Arts and Culture

Where to Shop Small Businesses in Tempe

Support local businesses this holiday season and beyond

Local merchants have always been an important part of what makes Tempe unique. All year long, but especially as we kick off the holiday season, we shine a deserving spotlight on some of our local merchants, artisans, markets and vendors.

Whether you’re strolling along Mill Avenue, looking for a specific item for yourself, or hitting a holiday market on the hunt for perfect gifts for everyone on your list, we’ve gathered information about locally owned Tempe merchants who all benefit from your patronage.

Why do we need to shop locally? According to Local First Arizona, “For every $100 spent, $43 remains in Arizona, [compared to] $13 for every non-local business.”

Retailers 

Ash Avenue Comics
806 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 858-9447 
Ash Avenue Comics is open daily at 11 a.m. You can also follow along on their Facebook page for store updates and info about new arrivals. 

Brandon’s Comics
1833 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 838-0467
Calling all collectors: Brandon’s Comics offers a huge array of silver-modern keys, CGC books and autographed books.

Brick Road Coffee
4415 S. Rural Road, Suite 10, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 590-7246
This LGBTQ+ owned business has built an incredible community in Tempe. They offer a great selection of artisanal coffee, pastries, pizza and unique gifts.

Cactus Sports  
514 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 894-1278 
Buy everything that an ASU fan has to have at Cactus Sports. Fun fact: Cactus Sports is the longest-running and only independently owned and alumni-operated Arizona State University fan shop left in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

Candy Addict Store
414 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 921-1155
Located in the heart of Downtown Tempe, this candy selection includes all-time favorites, nostalgic and retro sweets, international brands, gourmet chocolate bars, novelty/specialty candy, sugar-free, candy-themed novelty gifts and so much more.

Changing Hands Bookstore
6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 730-0205 
A Tempe favorite, Changing Hands Bookstore, is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. They sell new and used books, fun little trinkets, coasters and more.

Cowtown Skateboards
215 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 379-3605 
Shop for all the skateboard gear you’ve ever needed (and wanted), including a selection of more than 1,000 skateboards to choose from. Open at 11 a.m. daily.

Creations Boutique
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 448-1687 
Creations Boutique is a beautiful store in Tempe Marketplace. Shop for Boho-chic inspired clothing items, hats, jewelry and more.

Changing Hands Bookstore
Changing Hands Bookstore

Kettle Heroes
1705 W. Ruby Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (855) 538-4376
You’ll be a fan as soon as you try Kettle Heroes popcorn for the first time. Buy bags of popcorn at their Tempe shop or order gift tins with custom labels. Flavors include Hatch Green Chile Cheddar, Porcini Truffle Cheddar and Cinnamon Sugar Churros Kettle Corn.

Landis Cyclery
2180 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 839-9383 
1006 E. Warner Road, #106, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 730-1081 
Landis is the place for bicycle enthusiasts, whether you’re a casual rider or you take your two wheels very seriously. It’s a great place to get advice on which bike is just right for your style. They also offer bike repairs and sell all kinds of accessories.

Kettle Heroes Tempe
Kettle Heroes

OXDX Clothing
1425 E University Drive, Suite B-104, Tempe, Arizona 85281
OXDX is an Indigenous-owned fashion label created by Jared Yazzie, a self-taught Diné graphic designer and print maker, and Allie Stone, technical designer and textile artist. The brand offers unique artwork and designs that properly represent Native people and brings to light indigenous issues — available at the storefront in Tempe, online and at various pop-up markets and events throughout the year.

Pop Hunt Thrills
Arizona Mills, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 343-3090
This local shop sells a large assortment of pop culture collectibles, toys and action figures. You can shop in person at their Arizona Mills location, near entrance 1 by LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona.

Sole Sports
1006 E. Warner Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 522-2475 
This is a destination shop for runners. They sell clothing, shoes (sold with their expert advice) and all kinds of related items — from foam rollers to protein bars.

Zia Records
3201 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 829-1967
Stay entertained with the best music money can buy at Zia Records. They also sell new, vintage and collectible movies, vinyl records, turntables and gift items.

Markets 

The Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts brings together over 350 artists, artisans, crafters, makers, vendors and more along Mill Avenue and the surrounding streets from Dec. 1 through 3, 2023.

Downtown Tempe’s 2nd Sundays on Mill provides an opportunity to purchase food, art, clothing and other homemade goods on the second Sunday of every month until March 2023.

Little Cholla Market at Culdesac features a wide variety of theme nights and vendors every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.

OXDX Clothing and Tempe Center for the Arts present the “OXDX Holiday Market,” a celebration of Indigenous artistry and local businesses from noon to 8 p.m. on Dec. 16. Come and enjoy a festive day filled with holiday shopping, culinary delights, music and performances.

Tracy Dempsey Originals/ODV Wines presents Local Love: Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tracy Dempsey Originals. Browse a bakery full of treats, a selection of artisan cheeses, a variety of Arizona wines and more.

Distilleries 

Adventurous Stills
2125 E. 5th St., Suite 102, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 292-8770 
This local distillery is known for spirits made right here in Tempe, including Peralta Bourbon and Papago Dark Rum. They are open for tours and cocktail service.  

Arizona Distilling Co.
601 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 921-2487 
Visit this tasting room for cocktails, small bites and pizza. Tours are available on Saturdays and include three .5-ounce pours. Visit the website to schedule your tour at least 24 hours in advance.   

Wild Hare Distillery
5869 S. Kyrene Road, Suite 18, Tempe, AZ 85283 | (602) 402-2329
Wild Hare is known for DROVE, a premium line of spirits made with agave nectar. Call or text for availability.

Florists 

Flowers are sure to brighten anyone’s day, especially around the holidays! Order a bouquet online and have it delivered to your special someone. Here are a few local florists who would love your support. Order online or call with any questions. 

Campus Flowers
1435 E. University Drive, #110, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 968-0389 

Bobbie’s Flowers
5801 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 968-7961 

Rowan Tree Flowers
107 E. Baseline Road, Ste. A104, Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 686-8965

Artists 

Here are a few of our favorite Tempe-based artists:

Lace, Grace & Peonies, hand-stamped and painted marble coasters. 

Phoenix Supply Co., art prints, greeting cards, stickers and home goods with an Arizona theme.

Paige Reesor, paintings and murals, including miniature-size scenes of Arizona and Tempe buildings and custom pet portraits. 

Paige Reesor, local muralist

Tempe Sky Nav Open Tempe Sky Nav

Sports Newsletter

Get the inside scoop on the best sports in Tempe - straight to your inbox. We'll send you our list of local deals and activities when you do.

Meeting Planner Newsletter

Get the inside scoop on the best meeting venues, dining scene and hotels in Tempe - straight to your inbox. We'll send you our list of local deals and activities when you do.