You can shop till you drop in the Valley of the Sun. From hidden gems and historic galleries to hip boutiques and busy bookstores, Phoenix, Arizona, offers shopping experiences for all tastes and budgets. Here’s our pick of where to get the best hand-made products and cactus-themed souvenirs.
Frances is a one-of-a-kind boutique offering a colorful collection of hand-picked women’s clothes, gifts and accessories – many made locally. If you’re seeking a last-minute birthday present, this store, on Camelback Road in central Phoenix, should be your first stop. The shelves are piled high with knick-knacks too – with everything from candles and keychains to mugs and teatowels. A browse here is highly recommended.
Phoenix General is a sumptuous lifestyle store that’s taking the Valley by storm. The original location on North Seventh Street has been joined by a second in the heart of downtown Phoenix to bring tasteful, Arizona-inspired goods to a wider audience. Founders Kenny Barrett and Joshua Hahn purvey sustainable, ethically made goods from local and international manufacturers. Think soft linens for men and women, fringed throws (“for virtual hugs”) and unusual homewares, including Creosote Bundles that you hang in the shower and when wet, smell of desert rain.
The late Italian-American architect and philosopher Paolo Soleri is best known for his work on Arcosanti, an experimental, ecofriendly town north of Phoenix, but he was also a talented bronze caster. His intricate Soleri bells are made from a recognizable design with an eye-catching patina. At Cosanti, in Paradise Valley, you can visit his original studio space and purchase bronze goods – including the bells and jewelry – crafted by local artisans hoping to carry on Soleri’s legacy.