609 Best Places to Shop in USA

One of the city's best book selections is displayed on the tables and counters of this bookshop, which highlights the latest literary fiction and serious nonfiction, classics, quirky gift books, and gorgeously illustrated tomes. The staff's literary knowledge is formidable, so don't be afraid to ask for suggestions.

Pop into this beloved neighborhood grocery store in the heart of South Congress and browse thousands of hand-selected food and specialty items, from fresh produce and gourmet grab-and-go snacks to artisanal made-in-Austin gifts and travel-size essentials of luxury bath and body goods. It's a perfect place to refuel on a hot, sunny day thanks to an on-site deli with delicious, hot, made-to-order offerings. Don't ignore the ice-cold alcoholic beverages, such as their signature frosé, in which you can slip a straw and take right outside to keep SoCo shopping. A second location debuted in Hyde Park, just north of downtown, and boasts an on-site French bistro, Bureau de Poste, that is open for daily dinner service.

Despite its name, this venerable D.C. favorite contains six floors of precious and semiprecious wares, including unique gifts, home accessories, vintage pieces, and works by such well-known designers as David Yurman, Penny Preville, and Alex Sepkus. The Federal Collection on the sixth floor features handmade boxes and paperweights with decoupages of vintage prints of Washington commissioned by the Tiny Jewel Box. Even if you're not buying, come in and look around.

You'll find used, rare, and new books at this family-owned, independent bookstore, including a large collection of Americana. There's also an extensive selection of children's books. Look for frequent author events and book signings.

Home to approximately 55 shops and galleries and several restaurants, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village remains one of the best places for travelers to find mementos from their trip to Sedona. The complex of clay tile–roofed buildings arranged around a series of courtyards shares its name and architectural style with a crafts village just outside Guadalajara. It's a lovely place to browse, but beware: prices tend to be high, and locals joke that it's pronounced "to-lock-your-pocket."

In a neatly restored pioneer home off Main Street, this handsome gallery specializes in regional art. Its offerings include paintings, sculpture, and photographs, as well as antique and contemporary Navajo rugs discovered by the longtime collectors who own the gallery.

This could be called “the perfect fit shop,” since old-fashioned personal attention and experience ensure just that, for bras, bathing suits, lingerie, shapewear, loungewear, and sleepwear. Now operated by the fourth generation of the founder (the original store opened in 1888), it stocks basic and luxury lingerie brands. There’s also a selection of mastectomy undergarments. Staff members are trained in the art of professional bra fitting.

New Orleans–based designer Candice Gwinn puts a retro-romantic spin on the women's fashions she creates. Inspired by styles from the 1940s to the 1950s, the Trashy Diva line includes dresses, blouses, skirts, coats, jewelry, and upscale shoes with vintage flair and modern fit. The Trashy Diva lingerie shop, located at 712 Royal Street, features corsets and romantic evening wear. An expansive Trashy Diva shoe, clothing, and lingerie boutique is also located in the 2000 block of Magazine Street.

An instant mood-lifter, this shop is chock-full of offbeat toys and novelty items that are certain to delight children of all ages.

This two-story shop with windows overlooking Newbury Street is known as much for its eclectic collection of books and magazines as its all-day breakfast menu. Follow the pack and order either the lemon-ricotta-stuffed French toast or homemade corned beef hash and then settle in with a favorite read. Feel free to stay through lunch, dinner, and beyond, as the store's open until midnight daily, making it a popular spot with students. A full slate of events, from game nights to author talks, is scheduled almost daily.

Celebrity designer Trina Turk's candy-color empire takes up a city block in the Uptown Design District. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the light and bright adjoining showrooms create the perfect platform to display the splashy patterns, vibrant colors, and sophisticated poolside cocktail party aesthetic Trina Turk is famous for—in her resortwear as well as her accessories, pets, and home lines. It's the place to go if you forgot to pack a floppy hat, caftan, or a two-piece floral cabana set.

This longtime beloved independent bookstore has been part of San Antonio's literary world since 1972, residing in several neighborhoods before landing at the Pearl. The large, organized, and well-stocked store has thousands of books in all subjects as well as cards and gift items. It hosts regular author-signing events for local and national writers as well as events geared for children. Ask the very helpful and knowledgeable staff about the latest and best independent and mainstream bestsellers.

This hole-in-the-wall confections shop has made a name for itself thanks to its pillowy mochi. The proprietors are best known for their huge, ripe strawberries wrapped in a white mochi covering, which won't last as long as a box of chocolates—most mochi items are good for only two or three days. To guarantee you get your fill, call and place your order ahead of time.

