In March, independent stores in metro Phoenix that rely heavily on foot traffic showed their resilience by building online stores, delivering orders by bicycle and offering curbside pickup when local officials ordered closures to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Now, these locally owned stores need the help of their communities more than ever. Already, metro Phoenix has seen the closure of a number of businesses. Recent losses include Roosevelt Row’s bike-centric coffee shop Bicycle Nomad and Bonus Round, dubbed “the Valley’s only nerd bar.”
The next time you feel like indulging in a new candle scent or need to buy a book that a friend recommended, consider sourcing from a local small business, many of which offer contactless delivery and curbside pickup.
From clothing to gifts, soaps to candles, here’s a sampling of brick-and-mortar stores and online shops you can buy from and keep your dollars in your community.
The Enchanted Bullfrog: This Buckeye shop opened in September with “unique, hand-crafted, vintage décor and jewelry.”
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Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. 343 E. Monroe Ave., Buckeye. 623-687-0289, http://theenchantedbullfrog.com.
EmRose Ave: Emma Kerekes sells bilingual wood signs and home décor as EmRose Ave. You can find her products at Made with Love Market in Gilbert, Twigs & Twine in Phoenix and on her website.
Details: https://www.emroseave.com
Grungy Gals: This family-run business in Goodyear carries items from 18 local vendors in a 1,500-square-foot space. You’ll find everything from paints to candles to teas and children’s books.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 540 N. Bullard Ave., Goodyear. 623-414-3159, https://www.grungygalz.com.
The Merchantile of Scottsdale: With workshops and products from local businesses, the marketplace aims to be a boutique “where designers, makers, artists and local businesses come together under one roof to reveal their best products and services.”
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday. 3965 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale. 480-590-2699, https://www.themerchantileofscottsdale.com.
urbAna: The owners of urbAna “share our local love with talented artists, designers, and creators who are both our neighbors and our friends” in their Arcadia home goods store.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 5027 N. 44th St., Phoenix. 602-957-5066, https://urbanashop.com.
Silver and Cedar: Silver and Cedar is a tintype photography studio and leather shop that carries furnishings, keepsakes and in-house made wood décor. Call ahead to confirm store hours before going.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. 10637 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. 623-760-5309, https://silverandcedarphx.com.
THELIFESTYLEDCO: The interior design firm and retail stores follow a minimalist aesthetic that founder Kristen Forgione calls “organic desert living.” You’ll find clothing, furniture and home décor online and at its stores in Gilbert and Arcadia.
Details: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. 1490 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, 480-702-0574. Also: 4113 N. 44th St., Phoenix, 602-675-1177. https://www.thelifestyledco.com.
Storybook Handmade: Looking for macramé to decorate your planters and walls that is made with “high quality, eco-friendly cotton?” Owner Jen Urena can be found on Etsy and at local markets; follow Urena on Instagram for upcoming appearances.
Details: https://storybookhandmade.com.
Frances: If you’re looking for accessories, cards, mugs and apparel with punchy phrases emblazoned on them, this is the place for you.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 10 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-279-5467, https://www.shopfrancesboutique.com.
MADE Art Boutique: This Roosevelt Row boutique from Cindy Dach and Greg Esser offers “an always-changing array of artist-made items, including jewelry, ceramics, prints, cards, soaps, candles and more.”
Details: Noon-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday. 922 N. Fifth St.,
Phoenix. 602-256-6233, https://www.madephx.com.
Local Nomad: Local Nomad carries handcrafted goods from independent designers and specializes in clothing and gifts.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. 100 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-441-4378, https://www.localnomadshop.com.
Hazel and Violet Letterpress: The downtown Phoenix printing shop sells cards, stationery, calendars, coasters and art prints in-store and on Etsy. For free local delivery, you can also direct message them on Instagram.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 5-8 p.m. Friday. 1301 NW. Grand Ave., Phoenix. 480-544-2162, https://www.hazelandviolet.com.
