Milwaukee-Area Shopping Guide: 50+ Spots to Shop Local

50+ Spots to Shop Local in Milwaukee

Consider this your ultimate guide to shopping local, from vintage to gifts to home goods.


READ MORE FROM OUR “SHOP LOCAL” FEATURE HERE.


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GoodLand Home & Goods

2565 N. DOWNER AVE | 414-220-0186

Hosting a dinner party? Need a gift? You’re almost certain to find something at this East Side shop, which stocks over 100 independent brands, with everything from tableware to art prints. 

Il Bosco ⬤ 

225 S. SECOND ST. | 414-212-8723

Enter this gorgeous shop and you’ll immediately want to take a piece of it home. And you can feel good about it, since much of the inventory of this eco-friendly home goods boutique is recycled, repurposed and cruelty-free. 


It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!

 

Orange and Blue Co.

1809 N. HUBBARD ST. 

Owned by the same folks behind Uncle Wolfie’s, this lifestyle shop offers a mix of home goods, body care and accessories. Need help with a gift? Check their online custom gift set service, where you choose the dollar amount and they choose the items for you.

Photo courtesy of Orange and Blue Co.

URSA

2534 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE. | 414-312-7188  

A favorite for gifts and decor, URSA’s sunny space is fun to browse – you can easily lose track of time perusing the handmade mugs, sniffing the candles and trying on accessories. 

Vintage & Antique 

BC Modern

3116 S. CHASE AVE. | 414-737-3745     

This amazing midcentury modern furniture and home decor store is only open two days a month (usually the third Saturday and Sunday, but check the schedule), so plan your visit accordingly. 

Jenni Yolo Home

907 W. NATIONAL AVE. 

The influential designer behind “I Spy DIY” recently opened this shop, filled with both new and vintage home decor picked by Yolo herself.   

Ormson Supply  

2866 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE. | 262-844-4784

This inviting Bay View spot is like a friend’s rec room, with a selection of vinyl, clothing, home decor and framed art, including glass engravings done by owner Caleb Nickel. 

Plants

Clover Milwaukee

2252 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE. | 414-249-5510

All of the plants at this Bay View nursery come in repurposed vessels, in an effort to reduce waste. And you can shop the selection of local art while you’re there, too.   

Indigo Plant Collective 

215 S. SECOND ST. | 414-212-8141

A new plant store in Walker’s Point, the bright and sunny Indigo Plant Collective sources all of its goods from small businesses. The expert staff also offer repotting services and plant consultations. 

Mod Gen  

211 N. BROADWAY | 414-345-7092

A great one-stop shop for gifts. Grab one of their 1,000 houseplants, a few little goodies and a card all in one trip to this modern general store. 

Records 

Acme Records  

2341 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE. | 414-882-9797

Flip through their well-organized collection of both new and old vinyl, as well as some CDs and cassettes. You can sell your stash here, too – the owner has been buying and selling records for over 25 years.

Lilliput Records

1669 N. FARWELL AVE. | 414-271-8590

Indie-owned and operated, this new Milwaukee shop in the longtime former home of The Exclusive Company stocks a mix of under-the-radar and popular albums, plus a local release section of CDs and vinyl. They also regularly host listening parties for new albums.  

Rushmor Records  

2635 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE. | 414-481-6040

The self-proclaimed longest-running record store in Milwaukee is home to an extensive collection of vinyl and CDs, specializing in rock, punk, hardcore and heavy metal.    

Apparel

Edie Boutique

244 N. BROADWAY | 414-509-5852

Even if you walked in convinced that there was nothing you needed, you’ll walk out of this boutique with something new. Expect a wide assortment of fun and interesting clothing and accessories at affordable prices. 

Harleys Co.  

244 N. WATER ST. | 414-332-3404

A menswear staple in Milwaukee since 1948, Harleys is the place to go for a polished suit as well as a new sweater to wear on the weekend. They also offer suit and tuxedo rentals and tailoring services. 

Milworks  

143 N. BROADWAY | 414-585-9496

It’s no surprise this store is loved in Milwaukee and beyond. In addition to a great assortment of jeans and other menswear, there are also unique gift items and much more.    

The District Row 

249 N. WATER ST. | 414-800-4238

A much-needed addition to Milwaukee’s retail scene, this high-end women’s boutique is a destination for on-trend designer pieces. And the knowledgeable staff is always eager to help.   

The Flannel Fox 

7602 HARWOOD AVE., WAUWATOSA | 414-810-1984

If you love the Up North lifestyle, this Tosa store is for you. In addition to men and women’s clothing, there are also cabin-inspired home accessories.   

The Navy Knot

308 E. SILVER SPRING DR., WHITEFISH BAY | 414-964-6289 

Clean and crisp looks for men and women are the specialty of this boutique. The assortment leans towards preppy – think bright crewneck sweaters for men and demure floral dresses for ladies. 

