decorative font style
    Travel >> Holiday Travel >  >> Travel Notes

Support Tempe's Local Merchants: Discover Retailers, Artisans, Distilleries & Florists

Local merchants form the vibrant heart of Tempe's unique character. We strongly encourage shopping local to sustain our community. Below is a curated guide to independently owned Tempe businesses offering everything from ASU gear and flowers to skateboards. Your patronage directly supports them, while you discover one-of-a-kind gifts for friends, family, or yourself. Gift cards make an excellent, versatile option.

We've also highlighted artisans from Downtown Tempe's 6th Street Market and those featured at the Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts. Purchasing their work helps them continue creating exceptional pieces for years to come.

Retailers

As You Wish Pottery at Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 557-9100
The studio offers limited seating; reservations are highly recommended as walk-ins may not be accommodated. Alternatively, order pottery and canvas to-go kits for next-day pickup to paint at home.

Ash Avenue Comics
806 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 858-9447
Tempe's premier comic shop opens daily at 11 a.m. Follow their Facebook page for updates and new arrivals.

Cactus Sports
514 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 894-1278
Essential gear for ASU fans awaits at this Downtown Tempe staple. Shop in-store or online for gifts.

Changing Hands Bookstore
6428 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 730-0205
Open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with online ordering, home delivery, or curbside pickup available. Gift cards are ideal for indecisive shoppers.

Cowtown Skateboards
215 W. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 379-3605
Stock up on skateboard essentials. Open daily from 11 a.m., with online ordering.

Creations Boutique
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 448-1687
Tempe-based boutique featuring Boho-chic clothing, hats, jewelry, and more at Tempe Marketplace. Online shopping available.

Support Tempe s Local Merchants: Discover Retailers, Artisans, Distilleries & Florists

Kettle Heroes
1705 W. Ruby Dr., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (855) 538-4376
Irresistible gourmet popcorn flavors like Hatch Green Chile Cheddar, Porcini Truffle Cheddar, and Cinnamon Sugar Churros Kettle Corn. Available at their Tempe shop or as custom-labeled gift tins.

Krazy 3 Cotton Candy
Arizona Mills, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282
Sweet treats including cotton candy and caramel popcorn in Neighborhood 1 at Arizona Mills.

Support Tempe s Local Merchants: Discover Retailers, Artisans, Distilleries & Florists

Landis Cyclery
2180 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 839-9383
1006 E. Warner Rd. #106, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 730-1081
Expert advice for cyclists of all levels, plus bikes, repairs, and accessories.

Pop Hunt Thrills
Arizona Mills, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 343-3090
Pop culture collectibles, toys, and action figures near Entrance 1 by LEGOLAND Discovery Center. In-store shopping and online shipping; check website for hours.

Sole Sports
1006 E. Warner Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 522-2475
Runner's paradise with expert-recommended shoes, clothing, foam rollers, protein bars, and more.

Woops! Macarons & Gifts
Arizona Mills, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (602) 330-3463
Parisian-style macarons in flavors like Honey Lavender, Dark Chocolate, and Blueberry Cheesecake, between Entrances 2 and 3. Nationwide shipping available.

Zia Records
3201 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 829-1967
Top music, movies, vinyl, turntables, and gifts—like the ultimate record shop with superior selection.

Artists

The Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts was canceled this year, but you can still support its talented artists. Browse art by category on the Tempe Festival of the Arts website and purchase directly from their sites.

Downtown Tempe’s 6th Street Market showcased local makers' food, art, clothing, and goods. The Downtown Tempe Authority lists all participants—visit their sites, follow on social media, and shop.

Featured Tempe-based artists:
Lace, Grace & Peonies – Hand-stamped and painted marble coasters.
Phoenix Supply Co. – Arizona-themed art prints, cards, stickers, home goods.
Paige Reesor – Arizona/Tempe scene paintings, miniatures, custom pet portraits.
JayArrArt – Soul of Arbor and You Are Amazing themed prints and t-shirts.
Plus Tempe-themed Etsy finds from additional artists.

Distilleries

Adventurous Stills
2125 E. 5th St., Ste. 102, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 292-8770
Tempe-crafted spirits like Peralta Bourbon and Papago Dark Rum. Open for tours (Fri-Sat hourly, $14/person, no reservation needed) and cocktails.

Arizona Distilling Co.
601 W. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 921-2487
Home of Arizona's first post-Prohibition whiskey (2013). Tasting room offers cocktails, bites, pizza. Sat tours ($10, 3 pours); book 24+ hours ahead online.

Wild Hare Distillery
5869 S. Kyrene Rd., Ste. 18, Tempe, AZ 85283 | (602) 402-2329
Premium DROVE agave nectar spirits. Bottle pickup and tours by appointment—call/text to schedule.

Support Tempe s Local Merchants: Discover Retailers, Artisans, Distilleries & Florists

Florists

Brighten any day with fresh flowers—order online for delivery from these local Tempe florists.

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

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

God’s Garden Treasures
2219 S. 48th St., Ste. G, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 603-7673

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

Travel Notes
  • Graduate Tempe Hotel: Inspired Stays Near Arizona State University

    Hotel Summary For the latest cleaning and safety protocols, visit the official Graduate Hotels website. Ideally located across from Sun Devil Central at Arizona State University, Graduate T

  • Top 11 Must-Try Breakfast Spots in Tempe, AZ

    Originally featuring just five standout spots, Tempes breakfast scene has grown with exceptional new additions. This curated list of the top 11 highlights reliable favorites backed by local expertise—perfect for starting your day right. 1. Daily Jam | 310 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 Nestled in Downtown Tempe near Mill Ave. and 3rd St., this vibrant spot offers casual indoor and outdoor seating with consistently excellent dishes. Standouts include their egg sandwiches and indulgent Red Velve

  • Pay It Forward: Proven Ways to Support Those in Need During COVID-19 (Updated)

    This article was updated on April 17, 2020.We may be socially isolated, but we can still feel connected to each other through acts of care.Were starting this running list of organizations in the United States that are offering support and that need our help. If youd like us to add to this list, drop us a line at higuys[at]fathomaway.com.Support Medical ReliefCDC Foundations Coronavirus Response Fund supports those with fast-emerging ne