Photo courtesy Mongrel
Multicategory Winner
2924 W. Cary St.
Mongrel is a perpetual favorite among local shoppers in part because the staff understands that Richmond isn’t like other places. “What sells in Washington, D.C., New York or Charlotte may not work in Richmond, and what’s popular for our customers may not be popular elsewhere,” says co-owner Stan McCulloch. “More often than not, Richmond is ahead of the curve.” Right now, Mongrel is stocking up on commemorative products to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary — and the shop’s 35th — and you can expect the usual Mongrel twist. “It’s going to be unique and tell a story that’s unexpected,” McCulloch says.
Best Gift Shop
2. Tweed
3. Shops at 5807
Best Shop with Richmond-made Goods
2. Lineage
3. Tweed
Best New Store
3402 W. Cary St.
After running a wine shop in New York’s East Village, Annie Barrow opened Dinner Party as a one-stop shop for hosting essentials, from her favorite wines to pantry staples. “A dinner party doesn’t have to be an ordeal,” she says. “It can feel special with a good bottle of wine or an interesting cracker or olive.” Also, don’t miss Dinner Party’s immersive wine tastings.
Photo by Autumn Tury
Best Commercial Art Gallery
2016 Staples Mill Road
A cost-sharing gallery, Crossroads’ connection with the community is linked to its affiliations with artists. Its 25,000-square-foot space is home to around 300 local artists, and owner Jenni Kirby says this variety is what makes Crossroads stand out. “Anybody can come in and find a piece they love and want to take home,” Kirby says.
2. Artspace
3. 1708 Gallery
Best Bike Shop
Multiple locations
Customers most enjoy the ability to get bikes personally fitted to them by staff, as well as being able to test ride them, according to owner Bill Agee. “We stress customer service so strongly,” he says. At its three locations, cyclists can also buy clothes, helmets and other gear. Recently, Agee’s Bicycles has begun to expand its selection with electric bikes.
2. Outpost Richmond
3. Pedal Power RVA
Photo by Jay Paul
Best Bookstore
1307 E. Cary St.
Despite mega-bookstores, Amazon and e-books, Fountain Bookstore has thrived for nearly 50 years. “What keeps our ship afloat is a deep commitment to creating experiences of joy, discovery, laughter and connection,” says owner Kelly Justice. An expanded space and membership program provide even more opportunities to gather, as do a new audiobook walking club, a cookbook/supper club and book-themed field trips.
2. Shelf Life Books
3. Book People
Best Florist or Flower Shop
2104 Dumbarton Road
Lowell Coleman, co-owner, says their floral designers consult with customers to turn their ideas into arrangements for weddings or funerals, or simply to share joy. “Go-to flowers include lisianthus, delphinium and spray roses,” he says, “and buying locally grown flowers when in season.” For fall weddings, blooms in muted mauves, soft whites and champagne top the list.
2. Strange’s
3. Vogue Flowers
Photo by Sarah Der
Best Plant Store, Greenhouse or Nursery
3313 Mechanicsville Pike; 12111 W. Broad St.
Strange’s recently celebrated its 90th year in business, and its passion has remained the same: growing local quality plants. “We are seeing more interest in Virginia native plants and are always looking to grow more of what the Richmond gardener is seeking,” says President Meg Gouldin. Each month, Strange’s also hosts educational, collaborative workshops for those interested in garden projects.
2. Sneed’s Nursery
3. The Great Big Greenhouse & Meadows Farms Nurseries
Best Record Store
3017 W. Cary St.
The iconic River City record shop celebrated its 45th anniversary this year, and owner Jim Bland says its large selection got it there. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new collector, Plan 9 has something to fit the taste of any music lover. "We get tons of used [records] in all the time, so it’s a lower-cost entry if you’re new to buying vinyl,” Bland says.
2. Deep Groove
3. Vinyl Conflict
Photo courtesy Short Pump Town Center
Best Shopping Center or Mall
11800 W. Broad St.
With more than 140 stores and restaurants, Short Pump Town Center is the largest mall in the Richmond area. Its open-air, two-story design has made it a popular destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, and the space regularly hosts community events, including concerts and seasonal celebrations. Families are especially drawn to the Short Pump Express, a trackless train that loops through the property.
2. Carytown
3. Stony Point Fashion Park
Best Sporting Goods Store
10150 Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland
Owner Blaine Altaffer says the interactions between employees and customers can’t be taught from a handbook; they are based on exceptional knowledge and the desire to connect. “We have to earn it every day, every way,” Altaffer says. “This is how we do things.” In October, Green Top will host its annual outdoor expo, the nation’s largest consumer expo sponsored by an independent dealer.
2. REI
3. Trail Hut
Best Toy, Comic or Game Store
3005 W. Cary St.
“We have items that might not necessarily come to mind when you think of a toy store,” says owner Thea Brown. “I have a lot of thoughtful planning that goes into what we carry.” Brown likes to keep up with trends — which is why the store is stocked up on Squishies and Sonny Angels — while also carrying unique, non-licensed items.
2. One Eyed Jacques
Photo courtesy Franco’s Fine Clothier
Multicategory Winner
5321 Lakeside Ave.; 11800 W. Broad St.
Since 1972, Franco Ambrogi and his family have built a strong reputation as a menswear go-to. While most stores offer basic alterations, Franco’s employs a team of eight to nine tailoring professionals who ensure every garment fits as intended. That attention to detail has allowed the store to serve generations of Richmond families. Franco’s has adapted to changing fashion trends, embracing today’s more relaxed approach to menswear through brands such as Peter Millar and Johnny-O, but their commitment to formalwear has not wavered. This wide selection of sizes, styles and price points sets Franco’s apart.