The Sophisticated Man Boutique

324 E. MICHIGAN ST. | 414-271-4490

Wake up your wardrobe with a bit of flash. Among more understated looks, you’ll also find cool tracksuits, faux crocodile shoes, Stetson hats, silk shirts in bold prints and other spicy statement pieces. 

Yellow Wood  

401 E. SILVER SPRING DR., WHITEFISH BAY | 414-332-3636

Before your next big adventure, make a pit stop at this outdoor apparel store. Their passion for the environment is reflected in the selection of winter gear, sweaters, jackets and more, all made from high-quality materials. 

Vintage Apparel 

Alive and Fine

2652 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE. | 414-885-1622

You never know what treasures you’re going to stumble upon at Alive and Fine, but that’s part of the fun of shopping their selection of true vintage from the ’40s through the ’90s for kids and adults. Their holiday collection drops Dec. 6, with ornaments, sweaters and more.  

Plume

3001 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE., SUITE 2 | 414-465-8197

If you prefer vintage that looks on trend and au courant, this is the place. Inside this beautiful pink store, the assortment spans Y2K miniskirts to ’70s maxi dresses. 

Refresh Vintage 

921 E. OGDEN AVE. | 262-501-7986

Bright patterns, ornate designs and a luxurious feel are the vibe of this shop. Stop in for a sustainable secondhand statement piece to wear for years to come.

To Hell and Back

643 S. SECOND ST. | 414-797-1947

Tucked away beneath Var Gallery on Second Street, this lower-level shop feels like an insider’s secret. You’ll find a large stock of denim, vintage military fatigues, flannels and more. Plus, they specialize in denim repairs, whether that’s fixing a hole or replacing a zipper.

Children’s Apparel

Black Bear Children’s Boutique

4312 N. OAKLAND AVE., SHOREWOOD | 414-368-0110

Splurge on cute outfits for your littles at this high-end (and high-quality!) children’s boutique. Pick up some adorable prints, cozy sweatsuits, dungarees and more. 

Little Monsters

2445 N. FARWELL AVE. | 414-964-2323

Shopping is fun at Little Monsters, for adults and children alike. Beyond trendy outfits for youngsters and adorable accessories, discover a wall of games and toys, plus lots of books and, yes, candy too!   

Lyss + Littles

7251 W. NORTH AVE., WAUWATOSA 

This boutique stocks a curated collection of soft colors and fun designs. And if you’re suiting up for a family photo shoot, the coordinated mom/kid outfits are just the thing. 

Jewelry  

A Trio Jewelry 

215 N. WATER ST. | 414-431-7112

A fifth-generation family-owned jewelry studio, A Trio does custom jewelry, engagement rings and classic designs. They also create custom engraved pendants if you’re looking for a piece with a personal touch.  

Cival Collective

911 W. NATIONAL AVE. | 414-394-0355 

From snake rings to stone earrings and dagger necklaces, the jewelry from Cival looks as if it was designed for a warrior princess. Visit their Walker’s Point store to pick up a piece and browse their selection of lifestyle goods while you’re there, too.

Paloma Wilder

2105 N. PROSPECT AVE. | 414-909-2112  

This beloved Milwaukee jeweler shapes many of her pieces by hand, giving the gold pendants, rings and earrings a look reminiscent of the natural world. The sunny storefront also offers permanent jewelry and custom ear piercing. 

Shoes 

Milwaukee Boot Co.   

500 W. FLORIDA ST. | 414-219-9509 

Designed in Milwaukee and hand-crafted in small batches, these leather boots come in many styles – Western, Chelsea, lace-up and more – and are made to last. They also carry leather accessories if you want to make an ensemble with a matching belt or wallet.

Shoo 

241 N. BROADWAY | 414-716-5323

With one of the best and widest assortments in the city, Shoo is a must-stop for shoe lovers. You’ll find on-trend styles of sneakers, dress shoes and boots, plus purses and other accessories to complete a look.   

Sneex 

316 N. MILWAUKEE ST. | 414-509-8430

If streetwear is your style, Sneex is the place to shop. In addition to cool kicks from popular brands like Adidas and Dr. Martens, you can complete your new look with apparel and accessories.  

Stan’s

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS | 414-464-1930 

Comfort doesn’t have to be boring, and Stan’s assortment proves that point. Family-owned and operated, the assortment ranges from Birkenstock to HOKA. 

Books 

Boswell Book Co.

2559 N. DOWNER AVE. | 414-332-1181 

This indie bookstore has been a staple on Downer Ave since 2009. Devotees love the great assortment, the helpful, knowledgeable staff and the laidback atmosphere that invites you to follow your interests to a new discovery.   

