When you move to Austin, finding a new apartment is just the beginning. Once you settle into your place, you’ll want to explore the city’s retail scene to furnish your home, upgrade your wardrobe, and stock your pantry with local flavors. Fortunately, Austin offers a shopping experience like no other. From sprawling shopping malls and charming boutique districts, to funky vintage shops that “Keep Austin Weird,” this city sells just about everything you need.
To help you navigate the scene, we put together the Ultimate Austin Shopping Guide. Dive into our guide to discover the top retail destinations – including luxury malls, unique local boutiques, home décor outlets, and grocery stores – that will cover all your shopping needs in the Texas capital.
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The Best Austin Shopping Destinations
Austin Shopping Malls
When it comes to convenience and variety, Austin’s malls have you covered. Whether you seek high-end brands or everyday staples, you can find them without leaving the city limits. Here are a few of the top shopping malls in the Austin area:
- The Domain (North Austin) – An upscale outdoor shopping district often called Austin’s second downtown. The Domain features over 100 stores ranging from luxury brands (like Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton) to major department stores (Macy’s, Neiman Marcus) and popular retailers (austintexas.org). Its newer section, Domain NORTHSIDE, adds indie boutiques and home decor shops alongside big names, plus a vibrant dining and nightlife scene on Rock Rose Avenue (austintexas.org). In short, The Domain is a one-stop destination for fashion, furnishings, and fun in a park-like setting.
- Barton Creek Square Mall (Southwest Austin) – The largest traditional shopping mall in Austin, located just south of downtown. Barton Creek Square boasts more than 170 stores spread across two levels (austintexas.org). You’ll find popular apparel retailers (Gap, J.Crew, Banana Republic, etc.) alongside anchors like Nordstrom and Dillard’s. Families appreciate the 14-screen AMC movie theater on-site, and on Saturdays, the mall hosts a farmers market with fresh local foods (austintexas.org).
- The Arboretum at Great Hills (Northwest Austin) – An open-air retail center mixing big-box stores with boutique shops. The Arboretum is home to national favorites like Pottery Barn and Sephora, as well as specialty stores such as Sugarboo & Co. (for gifts and home décor) and Con’ Olio (olive oils and gourmet foods) (austintexas.org). It’s an attractive spot to stroll, with landscaped walkways, public art, and even a duck pond. Grab lunch at one of several on-site restaurants to recharge during your shopping spree.
(Other notable mentions: Tech Ridge Center and Southpark Meadows offer extensive shopping in North and South Austin, respectively, and those willing to drive can score deals at the Round Rock Premium Outlets or San Marcos Outlets outside the city.)
Downtown Austin Shopping
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, central Austin is full of retail hubs where you can enjoy an afternoon of browsing. In downtown Austin and nearby districts, a diverse collection of stores and boutiques means you can check off your whole shopping list in just a few walkable areas:
- South Congress Avenue (SoCo) – Austin’s most iconic shopping street. Vintage shops and local boutiques mingle with high-end brands along this vibrant avenue (austintexas.org). You can hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures at funky shops like Uncommon Objects and Allens Boots, then pop into upscale flagships like the Kendra Scott jewelry store. Between stores, refuel at the many cafes, food trucks, and restaurants that line SoCo. From cowboy boots to bohemian dresses, South Congress offers a uniquely Austin blend of style and culture in a street art–filled setting.
- 2nd Street District (Downtown) – This upscale downtown district is Austin’s central shopping hub. Within a few blocks, you’ll find high-end boutiques, trendy home-goods stores, and local designer shops (austintexas.org). Browse handcrafted jewelry at Eliza Page, chic women’s apparel at United Apparel Liquidators, or Austin-themed gifts at Austin Rocks (austintexas.org). The area is also home to the Violet Crown arthouse cinema and plenty of dining options, making it perfect for a full day downtown.
- East Austin & North Loop – For those who love all things vintage and eclectic, venture just outside downtown. Austin’s North Loop neighborhood (centered on East North Loop Blvd.) is known for its “weird and wonderful” collection of vintage clothing shops and record stores (austintexas.org) – try Room Service Vintage or Blue Velvet for mid-century finds. Meanwhile, East Austin has blossomed with independent boutiques selling everything from handmade crafts (Take Heart) to sustainable home goods and locally designed fashion (austintexas.org). These districts are a bit more spread out, but they reward explorers seeking Austin’s quirky, indie retail vibes.
