Arlington has never had so many local shopping options, and it’s thanks to small business owners hanging out their shingles in the heart of our city. Be sure to support local this holiday season!
When I started as an intern nearly 10 years ago, I heard every day that we didn’t have enough retail. Arlington wanted to shop local, but there just weren’t options.
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Well, there were a couple of options, and they’ve got real character.
The Man’s Shop has been a Downtown Arlington staple since 1972, offering timeless menswear and the kind of personal service that’s almost impossible to find anymore. Generations of Arlington families have trusted owner Wally and his team for everything from first suits to wedding tuxes. Customers often say walking into The Man’s Shop feels less like running an errand and more like visiting an old friend—proof that craftsmanship and genuine connection never go out of style.
Lang Son Traders has been a destination for martial arts supplies on Abram St. since the 80s. One Facebook commenter, Jason E., said, “I will literally drive 2 hours to shop at Lang Son Traders rather than ordering online. There’s just something magical about the store.”
Wondrous Works made its home on Front Street in 2015. Since then, they’ve built a following far and wide for their handcrafted wooden mugs, often brought to Renaissance festivals around the country. It’s worth a visit just to see their curated collection of vintage treasures.
Longtime shop owner Sherrie Phillips told us, “I have always loved being a part of Downtown Arlington, and seeing the growth in the neighborhood is an absolute delight. Being directly across the street from the new Rotary Dream Park is really special, too!”
Those early pioneers paved the way for what Downtown Arlington has become today: a vibrant hub of local shopping.
Nestled in a vibrant blue building on West Street, The Mosaic Market is a treasure trove of handcrafted items from local artisans. It’s become my go-to place for finding a gift. From unique jewelry and home décor to houseplants and wellness products, you’re sure to find a gift that resonates with anyone on your list.
Downtown has also become a thrift and vintage mecca. If you haven’t heard, buying used clothes is all the rage with the younger generations. A blend of conscious consumerism and nostalgic fashion has ushered in an era where wearing your mom’s old jeans or your dad’s garage jacket is a hot fashion statement.
The Cultures Commodities helped lead the recent thrift revolution with their array of vintage sneakers and clothing. Owned by Ashley and Brandon Avaroa, it opened in December 2022 after Ashley graduated from UTA in 2021. The couple saw an opportunity to bring a refreshing business to the area, catering to students and leaning into their deep roots in the community.
Since their opening, three more vintage and thrift stops have entered the fold. STASH VHS opened its doors in November 2024, bringing a nostalgic twist to Downtown Arlington. The shop specializes in vintage VHS tapes, clothing, and retro collectibles.
Just a few months later, in January 2025, Deep Dive Vintage opened its doors on Abram Street with a specialization in youthful, trend-based vintage clothing from all decades. The store is fully gender- and size-inclusive, setting it apart from other niche vintage curations.
Just last month, two new businesses signed leases along Front Street in the Urban Union area – Mi Tesoro Thrift is a bright, eclectic thrift boutique specializing in handpicked apparel and quirky home goods. Right next door is a shop you’ll smell before you see – Camia Rhea, a candle shop owned by a UTA student. Not only is it stocked with your favorite holiday scents, but you can also learn to make the candles at one of their candle-making classes!
That same street is filled with experiences like Donna’s Gift Closet, a boutique shopping experience, along with a permanent jewelry shop and hat bar called Goldilinks. For the music lovers, there’s Truth Vinyl, where you can shop a collection of vintage vinyl and new releases.
Even after the holidays are over, shopping small keeps your dollars circulating close to home, strengthens the dreams of local entrepreneurs, and brings unique, high-quality goods into your life that you simply won’t find on big-box shelves. Supporting local isn’t just a seasonal gesture – it’s an investment in the character and creativity of Downtown Arlington.
For a full list of Downtown shopping experiences, check out
DowntownArlington.org/shop.
The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce helps you support local every day with their Keep It Local registry, found at
arlingtontx.com/buylocal.
