A guide to the shops, boutiques, sales, malls, fairs, markets, and discount stores of New Orleans, with an emphasis on local businesses, of course.
1009 McDermott Rd. You can by beads anywhere in the city, but this is where the serious paraders go. Buy Mardi Gras beads by the case, masks, costumes, dolls, toys, decorations, and whatever else you can throw into crowded streets without injury. They also carry the necessities for St. Patrick's.
550 Fulton St., open 7 days,
2026 Magazine St., closed Sundays. This business is for men only as an "authentic antique haberdashery and barbershop." Great grooming products, ties, and accessories are in the front, with the barber chairs in the back. Sit down, have a whiskey and hot towel, then enjoy a clean shave courtesy of the handmade razor and badger shave brush.
4536 Magazine. Screen-printed T-shirts. They'll help with T-shirt design and produce custom shirts for businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals.
3033 Magazine St. Silver and more silver: jewelry, flatware, novelties, and much more. They also clean and repair silver pieces.
2900 Magazine St., closed Sundays. The spa section offers facials, manicures, massages, and more, but I have been most impressed by the expertise of the salespeople in the cosmetics area. The large retail space also carries New Orleans-themed housewares and decorations, especially for Christmas.
521 Conti St. Traditional and antique lighting fixtures are made by hand to the specifications of many different architectural designs.
828 Royal St. Art, T-shirts, candles, custom fangs, and other vampire-related goods -- for all your vampire-related shopping needs!
415 Decatur St. Can't make it down to Cuba this week? Don't worry. "We roll aged Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan Tobaccos to create three lines of distinctive cigars that compliment each of our unique wrappers."
1226 Chartres St. "Custom couture lampshades, pillows, and throws designed by Kathleen Knost create the allure of the past in ambiance and craftsmanship with personalized style for all environments."
"Custom window treatments include gorgeous silk drapes, linen drapes, suede panels, roman shades, all made from exclusive designer fabrics. Coordinating throw pillows compliment all of our luxurious drapery. Custom furniture hand crafted from solid wood, spectacular lighting, designer area rugs all come together to create the perfect space."
4119 Magazine St. and
526 Royal St., both open 7 days. Shoes, handbags, and accessories galore, with new inventory added every week. The crowded shelves hold over 50 designers, such as Kate Spade and Michael Kors, and feature local favorites, such as Dirty Coast, NOLA Couture, and Feelgoodz.
523 Royal St. Classic boutique, with custom daytime and cocktail hats, couture clothing, purses, jewelry, silk scarves, shawls, and lingerie.
2727 Prytania St. "We carry a large collection of regional titles - new and used; design, art and gardening books; fiction and non-fiction; children's; and signed first editions and limited editions by many regionally and nationally acclaimed authors."
2011 Magazine St., open Wed-Sat. The largest knitting/needlepoint store in the southeast offer over 300 different yarns, over a thousand hand-painted canvases, and hundreds of threads in silk, linen, merino, and more. They offer regularly scheduled beginning and advanced classes, expert finishing, and a fun place to hang out.
5515 Magazine St. Great place to buy gifts that feel like New Orleans. Lots of curios, accent furniture, and home accessories.
816 Decatur St. Men and women's accessories, including handbags, scarves and shawls, hats, nightgowns, jewelry, cummerbunds, ties, cufflinks, shirts and boxer shorts.
Multiple locations in and around New Orleans. Lots of paints, as well as window treatments, wall coverings, decorative accessories and faux products.
824 Royal St. Fragrances for men, women, and the home, along with powders, lotions, oils, and more.
515 Dumaine St. "Our mission is to represent skateboarding in New Orleans and to serve the skateboarding community here in New Orleans. You will not find anything other than 100% skateboarding: no heelies, no wakeboards, pogo sticks, tail devils, slip-tape, flip-flops or inline skates." So there.
330 Chartres St. Full-service home design. "We pride ourselves on making each job tasteful, exciting, comfortable, and very personal."
511 Marigny St. A non-profit reading room, lending library, and bookshop specializing in radical politics/culture and local books by and about New Orleanians. Also has music.
3806 Magazine St. High-quality linens. Products include: bedding, towels, shower curtains, table linens, cocktail napkins, jewelry, cosmetics, boudoir accessories, robes, gowns, pajama sets, and much more.
210 Decatur St. "Find your favorite Louisiana & New Orleans music, including New Orleans Jazz, Cajun music, Zydeco music, Blues, R&B, Funk, Gospel, Brass Bands, Ragtime, Reggae, Swing and more."
7523 Maple St. This is a place for people who love books -- the way they look, the way they feel. Most of all, it's a place to talk about books with a knowledgeable, even passionate staff. Rooms of books sorted by subject and favorites. Warning: I have yet to leave this place without spending a lot of money.
5421 Magazine St. "Mélange Sterling is proud to offer an extensive selection of American sterling flatware, new and antique sterling hollowware, gifts, china and jewelry for your personal collection and gift giving needs."
606 Royal St. Apparel, home accessories, gift items, and New Orleans-themed souvenirs, as well as local art from James Dean (Pete the Cat), Gail Hickman, Anna Geraci, and more.
513 Octavia St., open 7 days. The selection is vast and well-organized. Local writers are featured not only on the shelves, but in book readings and through the popular book clubs.
3905 Magazine St. Antiques, accessories, knickknacks, linens, jewelry, and hand-smocked clothing.
1025 Decatur St. It's Christmas all year 'round, with artificial trees, twinkling lights, ornaments, displays, wreaths, garlands, topiary, and whatever else the elves can find.
3964 Magazine St. Closed Sunday, appointments available. This is what boutiques are all about: upscale clothing, personalized service, and collections from Gucci to Cynthia Steffe.
2930 Magazine St. Home furnishings and design, upholstery by Mitchell Gold and Lee Industries, lighting, armoires, dining rooms, home office, and more.
612 Dumaine St. Voodoo for the tourists, of course, but a fun place to pick up a gift: Voodoo dolls and crafts, Voodoo spells, books, potions, Hawaiian art, etc.
222 Chartres St. Over 12,000 square feet of showroom space filled with antique oil paintings, estate jewelry, arms and armor, fine furniture and an impressive collection of ethnic jewelry.
5000 Prytania St. A retail wine, beer and liquor store with a large selection of domestic and imported wine. They deliver.
8131 Hampson St. Extremely upscale apparel features silk dresses, sportswear, suedes, evening gowns, and wedding gowns from all over the world.
