Shopping

Whether you’re a serial shopper, need some retail therapy, or just shopping out of necessity, you’re sure to find whatever you want or need in Houston. In fact, many people travel here from other parts of Texas and even from other countries just to restock their closets.

Overview

This chapter highlights stores you might not discover without this book. These are primarily independent stores and smaller local and regional chains that give the city its unique flavor. Many are places where you can find special, one-­of-­a-kind items.

In the pages that follow, you’ll find just about every kind of store you could need or want. That includes antiques stores and commercial art galleries, thrift and resale shops, comic book shops, flea markets, toy stores, baby gear stores, jewelry stores, shoe stores, gift shops and garden shops, sporting goods stores, music shops, bookstores, and clothing stores for men, women, and children. You’ll also find a rundown of farmers’ markets and specialty food stores around the city. And since no trip to Texas would be complete without a pair of boots, I’ve also included a list of shops that sell cowboy boots and hats—used, new, and custom-­made.

The stores listed here are hardly the only ones in town, but they are some of the best. They span from inexpensive to luxurious, giving you options no matter what your budget is.

The stores are organized by type and then by neighborhood, or, in the case of less-­central locales, the general geographic direction. Many stores included here are located in the Heights, Rice Village/West University, Memorial, Upper Kirby, Montrose, or around the Galleria area.

Some stores have multiple locations. For these stores, only one location—usually the most central one—is listed, though additional locations are mentioned in the write-­up.