Pro tip: If you’re hunting for antiques or thrift finds, you’re in luck. Austin has a wealth of secondhand shops and weekend markets. The Austin Antique Mall (8822 McCann Dr.) hosts over 100 vendors selling vintage furniture, décor, clothing, vinyl records, and more – truly a treasure trove for bargain hunters (hotels.com). And on the last Sunday of each month, South Congress’s Uncommon Objects shop hosts the “Uncommon Flea,” a pop-up market featuring all things vintage and handcrafted (blog.aptamigo.com).
Shopping 6th Street Austin
6th Street is Austin’s famous entertainment strip – more renowned for its bars and live music venues than for retail shopping (blog.aptamigo.com). However, amidst the buzzing nightlife, you can still find a few unique stores worth visiting on and around West 6th Street in downtown:
- Walton’s Fancy & Staple – Part boutique, part café/bakery, this charming shop is actually owned by actress (and Austin resident) Sandra Bullock (blog.aptamigo.com). Walton’s Fancy & Staple offers an eclectic mix of goods – from fresh flowers and gourmet pantry items to quirky gifts and home décor. After browsing the merchandise, you can grab a sandwich or pastry from the deli counter. It’s a delightful spot to spend an afternoon.
- The Antique Swan – Located near West 6th & Baylor Street, The Antique Swan is an elegant store specializing in European antiques and vintage collectibles. Tucked among a cluster of antique shops (and next door to popular clothing retailers like Lululemon and Anthropologie), this boutique is filled with gorgeous old-world furniture, fine china, art, and one-of-a-kind pieces (blog.aptamigo.com). It’s a must-stop for antique lovers or anyone looking for a statement piece with history.
Keep in mind that East 6th Street (the section east of Congress Ave., also called “Dirty 6th”) is mostly nightlife and music venues, so it’s not a daytime shopping destination. But West 6th Street and the adjacent Market District do offer some retail therapy by day – including the flagship Whole Foods Market (more on that below) and boutiques along North Lamar Boulevard. Also, twice a year, 6th Street transforms for the Pecan Street Festival, a huge art and craft fair that’s been an Austin tradition since 1978 (blog.aptamigo.com). During the festival, dozens of local artisans and vendors set up along East 6th (originally named Pecan Street), selling handmade goods, accompanied by live music and tasty festival eats.
Shopping for Your New Home
After moving to Austin, you’ll want to furnish and decorate your new home – and there’s no shortage of places to find just the right pieces. While Austin has all the big-box retailers (Target, IKEA, HomeGoods, etc.), the city also boasts many local stores and showrooms where you can discover unique furniture and home décor. Here are a few top spots to outfit your new Austin apartment or house:
- Austin Antique Mall – If you love treasure-hunting for vintage furniture and decor, this massive indoor market in North Austin is a dream. The Austin Antique Mall spans 25,000 square feet and hosts over 100 dealers and vendors, many of them local, offering an endless array of antique and retro goods (hotels.com). From Mid-century modern furniture and vinyl records to rare books and quirky collectibles, you never know what you’ll find. It’s one of the best places in town to score unique pieces with character (and often at a bargain price).
- Uncommon Objects – Described as “your eccentric uncle’s attic on steroids,” Uncommon Objects (blog.aptamigo.com) is an Austin institution for oddball antiques and funky vintage finds. This long-running shop (formerly on South Congress, now on Fortview Rd. in South Austin) is a collective of 24 antique sellers curating whimsical one-of-a-kind items – from retro Texana and folk art to old photographs, costume jewelry, and curios you didn’t even know existed (blog.aptamigo.com). Browsing here feels like exploring a museum where everything is for sale. If you want truly unique decor or conversation pieces for your home, Uncommon Objects is a must-visit (blog.aptamigo.com).