Downtown Books

624 N. BROADWAY. | 414-224-1799

Chockablock with affordable used books, this store is for the shopper who loves the hunt. There’s also a selection of vinyl and comic books. 

Lion’s Tooth

2421 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE. | 414-455-3498

Home to books, comics and zines of all sizes, the bookstore has a highly curated selection. Stop in for a new read and stay a while at the cafe inside.   

Wonderland Bookshop

4001 N. DOWNER AVE., SHOREWOOD | 414-249-5680

Be one of the first to enjoy this new children’s bookshop in Shorewood. It opened in October, and inside, you’ll find picture books, novels and board games. 

Toys & Games

American Science & Surplus  

6901 W. OKLAHOMA AVE. | 414-541-7777

Looking for a telescope or a break-your-own geode? Perhaps a Slinky or a tabletop cornhole game? You’ll find it all – and many more quirky selections – here.

Art Smart’s Dart Mart

1695 N. HUMBOLDT AVE. | 414-273-3278 

This emporium of the odd opened on April Fool’s Day, 1985. Not only does Art Smart’s sell darts, but its packed shelves are also full of whimsical toys and a robust disc golf selection. 

Little Village Play Cafe 

6505 W. NORTH AVE., WAUWATOSA | 414-309-5700 

Inside the cafe and play space, there is also a shop, featuring a selection of toys and seasonal gifts – plus rotating goods for caregivers from local makers. 

Old Guard Games

3132 N. DOWNER AVE. | 414-988-0161

Tabletop gaming fans must make a stop at this well-stocked East Side shop. From games that let you explore other worlds to family classics like Uno, there is a little something for everyone.

Winkie’s Toys & Variety  

629 SILVER SPRING DR., WHITEFISH BAY | 414-964-2131  

Nestled in the basement of the longstanding Whitefish Bay shop, this toy store feels like a throwback to a simpler time. But the assortment of everything from activity books to crafts to toys is totally up to date. 

Gifts & More  

Beans & Barley  

1901 E. NORTH AVE. | 414-278-7878

This food market/restaurant also has lots of gifts! There’s an outstanding array of items for cat lovers, including mugs and dish towels proclaiming the superiority of felines. And for cat-agnostics, there are notebooks, puzzles, candles and much more.  

Brew City Brand

400 N. WATER ST. | 414-220-9075

Looking for a gift for a Milwaukee superfan? The fun and colorful t-shirts, sweatshirts and gifts from Brew City are the perfect way to show off your Milwaukee pride. 

Photo courtesy of Brew City Brand

Broadway Paper

191 N. BROADWAY | 414-277-7699

For anyone who enjoys putting handwritten words on paper, this is your spot. You’ll find beautiful stationery and notebooks, plus greeting cards for any and every occasion.   

Bronzeville Collective

2236 N. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DR. | 414-253-2490     

Shop goods from Black-, brown- and queer-owned businesses – like Indigo Thyme bar soap and Greenhaven Home Essentials natural cleaning products – with a stop at the new location of this shopping collective.

Historic Milwaukee Store  

235 E. MICHIGAN ST. | 414-277-7795 

As one might expect, this is the place to find books about Milwaukee’s history. But the assortment doesn’t stop there – the shop also carries Frank Lloyd Wright-designed pillows, tea towels and more, plus plenty of Milwaukee-themed trinkets.

Mixed Bag

322 E. SILVER SPRING DR., WHITEFISH BAY

The name says it all: this store has a wide variety of curios and gifts from local and Midwest brands. Need a new lunch box? They have it. A weighted eye pillow? Yup. A bunch of small items for a gift basket? You already know they do. 

Mooi

7600 HARWOOD AVE., WAUWATOSA | 414-897-8546

This store has a curated collection of seasonal goodies, so no matter what time of year you stop in, you can find gifts and decor for the upcoming holiday. 

Sherman Phoenix Marketplace

3536 W. FOND DU LAC AVE. | 262-228-6021

Buy a sweatshirt from Classic streetwear, eat fries from Fully Loaded and support the over 25 other small businesses, all in one visit. 

The Flower Lady

1417 UNDERWOOD AVE., WAUWATOSA | 414-259-0999

This pretty flower shop has a decidedly ladylike feel to it, and offers an unusual assortment of jewelry, knickknacks, scented candles and soaps, all with a feminine twist. Stop in during the holiday season to pick up a new ornament or decoration for your home.  


This story is part of Milwaukee Magazine’s December 2024 issue.

Find it on newsstands or buy a copy at milwaukeemag.com/shop

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Brianna Schubert is the former digital editor and continues to write about style, shopping, theater and more for Milwaukee Magazine. When she’s not writing/editing, she’s likely reading, cooking, thrifting or cuddling with her cat.