Cassi Care Skincare: Shop beard kits, handmade face masks, soap and fragrance oils at this online store.
Details: 480-524-0495, https://cassicare.com.
HerSol Beauty: HerSol in Laveen is committed to “sourcing and using only the best organic, vegan, cruelty-free ingredients to make our skincare and natural hair products.” You’ll find handmade body butter, lip scrubs and body scrubs.
Details: 602-403-5890, https://hersolbeauty.com.
Morning Mist Soap Co.: Buy handmade, all-natural, vegan products that are “locally sourced and responsibly harvested” from “local businesses, farmers, markets or my own backyard.” Rocio Francis, who started the brand to create plastic-free products, uses her ancestral knowledge to formulate her skincare. Her products can be found online and at Palabras Bilingual Bookstore.
Details: https://www.morningmistsoapco.com.
Lather Bath Bar: Treat yourself to these aesthetically pleasing hand-poured artisan soaps from Queen Creek’s Bethany Shaver. Follow her on Instagram to see her latest seasonal creations.
Details: https://latherbathbar.com.
N’Ice Creme Butters: Choose from plant-based lip scrubs, whipped body butters and soaps. Shop online or at the Merchantile in Old Town Scottsdale.
Details: https://nicecremebutters.com.
Get Sassy Beauty Supply: A go-to in Chandler for wigs, hair in bulk, beauty and barber supplies.
Details: 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. 1368 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. 480-917-0014, http://getsassybeautysupply.com.
Strawberry Hedgehog: Here you’ll find soaps, deodorants, sprays, incense and more at a shop that “proudly and mindfully (handcrafts) vegan, safe, healthy, clean products.”
Details: 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. 1501 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix. 928-637-6270, https://www.strawberryhedgehog.com.
Butter Up Shea Butter: Founder Kameryn Arnold has been making her shea butter since she was 13 years old. She “strive(s) to use only organic and local ingredients” in her skincare products.
Details: https://www.butterupsheabutter.com.
Mane de Jour Beauty Supply: Licensed cosmetologist March MunRoe owns this beauty supply boutique in Tempe.
Details: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 1652 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe. 480-825-7330, https://manedejour.com.
0820 Candle Co.: Keiana Todd makes small-batch soy candles and wax melts as 0820 Candle Co. You can find Todd’s products on her website and at local markets; follow Todd’s Instagram for the latest updates.
Details: https://www.0820candleco.com.
Galeana39: Curtis Parhams sells small-batch candles, home goods and personal care items. Though he had to close his brick-and-mortar shop due to COVID-19, you can find his products on his website.
Details: https://galeana39.com.
PinkHoney Candle: Chloe Matthews creates candles as PinkHoney Candle. You can find her products at Pinnacle Peak Farmers Market and on her website.
Details: https://www.pinkhoneycandle.com.
Ellery Mae Candle Co.: Shop online for candles made with “100% all-natural soy wax, pure cotton wicks and the highest quality fragrance and essential oils to create a clean, long-lasting, eco-friendly burn.”
Details: https://ellerymae.com.
Taylor Candle Co.: Soy wax candles, made in Queen Creek, come in various fragrances, including Butta Love, Cashmere Dreams and Cuffing Season.
Details: https://taylorcandle-co.com.
Angela Johnson: Prolific Arizona designer Angela Johnson is best known for her tailored ball gowns and garments made from thrifted and recycled T-shirts.
Details: https://www.angelajohnsondesigns.com/shop.
Antique Sugar: You might just find a holiday gift for yourself at this vintage clothing store in downtown Phoenix.
Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. 801 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-277-5765, https://antiquesugar.com.
B&R African Styles: B&R African Styles sells apparel — including dashiki dresses, shirts and shorts — as well as self-care products such as shea butter soaps and fragrances.
Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday. 6719 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix. 602- 410-8064, https://www.brafricanstyles.com.
