Arts and Culture
Where to Shop Small Businesses in Tempe
August 1, 2024
Support local businesses this back-to-school season and beyond
Local merchants have always been an important part of what makes Tempe unique. All year long, but especially as we kick off the back-to-school season, we shine a deserving spotlight on some of our small businesses, artisans, markets and vendors.
Whether you’re strolling along Mill Avenue, looking for a specific item for yourself, or hitting a local market on the hunt for a perfect gifts for someone else, we’ve gathered information about locally owned retailers who celebrate your patronage.
Why is shopping locally important? According to Local First Arizona, “For every $100 spent, $43 remains in Arizona, [compared to] $13 for every non-local business.”
Retailers
Ash Avenue Comics
806 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-858-9447
Ash Avenue Comics is open daily at 11 a.m. You can also follow along on their Facebook page for store updates and info about new arrivals.
Brandon’s Comics
1833 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-838-0467
Calling all collectors: Brandon’s Comics offers a huge array of silver-modern keys, CGC books and autographed books.
Brick Road Coffee
4415 S. Rural Road, Suite 10, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-590-7246
This LGBTQ+ owned business has built an incredible community in Tempe. They offer a great selection of artisanal coffee, pastries, pizza and unique gifts.
Cactus Sports
514 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-894-1278
Buy everything that an ASU fan has to have at Cactus Sports. Fun fact: Cactus Sports is the longest-running and only independently owned and alumni-operated Arizona State University fan shop left in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
Candy Addict Store
414 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-921-1155
Located in the heart of Downtown Tempe, this candy selection includes all-time favorites, nostalgic and retro sweets, international brands, gourmet chocolate bars, novelty/specialty candy, sugar-free, candy-themed novelty gifts and so much more.
Changing Hands Bookstore
6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-730-0205
A Tempe favorite, Changing Hands Bookstore, is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. They sell new and used books, fun little trinkets, coasters and more.
Cowtown Skateboards
215 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-379-3605
Shop for all the skateboard gear you’ve ever needed (and wanted), including a selection of more than 1,000 skateboards to choose from. Open at 11 a.m. daily.
Creations Boutique
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-448-1687
Creations Boutique is a beautiful store in Tempe Marketplace. Shop for Boho-chic inspired clothing items, hats, jewelry and more.
Kettle Heroes
1705 W. Ruby Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 855-538-4376
You’ll be a fan as soon as you try Kettle Heroes popcorn for the first time. Buy bags of popcorn at their Tempe shop or order gift tins with custom labels. Flavors include Hatch Green Chile Cheddar, Porcini Truffle Cheddar and Cinnamon Sugar Churros Kettle Corn.
Landis Cyclery
2180 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-839-9383
1006 E. Warner Road, #106, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-730-1081
Landis is the place for bicycle enthusiasts, whether you’re a casual rider or you take your two wheels very seriously. It’s a great place to get advice on which bike is just right for your style. They also offer bike repairs and sell all kinds of accessories.
Pop Hunt Thrills
Arizona Mills, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-343-3090
This local shop sells a large assortment of pop culture collectibles, toys and action figures. You can shop in person at their Arizona Mills location, near entrance 1 by LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona.
Sole Sports
1006 E. Warner Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-522-2475
This is a destination shop for runners. They sell clothing, shoes (sold with their expert advice) and all kinds of related items — from foam rollers to protein bars.
Zia Records
3201 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-829-1967
Stay entertained with the best music money can buy at Zia Records. They also sell new, vintage and collectible movies, vinyl records, turntables and gift items.
Vintage Shops
Luxie Vintage
2240 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-572-1683
Cory Martinez, owner of Luxie Vintage, has been selling vintage clothing since 2006. From ’60s psychedelia to ’90s babydoll dresses, you can find bright and unique vintage clothing in-store or online. Shop by size, decade, season or some of their expertly curated min drops. This boutique also buys vintage clothing (from any decade that is pre-2000s era) locally and remotely.