Best Men’s Clothing Store
2. Peter-Blair
3. Beecroft & Bull
Best Place to Buy a Suit
2. Tie: Alton Lane; Peter-Blair
3. Tie: Beecroft & Bull; Better Menswear
Best Women’s Clothing Store
3142 W. Cary St.
Located among the shops of Carytown Court, Roan is a boutique specializing in contemporary designer fashion by sourcing collections from designers across Europe, Australia, South America and the United States. Owner Hank Greenberg and his team of “Roanies” offer specialized styling services, in-house tailoring and a curated consignment section. The store is also loved for its signature “shop-and-sip” atmosphere, which turns browsing into a social experience.
2. Mattie’s
3. Tie: Nellie George; Quinn; Shops at 5807
Photo courtesy Lex’s of Carytown
Best Place to Buy a Formal Dress
3018 W Cary St.
Whether you need a prom dress or bridal gown, Lex’s of Carytown strives to help Richmonders find their dream outfit. For 30 years, the shop has been a sought-after destination for formal dresswear, offering an array of styles and sizes that fit everyone’s preferences and budget. Keep an eye out for upcoming events, launches and exclusive sales through their website and social media.
2. Tie: Nellie George; Roan
Best Locally Owned Shoe Store
11800 W Broad St., Suite 2750
Saxon Shoes has been a Richmond staple since 1953, thanks to its extensive high-quality footwear selection. “We strive to create an experience that promotes both wellness and joy, and we're honored that our community continues to trust us to be part of that journey,” says Director Amanda Weiner. This fall, watch for back-to-school musts, seasonal releases and special in-store community events.
2. Lucky Road Run Shop
3. Fleet Feet
Photo by Kate Thompson
Best Fine Jewelry Store
12130 W. Broad St.
After nearly 100 years and four generations of family ownership, a personal touch remains key at Fink’s Jewelers. “We dive deep with each customer to learn about what they’re looking for,” says Marketing Director Lindsey Sinozich. “Right now, there’s a search for uniqueness. People want to tell a specific story or tie their jewelry to a memory, celebration or experience.”
2. Schwarzschild Jewelers
3. Lustre
Photo by Amelia Schmidt
Best Maker of Custom Jewelry
2225 Hanover Ave.
“Our unique customer service experience allows for a very personalized, step-by-step designed process,” says owner Emily Warden. “We are always releasing new, one-of-a-kind designs that can be personalized, and offer a wide variety of unique diamonds and gemstones that are all ethically mined with traceable origins.” Most recently, Emily Warden Designs released a collection of natural diamond pieces.
2. Vera’s Fine Jewelers
3. Sun & Selene
Best Place to Buy Eyewear
Multiple locations
For over 50 years, Virginia Eye Institute has taken a patient-first approach, according to Marketing Director Melissa Casanova. “We also continue to invest in advanced technology, innovation and education to ensure our patients have access to the latest treatment options available,” she says.
2. Brooks Optical
3. Carytown Optical
Best Consignment Shop
412 Libbie Ave.
Mattie’s has quickly become a favorite among shoppers seeking sustainable designer fashion. Since opening the store in 2023, owner Robin Gruszkos has built a reputation for carefully curated consignments and transparency with sellers. The boutique has continued to evolve by bringing on in-house designer Andrea Pinter, who creates handmade leather goods and custom clothing, and planning a new downtown location.
2. Clementine
3. Ashby
Best Thrift Shop
2833 Hathaway Road
Owner Bill Harrison says that alongside quality merchandise, Furbish Thrift’s mission of supporting animal care has drawn in a lot of customers. “We are the only thrift store in the area that raises money for animal causes,” he says. “We have funded about 50 animal care nonprofits in the last three years, and we have given away about $500,000 since we opened.”
2. Diversity Thrift
3. Hope Thrift
Best Vintage Clothing Shop
117 N. Robinson St.
Halcyon Vintage has been a part of Richmond since 1983. Today, most of its clothes are from the 1980s and before, according to owner Didi Chisholm. “We don’t have any reproductions. But also, we have things in really good condition, because we’re pretty particular about what we buy,” Chisholm says.
2. Bygones
3. Venus Time Trap
EDITOR’S PICKS
Sideshow in a Shop
Oddities, eye-catchers and unique items are abundant in River City shops
Offbeat shopping is my favorite kind of shopping. I’m a sucker for anything that makes me wave over my companions in the store to tell them, “You’ve got to come see this!” Richmond has plenty of spots that fit the bill, with nary a generic pick to be found.
Crossroads Records, located in Stony Point Fashion Park, has answered that call for me more than once, boasting interesting collectibles, T-shirts and vintage posters along with vinyl, CDs, cassettes and audio equipment. Another staple is Carytown’s Mongrel, a longtime favorite for locally made stationery, decor, accessories and more.
Photo via Getty Images
The Veiled Mirror in the Arts District is an excellent choice if you want a pair of Victorian-era candelabras to adorn your mantel or some Cronenberg-esque medical equipment as a conversation piece. For tarot cards, crystals, incense and other mind-expanders, Aquarian Bookshop is always a winner.
I’m also a “watch with a hand covering my face” horror enjoyer, and iconic oddities shop Rest in Pieces in Oregon Hill makes me feel significantly cooler than I actually am. Sure, I could put a travel knickknack or a photo on our shelf ... but what about this preserved garter snake in a jar? —Kelsey Robinson
