Forget drone deliveries and big-box greeters. Phoenix is bristling with indie boutiques that sell everything from locally made cocktail mixers to clothing and garden art.
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Bunky Boutique
With two locations—one in midtown and another at the airport—Bunky Boutique (named for the owner's grandmother) covers the city when it comes to fashionable women's and children's wear, including their own brand: AZ Love, a line of tees, tanks, hats, hoodies and onesies adorned with the state map or the letters "PHX."
Soy candles by Galeana 39, greeting cards by Paige Poppe and dot-dot-dash Morse Code necklaces are local options if your wardrobe plate is otherwise full.
1437 N. 1st St., and Terminal 4, pre-security at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (602) 252-1323 bunkyboutique.com
Frances
Step inside this uptown storefront and you may not emerge for hours. The shop features women's and men's fashions, plus an endless assortment of gift items that surely someone you know needs, like plates bearing acerbic statements, soaps shaped like hands and TSA-friendly cocktail kits, so you can zhuzh up your in-flight beverage service. Look also for James Beard Award-winning Phoenix chef Chris Bianco's cookbook, Arizona-made Iconic Cocktail Co. mixers and cactus-patterned infant rompers.
Housed in a vintage brick bungalow in the heart of downtown Phoenix's Roosevelt Row arts district, MADE's cozy nooks and fireplace mantel are filled with displays bearing the works of 50 Arizona artists and crafters, including stickers by Sally Jimenez, ceramic mugs from Crooked Tree, embroidered art by Cindy Dach, prints by Greg Esser and Gilded Sun Studio jewelry. Greeting cards, stylish handmade scarves, home decor and kids' gear round out the offerings. The boutique, launched in 2005, is often packed with people during downtown's First Fridays events.
Owned by two native Phoenicians, this airy shop — set in the midst of the Roosevelt Row arts district —showcases sustainable, ethically made men's and women's clothes, including vintage denim. Look for tees, dresses and sweatshirts with graphic designs by local artists, Carrie Marill's colorful Punkwasp beaded jewelry; and rope totes, bags and vessels by fiber artist Amelia Samari.
Known as much for its Saturday art classes and monthly pie nights, during which slices sold help raise funds for local charities, this uptown spot celebrates the local arts scene by showcasing the work of more than 150 Arizona artists and craftspeople. With an emphasis on "practical," the offerings include must-haves like mesquite-wood rolling pins, handmade toys, drinking glasses up-cycled from area restaurants' wine bottles, trays made from wine barrel staves and hand-sewn aprons. There's also a fine-art component, with monthly exhibits of works by a selected artist.
With a twice-yearly artisan market attended by thousands and a storied street known for its quirky local boutiques, Tucson is a haven for...
About the Author
Nora Burba Trulsson
Nora Burba Trulsson is a long-time Arizona resident and a freelance writer specializing in travel, food, lifestyle, architecture and design topics. Her articles have appeared in Phoenix Home & Garden, Arizona Highways, Sunset, houzz.com, Valley Guide, Modern Luxury Scottsdale and other publications and websites.
