Some of the most authentic memories to be made in a city are created at places that are a little harder to find, and Baton Rouge is home to many small businesses filled with treasures. While Small Business Saturday is celebrated on Saturday, November 26, you can shop at these local shops year-round. We can assure you that while these businesses are small in size, they are definitely worth a visit!
BATON ROUGE SUCCULENT CO.
If you have a green thumb, Baton Rouge Succulent Co. is a must-add to your list. Find house plans, air plants and succulents, or if you can’t decide, sign up for their Plant Club, a subscription where you’ll receive a monthly shipment of plants!
Tip: Enjoy a post-shopping drink at Superior Grill – Highland.
B.R.A.S.S. BY CIRCA 1857
An acronym for Baton Rouge Area Souvenir Shop, B.R.A.S.S. is the go-to place for all things uniquely Louisiana, and it's located in the heart of downtown on North Boulevard. Shop local spice blends from Red Stick Spice, handcrafted wooden pieces, books by and about Louisiana, handmade jewelry, unique Louisiana t-shirts and much more!
Tip: Grab a coffee from Social Coffee and stroll down Third Street on your way to B.R.A.S.S.
HERITAGE HOUSE CANDLE CO.
Heritage House Candle Co. was created right here in Baton Rouge to support HBCUs across the country. Their soy-based candles are made with the highest quality ingredients and help bring a sense of peace and relaxation. While they no longer have a brick-and-mortar store, you can find them online and at pop-up shops throughout the city.
Tip: Heritage House Candle Co. is a staple at Local Pop-Up Markets.
THE HOPE SHOP
The Hope Shop by Hands Producing Hope is not only cute but serves a good cause, as well. The Hope Shop partners with families in three regions of the world to sell handmade goods from artisans located in Rwanda, Costa Rica and Baton Rouge, which are mostly made using local and sustainable materials, as well as a curated selection of ethically made goods with other locations in the world. Proceeds help fund their initiatives which include artisan skills training, small business training, literary school and maternal health education.
Tip: After shopping, treat yourself to some BBQ or seafood from Pit-N-Peel.
LOCAL SUPPLY
Local Supply is a gift shop located at the Electric Depot. Spotlighting Louisiana makers and artisans, you can shop everything from home goods to greeting cards, all made locally.
Tip: Grab a coffee from City Roots Coffee Bar and use the Baton Rouge Coffee Trail Pass to check in for points to win a prize!
THE MARKET @ THE OASIS
The Market at the Oasis is known for being the fastest-growing farmers market in Baton Rouge, but what many don’t realize is that it is much more than that. While shoppers can find local produce and home-grown goods, they can also find a selection of local arts, handbags and other items. The Market at the Oasis also offers how-to classes and workshops on skill development, craftsmanship, gardening and small business success. Each market features live music and other entertainment to enjoy while browsing.
Tip: Dempsey’s is right around the corner and is known for having some of the best gumbo in Baton Rouge, making it the perfect post-market lunch.
MID CITY MERCANTILE
Mid City Mercantile is a one-stop shop full of art, home décor, vintage clothing and much more for any occasion and season. Mid City Mercantile makes it a mission to feature local Baton Rouge artisans, while also traveling far and wide to find products unique to the shop. I mean, where else would you find saint candles with Joe Burrow on them?
Tip: A trip to Mid City Mercantile isn’t complete without grabbing brunch or cocktails from Mid City Beer Garden!
Olly-Olly
Olly-Olly is consistently a favorite for shopping for the kids! Offering everything from monogramming to toys, it’s a go-to for all things kid – birthdays, holidays, babies, special occasions – they have you covered, and they even gift wrap, too!
Tip: The pre-or-post-shopping meal options are endless, with Solera, Phil’s, The Bulldog, Southfin and Red Zeppelin all within walking distance from Olly-Olly.
Pop Shop Records
Located in the heart of Baton Rouge’s Mid City neighborhoods, Pop Shop Records is an oasis for independent music lovers of all kinds. You can find a variety of genres, ranging from vintage to current, as well as vintage and new hi-fi and audio equipment. Pop Shop Records is more than just a record store; however, it provides a sense of community by building personal relationships and a space that welcomes all.
Tip: Head to Elsie’s Plate & Pie after perusing through Pop Shop Records, where you can enjoy a slice of savory or sweet pies!
Red Stick Reads
Tucked right off of Government Street, Red Stick Reads is a boutique-style bookstore full of great reads for all ages. This unique space offers a community for fellow book lovers to come together and connect through storytelling and the love of books. Red Stick Reads offers titles for all ages, so every bookworm in the family is sure to be covered!
Tip: There’s no better marriage than coffee and a good book, so make sure to grab something from French Truck Coffee before you dive into your new reads!
Victoria’s Toy Station
A house full of toys is every kid’s dream, and we would have to agree! Victoria’s Toy Station’s little yellow house on Government Street is filled with thousands of toys, from floor to ceiling, and it has been that way for over 30 years. The holidays are especially magical for Victoria’s Toy Station, as the house is lit and decked with holiday lights and garland.
Tip: Victoria’s Toy Station is located two doors down from Spoke & Hub, and believe us, their croffles, waffles and dessert bar are sure to be a hit among adults and kids alike!
Whimsical Alley
Located in Zachary, Whimsical Alley looks like it could be a dollhouse or straight out of a book, and while that isn’t the case, it’s certainly full of magical things. This home-turned-store features a fantastical and fun array of whimsical toys, candy, clothes, gifts and décor.
