3888 Best Places to Shop in USA

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.

Tea enthusiasts will feel at peace in this bright, spacious haven for sipping. You'll find more than 400 different varieties of tea here, and the staff is extremely knowledgeable on the health benefits of each and every one.

Since 1970, this Waimea landmark at Parker Square has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Although specialty kitchenware takes center stage, the shop brims with local gourmet items, books, kimonos, and Hawaiian gifts and souvenirs. 

With two levels in a historic feed barn from 1913, this is the store that keeps on giving. Step inside for all things Julian, including honey, jams, clothing, books, jewelry, toys, and even thoughtful gift sets.

The name of this unique arts space hints at its mission: "To build and exhibit aesthetically powerful art to educate a global audience about plastic pollution in the ocean and waterways and to spark positive changes in consumer habits." Inside the gallery you can view—and purchase—some of the remarkable sculptures of marine life that have been constructed entirely out of plastics and other debris collected from beaches, and learn more about how to help contribute to their efforts. The gallery is closed in winter, but there's a second location in Coos Bay that's open year-round and where you can watch artists working on new projects. 

This burgeoning, 16-block district—part of an ongoing urban redevelopment project—has changed Downtown Tampa’s cityscape by bringing residences, offices, hotels (including the new Tampa EDITION), shops, restaurants, bars, and pleasant outdoor spaces to the waterfront. Eateries range from the casual yet upscale Anchor and Brine to the sophisticated Battery. Shops include DWELL Home Market, Yura Vine Brothers, and The Modern Paws. 

This large independent records shop has been an integral part of the local music scene since 1982. With an outstanding selection of vinyl, CD, DVD, and cassette offerings, superb customer service, funky Austin-inspired gifts, and a packed calendar of free in-store concerts (including some pretty impressive names during SXSW), it may be the only Austin record store you'll ever need to visit.

Complementing its sister store in South Beach, The Webster Bal Harbour houses high-level fashions aplenty for both men and women. Nearly every great contemporary luxury designer is represented (Chanel, Céline,Valentino, Givenchy, Proenza Schouler, Stella McCartney, etc.) as well as emerging runway darlings. Fashionably impatient? The store can snag ready-to-wear pieces from the latest shows. It also carries exclusive pieces.

Occupying an entire circa-1939 art deco building, The Webster's flagship (and original) location is a tri-level, 20,000-square-foot, one-stop shop for fashionistas. This retail sanctuary carries ready-to-wear fashions by more than 100 top designers, plus in-store exclusive shirts, candles, books, and random trendy items you might need for your South Beach experience—a kind of haute Urban Outfitters for grown-ups.

The name of this store has been synonymous with independent book sales in Salt Lake City since 1929. Catherine and Tony Weller are the third generation to operate this bookstore located at Trolley Square. Bibliophiles appreciate the airy space and helpful and knowledgeable staff.

Run by the family of the late Edward Weston, this is hands down the best photography gallery around, with contemporary color photography and classic black-and-whites.

Chic Whalers Village has wonderful oceanfront restaurants and shops in the heart of Kaanapali. Upscale haunts include Louis Vuitton and Tourneau, and beautyphiles can get their fix at Sephora. Elegant home accessories at Martin and MacArthur and Totally Hawaiian Gift Gallery are perfect Hawaii-made souvenirs, while the many great surf and swimwear shops will prepare you for a day at the beach. Kids will fall in love with the whimsical two-story climbing structure at the lower courtyard. The outdoor mall also offers free weekly entertainment, lei-making classes, and hula lessons; check its website for a complete schedule.

Professional stylists and celebrities head here to dig up pristine vintage items like Levi's and Azzedine Alaïa dresses, as well as Hermès scarves and Chanel jewelry. The vintage rock tees (think Black Sabbath, Mötley Crüe) are great finds but can set you back eye-watering amounts of money.

Jam-packed with toys, games, and more bizarre novelty items than you could possibly imagine, this store benefits from the enthusiasm of owners Ken and Michele Gietz. Grab an offbeat gift for a friend (and some of the interesting candies for yourself).

The flagship location of singer-songwriter Holly Williams’s shop stocks shirts and tees for men and women; gifts and greeting cards; and a quirky collection of housewares. This is a great stop for Nashville- or Southern-themed gifts. Beautiful leather totes, shoulder bags, and more from Nashville-based ABLE can be found, and they do an impressive job of gift-wrapping purchases. There are now four Nashville-area locations of this updated take on a general store. To immerse yourself further into the lifestyle, you can stay at a White’s Mercantile Room and Board property in neighboring counties.