Nowadays Creative Lab
414 S. Mill Ave., Suite 120, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 520-780-3371
This Mill Avenue shop is comprised of equal parts sneakerhead heaven, custom design lab and vintage, streetwear and lifestyle curator. Upstairs, Tempe Toes buys, sells and trades apparel and shoes, ranging from timeless throwbacks to the latest limited-edition drops. We’re seeing a lot of vintage sports and music themes emerging this season, but there’s always new inventory to browse. Downstairs is the Nowadays Creative Lab operation, where just about any idea comes to life. Follow them on Instagram for details on the various pop-up hosted here.
Rocket A Go-Go
15 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-434-4433
If your style includes punk, rockabilly, pinup, alternative or retro, you’ll love Rocket A Go-Go. Co-owned by RoseAna Dodge and Stormy Love, this shop touts itself as an alternative fashion emporium — but don’t take our word for it. Check out the ever-changing collection of gently loved and new stock of clothing, shoes and accessories. New items are added to the inventory daily.
Sew Used at Culdesac Tempe
2016 E. Wildermuth Ave., #1084, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-420-9416
New to Culdesac, Tempe’s ever-evolving car-free community, Sew Used is a Black-Owned vintage and second-hand clothing store that specializes in Y2K, modern, reworked and upcycled pieces. Co-owners Justin and Juju stay busy adding new items to their curated collection on a daily basis. Follow @sewused_ on Instagram for new drops and pop-up event info.
Markets
Each Fall and Spring, the Tempe Festival of the Arts brings together over 350 artists, artisans, crafters, makers, vendors and more along Mill Avenue and the surrounding streets. Next up is the 2024 Fall Festival fo the Arts from Dec. 6 to 8.
Downtown Tempe’s 2nd Sundays on Mill provides an opportunity to purchase food, art, clothing and other homemade goods on the second Sunday of the following months and themes:
- Nov. 10, 2024: Multicultural
- Jan. 12, 2025: Makers
- Feb. 9, 2025: Mardi Gras
- April 13, 2025: Earth Month
Little Cholla Market, at Culdesac Tempe, features a wide variety of theme nights and vendors every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. Follow @littlecholla on Instagram for dates and themes throughout the fall and spring.
From time to time, Casey Moore’s Oyster House hosts its infamous Back Alley Market, which showcases local, handmade, vintage goods and more — from over 25 different vendors. Be among the first in the know when another market will pop up by following @caeymoores9thandash on Instagram.
Tracy Dempsey Originals/ODV Wines hosts a variety of pop-up events, including an annual holiday market that’s known for its baked treats, a selection of artisan cheeses, a variety of Arizona wines and more. Follow @tdo_odv on Instagram for future event details.
For over 40 years, Yucca Tap Room has showcased live music in a truly unique and intimate setting. And every so often, they also host the Western Works Market — a pop-up event of 20 to 25 vendors that collectively identifies as “A jumble of makers, collectors and artists.” Follow @western_works_market on Instagram for a heads up on the next event.
Distilleries
Adventurous Stills
2125 E. 5th St., Suite 102, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-292-8770
This local distillery is known for spirits made right here in Tempe, including Peralta Bourbon and Papago Dark Rum. They are open for tours and cocktail service.
Arizona Distilling Co.
601 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-921-2487
Visit this tasting room for cocktails, small bites and pizza. Tours are available on Saturdays and include three .5-ounce pours. Visit the website to schedule your tour at least 24 hours in advance.
Wild Hare Distillery
5869 S. Kyrene Road, Suite 18, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 602-402-2329
Wild Hare is known for DROVE, a premium line of spirits made with agave nectar. Call or text for availability.
Florists
Flowers are sure to brighten anyone’s day, especially around the holidays. Order a bouquet online and have it delivered to your special someone. Here are a few local florists who would love your support. Order online or call with any questions.
Campus Flowers
1435 E. University Drive, #110, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-0389
Bobbie’s Flowers
5801 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-968-7961
Rowan Tree Flowers
107 E. Baseline Road, Ste. A104, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-686-8965
