Categories: Shopping
St. Louis Specialty Shops
Author: Beth Custer, Judy Kupsky, Dianna Lucas, and Jennifer R. Rolf
Treasure Hunt
Looking for something different? Shop for unique treasures at stores that are off the beaten path.
As the name suggests, A Floral Gallery (314-727-1166, 7616 Wydown) offers floral arrangements and flowers, but doesn't stop there. This quaint shop also features wreaths, artwork by local artists, candles, jewelry, and other gifts for any occasion.
A treasure trove of colors and textures awaits at The Designing Block (314-721-4224, 7735 Clayton Rd.). Two floors of whimsical accoutrements include chaise longues, throw pillows with witty sayings, unusual purses and bags, bold jewelry, and English-flavored occasional furniture.
A maker of handcrafted chocolates, Bissinger's Handcrafted Chocolatier (4742 McPherson; Saint Louis Galleria; Plaza Frontenac; and Westfield Crestwood) has been a part of the St. Louis landscape since the late 19th century, offering sweet delicacies to tantalize the taste buds of the serious candy connoisseur. Website: www.bissingers.com
Cioccolato (locations at 6368 Delmar and at Union Station) offers fine imported chocolates and confections from over 14 countries featuring a selection of over 100 individual bon bons and truffles. Mild and dark chocolate from France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, South America, Eastern Europe, and more. Website: www.iluvchocolate.com
Cornucopia (314-822-2440, 107 N. Kirkwood Rd.) has a large selection of loose teas and tea bags, in every flavor imaginable. Browse two floors of kitchen accessories and gadgets, with brands like Le Creuset.
DiGregorio's Market (314-776-1062, 5200 Daggett) on The Hill is one of the last family-run markets in St. Louis. In this glowing example of a European market you will find smiling experts behind the deli case to help you select from the finest array of imported prosciutto, salami, and cheeses in the city. If you stroll through the aisles you will find a panoply of treats from pasta to pannetone, Italian liqueurs and wines, and an impressive selection of' Italia-bilia' from bocce balls and bags to garlic presses and stovetop coffeepots for the best authentic espresso from your very own kitchen.
A virtual Mexican mercado, Gringo Jones Imports (314-664-1666, 4468 Shaw Blvd.) is brimming with accessories for self and home, including jewelry, brightly painted ceramics, and garden statuary. Website: www.gringojonesimports.com
Kitchen Conservatory (314-862-2665, 8021 Clayton Rd.) is a cook's version of heaven, carrying all the cooking gear and gadgets anyone could ever need. Website: www.kitchenconservatory.com
At Penzey's Spices (314-781-7177, 7338 Manchester Rd.) you'll find over 250 spices, seasonings, and herbs, with many hard-to-find international items. Pure extracts include double-strength vanilla; gift boxes and crates like the "Deluxe Spicy Wedding Gift Box" are available. Website: www.penzeys.com
The St. Louis Woman's Exchange (314-997-4411, 9214 Clayton Rd.) offers exquisite hand made clothing and toys. The selection of delicate dresses and smocked baby clothes is delightful, and the soft toys and dolls are classics. Clothing and painted furniture can be custom made to your specifications, then delivered to your door. The best part is that the purchases you make at this not-for-profit organization help support women with difficult family situations. Website: www.stlouiswomansexchange.com
Thistle and Clover (636-946- 2449, 330 S. Main) is an importer of everything Scottish, Irish, and Welsh. More than just gifts and accessories, you'll find authentic men's and hostess kilts, tartan ties and scarves, Balmorals, Glengarry bonnets, Prince Charlie and lowlander jackets, Ghillie brogues, coats of arms, family crests (printed on anything), Welsh dragons, bagpipes, flags, Belleek, Royal Tara, books, maps and anything and everything Guinness. There are too many things to mention, so you had better see for yourself! Website: www.thistleandclover.com
Crown Valley Winery's retail location, The Wine Experience (314-739-4722, I-270 & St. Charles Rock Rd.) offers its own award-winning wines plus educational programs, samplings, a tasting bar, and a tasting room. Website: www.crownvalleywinery.com
Check out places of interest near St. Louis Specialty Shops:
A Floral Gallery
7616 Wydown Blvd.,
St. Louis, MO 63105
Fresh flowers delivered to all St. Louis, Missouri metro hotels. Also, national & international floral services.
Big Shark Bicycle Company
6133 Delmar Blvd.,
St. Louis, MO 63112
Big Shark Bicycle Company, affiliated with Little Shark Athletic Company, is a specialty bike and bike accessory store, equipping you for your ride with bicycles, helmets, clothing, and gear.