- Four Hands Home – For new furniture with modern style, check out Four Hands Home (furnituretoday.com). This Austin-based furniture brand’s flagship showroom, located in Southeast Austin, is massive – about 20,000 square feet of showroom space showcasing their latest designs (furnituretoday.com). Four Hands offers a range of high-quality contemporary furniture, from sofas and dining sets to rugs and wall art, all with a sleek, curated aesthetic. Designers and savvy locals flock here because it’s essentially a “style haven” for on-trend furnishings in every category (furnituretoday.com). Even if you’re not in the market for big-ticket items, it’s fun to browse and get inspiration for your new space.
Pro tip: Austin has plenty of other home décor gems. Room Service Vintage in North Loop (mentioned above) is beloved for mid-century furniture and retro decor. If you prefer a DIY approach, don’t miss the Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStore, where you can find secondhand furniture, appliances, and building materials at deep discounts (and support a good cause). And for truly high-end interiors, local design showrooms like The Renner Project (mid-century vintage) or Shabby Slips (custom furniture and antiques) offer bespoke pieces that will make your home distinctly Austin.
Stock Your Fridge at Local Grocery Stores
Of course, once you’ve settled in, you’ll need to stock up on groceries. Austin’s grocery scene is dominated by a few Texas favorites and specialty markets that make food shopping an experience in itself. Here are two can’t-miss local grocery options:
- H-E-B – This Texas-born grocery chain isn’t just a store, it’s practically a Texas institution. H-E-B has numerous locations across Austin and is beloved by locals for its quality, variety, and community spirit. In fact, H-E-B has repeatedly been rated the top grocery retailer in the entire country (spectrumlocalnews.com). Step into any large H-E-B and you’ll find extensive fresh produce (much of it locally sourced), an in-house bakery and tortillería, a wide selection of Texas-made products, and surprisingly good prices. Each store often reflects its neighborhood with unique offerings (like vegan options near downtown or extra BBQ supplies out in the suburbs). Don’t be surprised if you end up as loyal to H-E-B as Austinites are – it’s hard not to love a grocery store that has it all, from everyday essentials to gourmet treats.
- Whole Foods Market – Austin is the birthplace of Whole Foods, and it shows. The Whole Foods global flagship store is located downtown at 6th Street and Lamar Blvd., right beneath the company’s corporate headquarters – and it’s a must-visit, even if just for the spectacle. This enormous store (80,000 sq. ft.) offers an amazing array of organic and natural foods, plus multiple dine-in eateries (from sushi to Texas BBQ) and even a bar. It’s not uncommon to see people eating lunch or enjoying happy hour on the rooftop plaza. In winter, the flagship even sets up a rooftop ice skating rink made of real ice for the public to enjoy (yourbikergang.com). Whole Foods is pricier than other grocers, but the experience and selection – 700+ cheeses, local and global delicacies, bulk goods, and an on-site bakery – make it worth a visit. And in Austin, this store is still affectionately seen as the local grocer that grew into an international name (yourbikergang.com).
Other notable grocery options include Central Market (an upscale grocery owned by H-E-B, specializing in gourmet and international foods), Trader Joe’s (two locations in town for your cookie butter and cheap wine fix), and Wheatsville Co-op, a small local cooperative grocery known for its organic produce and vegan snacks (try their famous Popcorn Tofu). No matter your dietary needs, you’ll find a store in Austin that meets them – this city caters to foodies and health-conscious eaters alike.
Pro tip: Take advantage of Austin’s many farmers’ markets to stock up on fresh, local foods. The Texas Farmers Market at Mueller (held every Sunday) is one of the city’s best, with over 120 vendors each week selling farm-fresh produce, artisan breads, cheeses, and more (hotels.com). Downtown, the SFC Farmer’s Market at Republic Square on Saturday mornings is another popular spot to buy seasonal veggies, pasture-raised meats, and even handcrafted gifts from local artisans. Shopping at these markets is a great way to experience Austin’s community vibe – often accompanied by live music and food trucks – while filling your fridge with high-quality local goods.
Shop for Your Next Austin Apartment
Ready to make Austin your long-term home? Now that you know where to shop, the next step is finding the perfect place to live near your favorite amenities. Luckily, we can provide free, personalized help finding a luxury apartment you’ll love in a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle. Our local apartment locators will handle the heavy lifting – from scheduling tours to negotiating rent – so that moving is as easy as an afternoon shopping trip. Reach out to AptAmigo, and let us secure your dream Austin apartment while you focus on enjoying everything this amazing city has to offer.
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