Being Dapper: JC Donaldson is the founder and designer of Being Dapper, a Gatsby-inspired collection of sport coats, suits and polos for men. Under the House of Donaldson part of his company, he makes custom shirts, jackets, pants, vests and suits for men and women. A selection of dress shoes, sneakers, hats and accessories is also available in his online store.
Details: https://beingdapper.com.
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Blue Planet: The outdoor lifestyle boutique stocks products “from local and national companies that give back.”
Details: 11 a.m.-3 pm. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. 44 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler. 480-525-6189, https://www.blueplanetoutdoors.com.
Bunky Boutique: Bunky is now open at its new location in Phoenix with its signature collection of clothing, home décor and jewelry.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday. 1001 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. https://bunkyboutique.com.
K.S. Garner: Kelsey Garner’s clothing line includes colorful, form-fitting velvet jumpsuits in her “Luna” collection and shorts and crop tops in her “Maddy” collection as well as a selection of face masks, rompers, dresses and accessories.
Details: https://ksgarner.com.
Shades of Rose: Shop a collection from “Bachelor” star and Phoenix resident Lauren Burnham-Luyendyk that features blazers, blouses, bodysuits, pants and rompers.
Details: https://theshadesofrose.com.
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Straw and Wool: Find men’s hats and accessories at this new Grand Avenue shop.
Details: Noon-5 p.m. Thursday, noon-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. 1325 Grand Ave., Phoenix. https://strawandwool.com.
Iconic Arizona: Nick Carmichael creates Arizona-inspired designs that appear on apparel, hats and other accessories.
Details: https://iconicarizona.com.
Only Human: Shop hats, apparel and stickers while also giving back. According to Only Human, “Every month we support a new cause and donate 10% of all profits to a related nonprofit making the world a better place.” Past recipients include It Gets Better Project and the Marsha P. Johnson Institute.
Details: 1-7 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon Sunday. 824 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. https://shop.onlyhumanco.com.
Phoenix General: Shop Phoenix General’s curated collection of apparel, home goods, gifts and art online (with shipping or curbside pickup) or in-store at two locations.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. 5538 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, 602-237-6922. Also 214 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, 623-248-8686. https://phxgeneral.com.
Rocket A Go-Go: This family-owned, women-led secondhand shop is 2,000 square feet of “rockabilly, punk flare.”
Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. 37 W. Southern Ave., Tempe. 480-434-4433, https://rocketagogo.com.
Sammie & Dannie: Curated vintage clothing, accessories, furniture and home décor.
Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, by appointment Sunday and Monday. 4540 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-314-5935, https://sammieanddannie.com.
Soulful Explorer: Browse Soulful Explorer’s pillowcase, sweater and mask designs or get your own customized merchandise at this online store.
Details: https://www.soulfulexplorer.com.
Tebo Dambe: Handmade women and men’s apparel by designer Tebo Dambe.
Details: https://tebodambe.com.
Muse Apparel: Find outfits curated for “hot desert babes” at this Uptown Plaza shop.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. 100 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-749-8880, https://www.shopatmuse.com.
Changing Hands Bookstore: This Valley staple caters to all of your literary needs and offers novelty gifts, greeting cards, journals and toys.
Details: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. 6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, 480-730-0205. Also 300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602-274-0067. https://www.changinghands.com.
Palabras Bilingual Bookstore: Arizona’s only bilingual bookstore has reopened with limited capacity and features 25 books written by Native American authors in honor of Native American Heritage Month.
Details: Noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m .-noon by appointment. 1738 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-595-9600, https://www.palabrasbookstore.com.
Lawn Gnome Publishing: Fancy yourself a lawn gnome? How about camping gear or buttons? You’ll find a wide variety of possibilities here. Oh, and new and used books, too.
Details: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. 912 N. Fifth St., Phoenix. 602-721-9175, https://www.lawngnomepublishing.com.
Grassrootz Bookstore and Juice Bar: Bookstore and community library.
Details: Noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 1145 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 480-678-4560, https://grassrootzbookstore.com.
