and magazines in stock, it's no wonder that culinary icons like Julia Child, James Beard, and three-star Michelin chefs have been among the charming shop's customers. The iconic store also has fun with food, serving up a 506-piece puzzle on the Italian sandwich, for example, and contests for cooking enthusiasts. 

More than 40 stores are tucked into this cheery shopping village with a Pennsylvania Dutch spin. It's touristy, but Kitchen Kettle satisfies shopaholics looking for souvenirs, home decor, or fashion. A dozen of the places here are dedicated to food: You can shop for jam and olive oil or stop for a local ice cream and some Lancaster-roasted coffee. It's a popular attraction for bus tours, so the scene can get hectic. To do it all over again tomorrow, get a room at the Inn & Suites right in the village itself.

Housed in what used to be a 75-year-old five-and-dime store, this distinctive gallery has fine ceramics, textiles, and exquisite crafts by Japanese and Northwest artists; you can also see artifacts from the old store, a part of the original Nihonmachi (Japantown). Items range from something as simple as incense from Kyoto to an enormous painted antique chest. Clothes, books, and gift options abound, all with ties to Japan or the local Japanese community.

Near Costco, this longtime local wine store carries both local and imported varietals (with more than 600 high-end wines), specialty liquors, Champagnes, 150 craft beers, gourmet foods, and cigars. There are even some accessories for home brewers. As a bonus, the market delivers wine and gift baskets to hotels and homes, and it offers complimentary tastings Fridays from 3 to 6.

One of Washington's most legendary independent bookstores has a choice selection of fiction and nonfiction. It also hosts author talks, trivia nights, and comedy shows throughout the year. Kramers features a bar and a restaurant, which are open from morning until night.

Chocoholics beware: you could find yourself in serious trouble at Krause's Chocolates, a second-generation-run confectionery. Candy-cane-striped columns beckon you inside, where the aroma of Karl Krause's closely guarded recipes envelop you. Grab a basket to hold your wares; this chocolate is so fresh it's likely to melt in your hands. Krause's also has a shop in Rhinebeck that's located behind Montgomery Row.

This bustling food hall and market by the BeltLine draws both residents who live within walking distance and suburbanites driving in from afar. It houses spots like Ticonderoga Club, a venture of barmen Greg Best and Paul Calvert; Tex-Mex from Superica; and worth-the-wait ice cream from Jeni's. Plus, you can walk around with your beer from Hop City while you shop at the small outposts hawking everything from chocolate to handmade soaps.

This vibrant shop sells Mexican art, jewelry, and gifts. Look for the pithy Keepin' It Paisa line of T-shirts, hoodies, and ball caps in the adjacent Placita MX space, where several vendors sell furniture, clothing, and other items.

This beautiful outdoor mall has close to 50 stores (and four restaurants) decidedly aimed at affluent consumers. The Latin-inspired Blanco and Ra Sushi are the standout eateries. Trendy tenants include Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Apple, and Tiffany & Co., plus AJ's Fine Foods, a gourmet grocery that also serves coffee, pastries, and casual meals.