Hand-cast bronze doorbells and wind chimes are among the items sold at this longtime Prospect Harbor foundry store. You can also buy finely crafted quilts, wood-fired pottery, and fine cabinetry and furniture made by the owner's family, as well as cards, wild blueberry jam, jewelry, and such by other Maine artisans. Ask for a tour of the foundry—you might even catch a “pour,” done several times a week. Off-season the store is open by chance or appointment.

Since 1980 this independent bookshop has maintained a loyal clientele who love its vast selection and dedicated staff who are happy to share recommendations. Known for having one of the most extensive gay and lesbian sections in the city, it also has an impressive array of travel guides, children's books, and poetry. Even if you can't stop in, they're always sharing a literary quote out front for all to enjoy and contemplate.

This eclectic Austin purveyor moved its famed treasure trove of antiques and collectibles from its longtime home on South Congress Avenue to a different location off South Lamar in recent years. It might not catch as much foot traffic as its former storefront, but if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, don't miss a trip to this kaleidoscopic collection of cool finds, especially during the last Sunday of every month (10 am–3 pm) when the backyard transforms into the massive outdoor Uncommon Flea market. Dozens of unique, keen-eyed vendors keep the ever-changing stock of varying gems, from mourning jewelry made of human hair and tribal masks to 20th-century anatomical charts and plenty of Texan taxidermy.

This West End shop is the best spot in Music City for heavily discounted designer clothing—up to 70–90% off retail. While the prices are akin to consignment deals, these assorted fashion pieces arrive at the store directly from the respective designer or retailer.

Like-minded boutiques, secondhand shops, furniture stores, galleries, and lively restaurants line this stretch of street north of downtown. The theme here is decidedly retro. Some places sell mid-century modern furniture and decor and photos of neon signs and stylish soirees while others carry vintage (or vintage-knockoff) designer clothing, pool party gear, and estate jewelry. One spot definitely worth a peek is The Shag Store, the gallery of fine art painter Josh Agle. If you dig the mid-mod aesthetic, breeze through the furnishings at Towne Palm Springs or a La MOD INC. Find several independent sellers under one E. Stewart Williams–designed roof at The Shops At Thirteen Forty Five.

If you're looking to bring home a D.C.-themed souvenir or a gift for a loved one, stop by this classy, well-curated shop. There's a great selection of children's books and clothes as well as tasteful jewelry, games, books, and all kinds of knickknacks to add a special touch to your home.

Exquisite work by local and national artists is beautifully displayed at Van Gogh's Ear.

One of the largest farmers' markets in the Northwest, this wildly popular event (held Saturdays and Sundays from mid-March through late October) in leafy Esther Short Park features some 220 vendors offering up everything from crafts and gifts to produce, baked goods, artisan coffee, and a wide range of short-order snacks and foods. There's always live music and great people-watching. A smaller Fall Market takes place here on Saturdays from November through late December.

The celebrity designer's dreamy wedding dresses are sophisticated without being over-the-top. Choose from A-line and princess styles, as well as slinky sheaths. If money is no object, bespoke gowns are available. An appointment is essential and the consultants make the process of trying bridal couture as enjoyable as it should be.

Visible from blocks away, thanks to its large mural paying homage to Stephen King, Verbatim Books boasts an inventory of more than 35,000 books in its wide-open wonderland of the printed word. Visually stunning inside and out—decked with chandeliers and the store's name spelled out in books on its back wall (which also has a mysterious, colorful door)—the shop carries everything from classics to cookbooks to supernatural and metaphysical volumes, in addition to maintaining a zine library for those interested in DIY publishers.

Wine nerds will fall in love with this trendy, upscale destination from Master Sommelier Dustin Wilson. Many wine drinkers will also recognize him from the 2012 documentary Somm (and its sequels). High-quality, smaller producers from prominent and lesser-known regions share wall space in this exceptionally organized boutique.

Brace yourself for an abundance of unique discoveries at Viande. Owner Jennifer Bravo (a local photographer) focuses her eye on all things charming for the household, your wardrobe, your favorite baby, and the next gift-giving situation you'll find yourself in. There are horsehair dish brushes and gleaming oyster fork sets. There are linen body washcloths, and lustrous gold hoop earrings.

Since 1980, this enormous three-story bookstore has been an anchor of Fairhaven, bringing literary-minded folks together to shop for recent releases, attend readings and discussions, and socialize amid the shop's several spaces for eating and mingling. These include the Colophon Cafe (a full-service restaurant) and Evolve Chocolate + Cafe on the top floor, whose seating areas have grand views of Bellingham Bay. There's a newer branch in downtown Lynden.