Native Art Market: From paintings to jewelry and jellies to coffee, everything at this family-owned store in Old Town Scottsdale is Indigenous-made. Since November 2018, Native Art Market has been a staple outdoor event with performers and vendors at the Pavilions at Talking Stick during the winter months.
Details: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. 7215 E. Main St., Scottsdale. 707-733 6443; https://www.instagram.com/nativeartmarket, https://www.facebook.com/nativeartmarketscottsdale.
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Sunshine Sunflower: Artist Laurie Canfield sells DIY ceramic art kits as well as a selection of her own creations, ranging from candle containers to coasters, kitchen wares and more online and at the studio.
Details: 700 W. Campbell Ave., Phoenix. 352-601-6084, 352-302-2640; https://www.sunshinesunflower.com.
Ceramics by Judith: Judith Amiel-Bendheim, a ceramics and jewelry artist, sells her wares as Ceramics by Judith. You can find Amiel-Bendheim’s products at the store at Phoenix Art Museum, the Objects boutique in Scottsdale and Practical Art in Phoenix.
Details: http://www.ceramicsbyjudith.com.
Kenna Prints: McKenna Woods makes linen photo prints as Kenna Prints. You can find her products on her Etsy store and follow her on Instagram to find out whether she is selling at upcoming local events.
Details: https://www.etsy.com/shop/kennaprints.
Lan Art&Design: Lana Nguyen, a collage artist, sells her creations as Lan Art&Design. You can find her products at Made With Love Market in Gilbert, on her website and on her Etsy shop.
Details: https://www.lanartanddesign.com.
Crafty Chica: Kathy Cano-Murillo, also known as the Crafty Chica, creates “Mexi-style” arts and crafts. You can find her mugs, “Amiga Angels” and home décor on her website.
Details: https://craftychicastore.com.
Kelsey Dake Rushing: The illustrator, whose work has graced the covers of The New York Times Magazine, Variety and other publications, also sells T-shirts and prints.
Details: http://kelseydake.com.
Practical Art: The retail and gallery space features only Arizona artisans and offers curbside pickup for online orders.
Details: Noon-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 5070 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-264-1414, http://practical-art.com.
Afri-Soul Marketplace: A cultural center that offers a variety of Black-owned brands and art.
Details: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday. 1145 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 623-566-6082, https://www.smallworldafricanart.com/afri-soul-marketplace.
Mucho Más Art Studio: The Phoenix “boutique, gallery, event space, and art workshop” has work by local artists Emily Costello, Patrick Murillo and Kathy Cano-Murillo.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday. 1736 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. https://muchomasartstudio.com.
Baby Teith: Tiffe Fermaint founded Baby Teith, a clothing brand for kids who rock. The line, which began in 2013, is inspired by new wave, ’80s rock, goth and post-punk aesthetics. You can find Fermaint’s products on her website.
Details: https://babyteith.com.
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Forever French Baby: Chantelle French’s inspiration to start her company, which sells swaddles, toddler apparel, crib sheets and other products for children, was her daughter Charli, who received an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis at age 2.
Details: https://foreverfrenchbaby.com.
Drawn to Comics: Get your games, posters, action figures and, of course, comics, at this comic book store in downtown Glendale.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 5801 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale. 623-847-9090, http://drawntocomics.com.
Samurai Comics: Look no further than Arizona’s “largest chain of comic book specialty stores.” You can find Samurai Comics in Mesa, Glendale and Phoenix.
Details: Hours and locations: https://stores.comichub.com/samurai_comics_phoenix.
Hello Merch: Sam Means of The Format and wife Anita are the force behind Hello Merch, which sells products ranging from matchboxes to records, as well as its own screen-printed apparel. Shop online and have your merch shipped or pick it up curbside at their downtown Phoenix warehouse.
Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. 850 W. Lincoln St., Phoenix. https://www.hellomerch.com.
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Arts and Culture reporter Elizabeth Montgomery contributed to this story.
Reach the reporter at kimi.robinson@gannett.com or at 602-444-4968. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi.
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