Shopping Experiences You Can Only Find in Downtown Des Moines

Historic East Village Shops

AllSpice Culinarium

KIN

The Permanent Collection Letterpress + Design Studio

520 E. Sixth St.
The artistry you’ll find at The Permanent Collection is sure to wow you, and Owner Sarah McCoy’s designs will help you celebrate any occasion with letterpress cards, prints and apparel.
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Raygun

505 E. Grand Ave. Ste. 103
If you have yet to step foot into the “Greatest Store in the Universe!,” there’s no better time than now! Find shirts for local events like the Iowa State Fair or just to show your love for Des Moines! When you shop at Raygun, 15-30% of net profits go to a variety of charitable causes, so your money supports local business and makes a difference in the community.
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Near to Downtown DSM, take a stroll around The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand where shopping small is how it’s done. Upgrade your artwork at Andy’s Frame Shop, load up on chocolates from Chocolaterie Stam, find a little bit of magic at Enchanted Mystical Boutique or shop timeless fashion at Preservation … The Avenues has it all!

Dogtown Des Moines Entertainment District

Drake University Bulldog Shop

2875 University Ave.
If you’re a student at Drake University or a parent of one, new arrivals are available at the Bulldog Shop! Don’t miss out on the new design series — Griff of the Month, and shop other clothing, accessories and more to show your school spirit ahead of the next schoolyear.
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Irene’s Flowers

1151 25th St.
A family-run floral shop in the Drake neighborhood, Irene’s Flowers is all about quality. Owner Lida Waknitz has been in business in Des Moines since 1955, and along with floral bouquets for any occasion, shop plants and gifts, including candles, stuffed animals and more. Irene’s Flowers is not far from Drake Diner, so you can stop for a bite before you shop in the store.
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Nos Books

1163 24th St.
In Spanish, Nos means Us, and this independent bookshop brings people together through its collection of diverse books. Find your next read with the help of Nos Books’ owner, Luis Luján!
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Shelf Love DSM

2326 University Ave.
There’s another bookstore in the Drake neighborhood, but this one’s for the romance lovers! Shelf Love DSM believes romance is for everyone, and they’ve got the love stories to prove it. Whether you’re already a romance reader, or just need the right recommendation to become one, owner Sarah Gardner-Bergan’s shop is the place to purchase the romance title that’s perfect for you.
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Don’t forget to make a stop in Historic Court District to shop the Science Center of Iowa’s A-ha! Store for SCI mementos and other educational toys.

Western Gateway Park Local Businesses

Funky Finds Vintage & Retro

1731 Grand Ave.
Kitschy. Eclectic. Fun. The Funky Finds Vintage & Retro shop just northwest of the John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is bursting with items that span the decades. From ever-changing inventory including artwork, records and fashion from the 50s, 60s and 70s, owner Suzie Fredregill has created a shop to keep coming back to.
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Head just a little more south, and you’ll find West End Architectural Salvage. It’s a must-see for vintage lovers, and there are five floors to explore at this antique store slash coffee shop and bar!

Gateway Market

2002 Woodland Ave.
Both a restaurant and a grocery store, Gateway Market’s offerings are of the worldly kind. Browse meat, produce, cheese and bread. Or choose from global wines and fresh flower bouquets. Don’t leave without trying out the café for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
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The Good Butcher

555 17th St., Ste. 103
This Downtown DSM butcher shop sources meat — both pork and beef — from Iowa farms. Shop local meats or buy charcuterie gift boxes, jerky and more.
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Drive just a bit west to the Shops at Roosevelt DSM to check out Cabana Swim for swimwear for all ages, The Cheese Shop with its artisan and farmhouse cheeses, (including local Iowa favorites), Silver Fox for women’s clothing and Worn, a modern resale boutique.

You can find a complete list of places to shop local in the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Member Directory.

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