The past few years in Austin have brought a ton of new businesses to our city, and many of them are mega brands with chains of stores around the world. We are still trying to wrap our heads around there being an Hermes store on South Congress!

That’s why we are launching a guide to the local shops we really love—as a resource for Austinites and visitors to find what’s truly unique in Central Texas. Just in time to get a jump on the holiday shopping season, check out our list of places where you can shop smaller and invest in pieces you can’t find everywhere else.

Vintage

MOSS

MOSS is the premier destination for luxury consignment in Texas. Established in 2010, MOSS offers a boutique experience with a curated selection of both high-end designer and popular contemporary labels that reflect current trends for women. Each piece is hand-selected and authenticated by their small team of highly trained fashion experts, guaranteeing authenticity. Visit MOSS Austin on South Lamar and shop designer vintage at their sister store, Garment Modern.

705 South Lamar Blvd.

Jewelry

Eliza Page

Eliza Page has been showcasing curated, designer jewelry from select artists since 2004. Our luxury jewelry collections emphasize quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship, and include custom pieces designed & finished by artisans from Austin, Texas and around the world.

229 W 2nd St.

Korman Fine Jewelry 

Locally owned and operated since 1973, Korman offers an Austin jewelry buying experience like none other. Immerse yourself in luxury with one on one consultation and on trend styling for everyday and special occasions.

5011 Burnet Rd., Suite 100

Books

BookPeople

BookPeople, Texas’ largest independent bookstore, has been a staple in Austin’s Community since 1970. Voted the Best Bookstore in Austin for over 20 years, BookPeople is known for their high-profile author events, locally curated gifts, outstanding coffee shop, and a team of friendly, well-read booksellers who love to make thoughtful recommendations for readers of any age!

First Light Books 

First Light is a lovingly operated, independent book shop that has quickly become the bookstore, coffee shop, wine bar, cafe you didn’t know you couldn’t live without. Tucked in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood in an old post office, they opened their doors in August 2023 and are open seven days a week.

4300 Speedway

Gifts

Slow North

Slow North, an Austin treasure, offers handcrafted, non-toxic candles and wellness products, all locally made with a focus on sustainability. Experience slow living through our beautifully crafted goods and weekly candle-making workshops, where you can create your own signature scent using essential oils. Expand your mindful living with Slow North.

2700 W. Anderson Ln.

Uncommon Objects

UO was born in 1991 as the brainchild of current proprietor, Steve Wiman, and his business partner at the time, Ed Gage. Steve and Ed grew the business from its original small location which housed 5 dealers to the larger space that the shop occupies today where 24 hardworking antiquers currently show and sell their treasures.

1602 Fortview Rd.

Austin Gift Company 

With over 150 booths stocked with merchandise provided by locals you will get a taste of all of what Austin has to offer. From handmade jewelry, stained glass, and soap to Longhorn, Keep Austin Weird and Texas souvenier merchandise. If you don’t need it, they probably have it!

Atown

Owned by true locals, this super fun shop on Burnet has a handpicked selection of unique goods. Shop Austin-themed gifts, novelty items, and T-shirts in the same space as local artwork, jewelry and accessories, and an assortment of playful novelty and gift items. They are proud to offer an array of items made in the USA and we support many locally made goods.

Sweets and Treats

Big Top Candy Shop 

Big Top Candy Shop has been a South Congress staple since October 2007. Decked out in antique circus memorabilia and dubbed “The Most Amazing Candy Store the World has Ever Known,” Big Top boasts a fully-functioning old-fashioned soda fountain and ice cream case, specialty chocolates and fudge, over 400 bulk candies, and over 3000 wrapped candies – from nostalgic favorites to new creations from across the globe. Satisfying the sweet tooth of kids of all ages, Big Top invites everyone to step right up and join our sugar-filled world!

1706 South Congress Ave.

Lammes Candies 

The fifth generation of the Lamme family continues the legacy of world famous confections with this full-line candy company offering more than 1,000 items. With seven stores throughout the Texas Hill Country, Lammes employees are willing and able to go the extra mile to deliver excellence and mouth watering confections to their customers. Keep a look out for their chocolate covered strawberries—seriously the best you’ve ever had.

5330 Airport Blvd.

Home

Wildflower Organics 

Wildflower Organics is a well-known Austin shopping destination. Located downtown, the store offers high-end furniture, accessories, gifts and a full line of natural bedding products. Masters of organic luxury, Wildflower Organics are retail pioneers with the foresight and integrity to keep it green without compromise to luxury, comfort, or style.

524 North Lamar Blvd.

Feather Your Nest 

Feather Your Nest has been serving the ever-growing and expanding Central Texas Area for over 30 years. Conveniently located in Central Austin, they have grown to become the standard of excellence, not only in luxury linens, but also in bath products, home décor, and accessories to dress your home from start to finish. They are proud to be unique in our designer relationships and custom ordering.

3500 Jefferson St., Suite 300

Apparel

Service Menswear

In the early nineties, Kirk Haines moved his clothing studio to a cabin on 1200 acres in Bee Cave, Texas. And, in 1993, Service opened two retail spaces within existing Austin stores. Soon after, the first stand-alone Service Menswear shop opened on West 12th street in downtown Austin. Service has now been a local fixture in South Austin for many years. The principal prerequisite for inclusion in the store’s well-edited product mix is that each item must be a good value, whether inexpensive or luxurious.

1400 South Congress Ave., Suite A160

ByGeorge

ByGeorge is an independent fashion and lifestyle boutique established in 1979. Headquartered in Austin and serving an international client base, we offer stylish and colorful customers a thoughtful curation of the world’s best brands. Rooted in the belief that great style can be both sophisticated and effortless, our stores are comprised of the distinctive perspectives and uncompromising quality of both established and emerging designers.

Kick Pleat

Since opening its doors in 2003 in Austin and expanding to Houston in 2016, Kick Pleat is once again expanding, this time to Dallas in late 2024. This modern boutique has a carefully curated selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories from both established and emerging designers, creating a unique fusion of sophistication and modernity.

624 North Lamar Blvd.

Music

Waterloo Records

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that this Austin institution is still hanging on, but we couldn’t be happier to see them on the list. Waterloo Records opened its doors in 1982, and while nearly everything about the music industry has changed since then, this charming record shop is still the best place in town to discover new music.

600A N. Lamar

Big Henry’s Vinyl & Gifts

Big Henry’s is the box office and retail space at Antone’s Nightclub, that carries classic Antone’s merch. They also specialize in rare, original vinyl pressings of soul, funk, blues, and rare groove. The little store is also a hang out for musicians, visitors, and locals alike. Relax and enjoy an Antone’s Famous Po Boy and cold beer over a shared love of the blues.

305 E 5th St.

If you’d like to have your business featured in this guide, contact dorothy@365thingsaustin.com.