We often hear, “We know Austin has a good restaurant and music scene, but what about the shopping?”
Our answer: Where do we start? Austin loves to celebrate independent artists and makers and that applies to our shopping scene, too. We feel honored to get to support local and encourage y’all to join us in keeping Austin’s maker and creator scene thriving. We’ve decided to make it extra easy for you and put together a list of the best shopping in Austin. All of the best places to shop in Austin have one thing in common, whether they’re a home goods store, clothing boutique, or a vintage paradise: they’re all oozing with Austin’s unique style and charm. We searched high and low for hidden gems and rounded up our favorite can’t-miss spots. Each one is a testament to the artistic values and culture of this amazing city. Featured image of Noah Marion by Rickyann Ramos.
1 of 14 Image courtesy of Sneaker Politics Austin Shopping Downtown
If you’re visiting Austin, chances are you’re likely spending at least some of your time downtown. This is a highly walkable area and the best way to get around as traffic can get busy. We recommend spending some time in our 2nd Street District filled with shops, restaurants, and even music venues. While most of our recommendations fall under the 2nd Street District category, there’s plenty of great shopping to experience outside of that block, too.
Sneaker Politics We’re so lucky to have this one in Austin. Located in the 2nd Street Shopping District, Sneaker Politics carries some of the most unique and coolest sneakers we’ve found yet, plus clothing and sunglasses that are typically hard to get your hands on. Pro Tip: Follow Sneaker Politics on Instagram for the latest releases. 221 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Milk & Honey Spa We’ve been big fans of milk & honey spa since the founder, Alyssa Bayer first opened in 2006. Since then, they’ve expanded to Los Angeles, Chicago, and are opening in more cities in the coming months. Not only should you mark this spot for ALL of your spa appointments in town, but their retail selection, filled with their own milk & honey products (as well as other brands), is pretty great. We love their Luxe Face Oil and Room Sprays (which double as a great linen spray). 100A Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
2 of 14 Image courtesy of Eliza Page
Eliza Page Eliza Page has been a staple on Second Street since 2004 and it’s one of the best spots to grab a jewelry gift for someone you love (or for yourself!). They have a little something for almost every price point, carry well-known and discoverable brands, and do a wonderful job with custom pieces. 229 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Waterloo Records For the music and vinyl obsessed, you’re headed to Austin’s beloved Waterloo Records on North Lamar. Opened in 1982, it’s received several accolades and nods including one of SPIN’s 10 Best Record Stores in America. It’s a fun spot to peruse, and during SXSW they host epic day parties and live performances. 600 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
No Comply Skate Shop Skateboarders and sneakerheads alike, this is your spot! They bill themselves as a “Pint-sized indie skateboard shop with a chill vibe stocking decks, gear, hats, footwear & fashion,” and we agree. Admittedly, we don’t board, but we do appreciate a good sneaker and the IdleWild Coffee Collab shop inside makes a great iced coffee. 812 W 12th St, Austin, TX 78701
3 of 14 Image of Music Lane by Cristina Fisher Austin Shopping Malls
Before you completely dismiss the idea of a shopping mall, we need to reiterate that these two recommendations are anything but traditional. One is nestled on one of Austin’s most prominent and famous street and the other is a stone’s throw from our FC soccer stadium and adjacent to a Top Golf. So, both have “main attraction” energy and provide an excellent one-stop-shop day trip for virtually all of your needs.
Music Lane Music Lane is Austin’s newest outdoor shopping development and features several boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and more. We love that a little bit of old Austin remains (looking at you, Continental Club and Guero’s) while new Austin settles in. If you’re coming to town and want a mix of shopping, food, and people watching, take a stroll on South Congress. Can we tempt you to stop at Home Slice for a slice of pizza and/or the Italian Sub? (Do it!) 1011 South Congress Ave.
The Domain If you’re looking for more high-end shops, you’re likely headed to The Domain. With over 100 shops like Neiman Marcus, Gucci, Chanel, The RealReal, and some smaller boutiques, like Away, Diptique, Herman Miller, and even a Peloton store, The Domain has everything you’re looking for. Pro Tip: If you’re shopping at The Domain, make time to hit up the Rock Rose area featuring special Austin restaurants like the highly-lauded Thai-Kun. 11410 Century Oaks Terrace
4 of 14 5 of 14 Images of STAG by Bill Sallans Clothes Shopping in Austin
Sure, the food scene here is pretty epic, but don’t discount our style and great list of local creators. These shops are a favorite with our team and some have styled musicians for the ACL Festival, speakers for SXSW, and actors for ATX TV Festival. Whether you’re looking for high-end or upcycled threads, we’ve got you covered.
STAG (South Lamar) STAG is a “modern-day general store for every man and specializes in contemporary clothing with classic roots.” We love every single item inside STAG, so it’s no wonder they’ve been named a top men’s store in America by GQ and Esquire. This is right on South Congress next to Home Slice Pizza, so it’s a good idea to place a pizza order and shop while you wait. 1423 S Congress Ave
6 of 14 Image courtesy of Estilo
Estilo (Central Austin) For a great selection of brands both high and low, we love Estilo. We’re partial to their denim selection, though they came in clutch while trying to find the perfect summer dresses. Pro Tip: They have a great seamstress onsite if you need anything hemmed. 2727 Exposition Blvd #121
Daughter’s (South Congress) The sister store to STAG, Austin’s “Daughter’s” is nestled on South Congress is for the buyer who wants cool, creative, casual vintage-inspired designs from a host of brands. It’s coming from Stag, so you know it’s well-curated. 1210 S Congress Ave
7 of 14 Image of MOSS by Kaity Cox
MOSS (South Lamar) Run by the same owner as Garment, so you know it’s going to be good. MOSS is easily one of our favorite consignment shops in town, carrying the latest, trendiest, and most unique pieces. We don’t know how Masha scores such great consignors (but we’re not complaining). Clothes, handbags, shoes, accessories—oftentimes brand-new. Pro Tip: The second MOSS posts something on Instagram, don’t wait. We’ve had our hearts broken a few times. 705 South Lamar Blvd
Garment Vintage (South Lamar) Some of our favorite pieces of clothing have come from Garment Vintage. Owner Masha does an incredible job of sourcing unique and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that tend to go the second they’re posted on Instagram. When festival season hits Austin, they bring out some of the coolest pieces from Gucci belt bags to vintage Chanel. 701 S Lamar Blvd
8 of 14 Image of Miranda Bennett Studio by Andrea Calo
For something special you likely won’t find outside of Austin, look no further than our list of boutiques. This is where we send our out-of-town friends who want to bring something unique back home, or for the pal who has a special occasion and they want to support a local business. We’re big fans of each of these and hope you are too.
Miranda Bennett Studio (East Austin) We love what Miranda Bennett is up to as a designer (and you may remember her from our interview a few years back). All of her pieces are made locally in Austin using plant dyes. She’s a fierce advocate for size inclusivity, designing clothes that connect women to their body and make them feel good. She’s garnered national media attention from The New York Times, Coveteur, Who What Wear, Vogue, Martha…