City Sprouts
6354 Delmar Blvd.,
St. Louis, MO 63130
City Sprouts specializes in everything for your tot, offering baby and baby-related accessories, including skin-care products and toys, to fashionable diaper bags for dads and moms.
Cornucopia
107 N. Kirkwood Rd.,
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Large selection of loose teas and tea bags. Two floors of kitchen accessories and gadgets with brands like Le Creuset.
Extra Virgin, an Olive Ovation
143 Carondelet Plaza,
Clayton, MO 63105
A specialty store with an olive fetish, specializing in olive oil tastings, flavors and recipes.
Gringo Jones Imports
4468 Shaw Blvd,
St. Louis, MO 63110
Fun, eclectic rooms of Mexican imports, furniture, garden statuary, urns, jewelry, and home accessories.
Hours:
Open 10 AM - 8 PM, seven days a week
H.S.B. Tobacconist
6362 Delmar Blvd.,
St. Louis, MO 63130
An large selection of specialty cigars and cigarettes and the knowledgable staff set H.S.B. Tobacconist apart from most other smoke shops. Stop in whether you're in need of some Zippo fuel or a recommendation for a fine stogie.
Kitchen Conservatory
8021 Clayton Rd.,
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
A cook’s version of heaven, carrying all the cooking gear and gadgets anyone could ever need.
Knitty Couture
6148 Delmar Blvd.,
St. Louis, MO 63112
A store not just dedicated to, but obsessed with the art of knitting, offering supplies, clinics, and books on the subject. Pick up your needles and give it a go.
Little Shark Athletic Company
6176 Delmar Blvd.,
St. Louis, MO 63112
Little Shark Athletic Company, affiliated with Big Shark Bicycle Company, is a specialty clothing store for sports like yoga, swimming, running and biking.
Melrose to Manhattan
6161 Delmar Blvd., Ste 101,
St. Louis, MO 63130
Melrose to Manhattan offers contemporary female clothing with a dual-coast philosophy to fashion, fusing the best of New York and L.A. together.
Parker's Table Wines and Foods
8317 Maryland Ave.,
Clayton, MO 63105
A fine wine and specialty food store that prides itself on being knowledgable and friendly.
Penzeys Spices
7338 Manchester Rd,
St. Louis, MO 63143
Over 250 spices seasonings and herbs, with many hard-to- find international items. Pure extracts include double-strength vanilla; gift boxes and crates like the “Deluxe Spicy Wedding Gift Box†are available.
Rothschilds Antiques and Home Furnishings
398 N. Euclid,
St. Louis, MO 63108
Featuring classic furniture and antiques, as well as interior design services.
Star Clipper Comics
6392 Delmar Blvd.,
St. Louis, MO 63130
Star Clipper is a well-renowned comic store, for its wide selection and knowledgable, friendly staff. If you need to pick up a latest issue or a trade paperback, Star Clipper is the place to go.
tag apparel
6314 Delmar Blvd.,
St. Louis, MO 63130
tag--an acronym for "timeless authentic garments" is a St. Louis boutique that specializes in vintage clothing and accessories for both men and women, featuring one-of-a-kind pieces and designer labels from bygone days.
The Designing Block
7735 Clayton Rd.,
St. Louis, MO 63117
A decorator's delight, carrying the latest jewelry, hip & zany gift items, new accent pieces, and furniture.
The Wine & Cheese Place
7435 Forsyth Blvd.,
Clayton, MO 63105
A store specializing in, you guessed it, various wines and gourmet cheeses.
The Wine Experience
I-270 & St. Charles Rock Rd.,
St. Louis, MO 63044
Crown Valley Winery's new retail location offers its own award-winning wines plus educational programs, samplings, a tasting bar, and a tasting room.
The Wine Merchant Ltd.
20 South Hanley,
Clayton, MO 63105
A store celebrated for its knowledge of all things wine, but also cigars, beer, and liquor.
The Woman's Exchange
9214 Clayton Rd.,
St. Louis, MO 63124
Thistle and Clover
330 South Main,
St. Charles, MO 63301
An importer of everything Scottish, Irish, and Welsh, Thistle and Clover (636-946-2449, 330 S. Main) offers authentic men's kilts, tartan ties, Balmorals, Glengarry bonnets, and Ghillie brogues. In addition, you'll find family crests (printed on anything), and everything Guinness.
Ziezo Boutique
6394 Delmar Blvd.,
St. Louis, MO 63130
Ziezo is a fashion-forward boutique specializing in women's apparel and accessories, from casual to wear-to-work.


