Where to Shop in Oakland
Photo Fabulousness Credit: Nathan & Co.
Oakland is brimming with exciting shopping options, if you know where to look. See below for some of our favorite local finds and areas to check out.
We also recommend taking a look a Visit Oakland's site for a comprehensive list of all 150+ shops and boutiques throughout the city.
Downtown & Old Oakland
Downtown's central business district is the urban core of the city, full of a mix of historic charm and modern development. Old Oakland is historic neighborhood in downtown Oakland is known for its beautifully restored Victorian buildings.
Swan's Market
This historic marketplace in Old Oakland has around since the early 1900s. While it used to be a traditional market, it's now a charming local food hall and marketplace. You’ll find a bunch of eateries in one spot, ranging from tacos to ramen to more upscale bites. There’s also a little grocery/deli and some unique shops mixed in. It’s not super big, but it’s got a nice mix of dining options, and the shared seating area makes it extra convenient.
Oaklandish Downtown
Located on on Broadway near Swan’s Market, Oaklandish's flagship store is all about celebrating the culture, history, and community of Oakland. The company started as an art project in the early 2000s and grew into a hugely popular, full-blown brand. Find graphic tees, hoodies, hats, and other gear, all with creative graph nods to the city's street signs and culture (like the oak tree logo).
Cape and Cowl Comics
Find a truly fabulous selection of comics, graphic novels, and collectibles, including toys, games, and figurines. Known for it's highly knowledgable and helpful staff, this popular shop recently won the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award.
E 14 Gallery
This art space that showcases both emerging and established visual artists with deep ties to the city, emphasizing works that reflect Oakland's rich cultural history. It also hosts frequent community and cultural events. Find unique art, jewelry, clothing, gifts, and more.
KONO (Koreatown-Northgate)
Just slightly north of downtown Oakland, this area is known for its creative vibe, with art galleries, shops, and a strong local arts scene.
Jessica Hische & Friends
Find a curated selection of art prints, books, stationery, and gifts designed by Jessica Hische and other local artists. It’s a small, thoughtfully arranged shop showcasing creative, design-forward items with a personal touch.
CORD & COMPANY
Housed in a beautiful building dating from 1923, this women-owned antique and vintage store offers a very cool and curated selection of art, antique and vintage furniture, vintage clothing, books, and gifts. A great place to hunt for treasures.
Rockridge Neighborhood
A trendy Oakland neighborhood located along College Avenue, situated just south of Piedmont Avenue and north of the Oakland Hills.
Bella Vita
Offers a delightful mix of whimsical women's clothing, stylish kids' apparel, engaging books, and unique toys designed to spark creativity and play. Tweens will also appreciate the stylish, age-appropriate fashion that caters to the in-betweeners.
Maison D'Etre
A playful spin on Raison d'Etre, this store is all about celebrating the beauty of life at home. Find a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind, designer selection of functional goods for the table, kitchen, bed, bath, for baby, and more.
Crush on College
Offers a curated selection of women's clothing, shoes, and accessories from variety of brands, including MIA, Kanna, Toni Pons, Camper, Free People, Chinese Laundry, and Jeffrey Campbell.
Atomic Garden
Specializes in unique, design-forward home goods and gifts. They offer a wide range of products, including home decor, kitchenware, candles, ceramics, plants, and furniture. Focused on high-quality, functional pieces with a modern aesthetic, often from independent designers and artisans.
Uptown
Located just north of downtown, known for its arts scene, historic theaters, and a growing collection of bars and restaurants.
McMullen
Founded by Sherri McMullen, this exceptional luxury boutique specializes in designer women’s fashion with a focus on empowering Black and underrepresented designers, including Diotima, Zankov, Christopher John Rogers, and Aisling Camps. It's been named Named top boutique in the country by Vogue Magazine and one of the world’s most innovative retailers by Vogue Business.
Taylor Jay
This beloved independent designer specializes in supremely comfy yet elegant clothes that will make you feel like you’re still in your sweats, but with a much more stylish outward appearance. Flattering, comfortable, and fantastic for all body types.
Sweet July
From beautiful dishware to apparel and accessories, Sweet July offers unique products for self and home. Alongside their own Sweet July products, you'll find thoughtfully curated items from Black-owned brands and Bay Area-based makers. The store also includes a café offering light bites and custom brews.
Temescal
The North Oakland area is centered around Telegraph Avenue, particularly near 49th to 51st Streets, and includes highlights like the Temescal Alley, a cluster of small boutiques and shops.
Ali Golden
Indpendent designer Ali Golden and her team design thoughtful and chic, handmade clothing, produced in collaboration with a woman-owned co-op in Peru. Focused on sustainable, fair trade classics that are designed to last, the shop also showcases over a dozen other trendy womenswear brands.
Crimson Horticulture Rarities
Specializing in rare and unusual horticultural specimens, the shop offers a curated selection of houseplants, including rare tropicals, indoor trees, succulents, and low-light plants. In addition to plants, You'll also find beautiful handmade pottery, botanically inspired home and body goods, and unique decor items. Also ffers floral design services for weddings, events, and indoor plant styling.
Esqueleto
Known for its minimalist, modern aesthetic, this spot offers unique pieces from independent designers and artisans. They specialize in fine jewelry, including engagement rings and wedding bands, along with art prints, sculptures, and thoughtfully designed decor items.
Piedmont Ave Area
A charming, tree-lined neighborhood in northern Oakland, known for its local shops, cafes, and a relaxed, community vibe.
Spectator Books
This small, independent bookstore has a fun mix of new and used books, covering a little bit of everything—fiction, non-fiction, kids’ books, and more. It’s the kind of spot where you can wander around and maybe find something unexpected.
Nathan & Co.
A fantastic lifestyle boutique filled with a thoughtfully curated selection of little treasures and innovative products. Cards, cookbooks, puzzles, pillows, trinkets, jewelry, clothing and more. Find the perfect gift for someone special—or yourself.
Resurrect
Everything at this popular and sustainably focused local store is either made by a local artist or part of a direct fair-trade relationship. With contributions from over 75 artists and designers from Oakland and beyond, the shop features a totally unique blend of beautiful clothing, jewelry, art, accessories, apothecary items, and home goods.
Philippa Roberts Jewelry
Specializes in simple, modern jewelry designs created by Philippa Roberts herself, featuring silver, gold, and semi-precious stones. It also offers a nice selection of other specialty gifts and home decor.
Maker's Loft Boutique
Offers a curated collection of lovely goods from around the world, with a special focus on local artisans and makers, including custom jewelry from owner Jennifer Biddle.
Good Stock
A nice selection of fine jewelry and apothecary items, including unique gifts, locally handcrafted accessories, home goods, and clean cosmetics. Brands include RMS Beauty, Caddis, Hannah Keefe, and Baggu.
Fenton's Creamery
* Not technically a store, but worth mentioning! This iconic spot is known for its ice cream and old-school soda fountain vibe.
Lake Merrit Area
Located just east of downtown, centered around the scenic Lake Merritt, this area is known for its park, waterfront views, birdwatching. Plus some good stores!
Alyce on Grand
Jazz up your wardrobe at this woman-owned and operated boutique, focused on independent female designers, sustainable fashion, and trend-forward designs. Apothecary items, accessories, shoes, and locally created art are also displayed throughout the space.
Out of the Closet
This highly rated thrift store is known for its discerning selection that offers a little bit of everything, from well-priced clothing to unique treasures and home goods.
