Perched on the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, the city of Memphis is perhaps most famous for its musical heritage, with influential strains of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll all originating here. Indeed, many of the city’s most popular attractions are related to this rich aspect of its history, among which the iconic former home of Elvis Presley known as Graceland is perhaps the most prestigious landmark.
Memphis also has a thriving shopping scene, with a large number of independent and chain boutiques located here. While many of these stores are high-end in style and price point, there remain several that offer enticing items that won’t break the bank. Below is our pick of ten affordable Memphis boutiques.
FOX+CATVINTAGE
Renowned for its collection of (often pre-owned) vintage women’s fashion clothing & accessories spanning the 20th century, FOX+CATVINTAGE combines an upscale boutique look with a local, personalised feel. Helmed by owner and creative director, Katie Gore, the store was founded with the mission of providing a platform for others to develop their own style and unique sense of self, independent of anyone else. Unlike most vintage shops, every single item is hand selected and locally sourced, helping make the shop an actual representation of the history of Memphis and the memories and lives of the people that have lived here down they decades. As well as its ready-to-wear items, it also offers personal and wardrobe styling services focused on working vintage pieces into a modern closet, as well as by-appointment and private shopping parties for up to 10 people.
LOCATION 2153 Central Avenue HOURS Tues-Sat 12-7pm Sun 2pm-6pm Closed Mon
Primas Bakery + Boutique
Primas Bakery + Boutique is part of ShopMucho, a small, independent business that embraces local makers, markets and brands, with a strong emphasis on Latino-owned businesses and products. Founded by a Mexican-American lady called Angelique Sloan, the business comprises an online business, plus the brick & mortar Primas Bakery + Boutique, which features traditional Latino décor and housing a variety of treasures that you’d typically find at Mexican markets or Tex-Mex boutiques, including the latest fashions and accessories, plus a delectable bakery owned by Angelique’s cousin.
LOCATION 523 South Main Street HOURS Weds-Sat 9am-6pm Sun 9am-2pm Closed Mon
Snatched Boutique
With its self-declared motto of “dare to be different”, this women’s boutique sets it stall out early, offering quality, stylish trend setting apparel to accommodate all personalities. Whether its dresses, pants, shorts, skirts, jumpsuits, blazers, leggings, shoes or beachwear you’re after, there’ll be something here to suit your tastes and needs, with prices kept at affordable levels. Eye-catching items include a striking blueberry jumpsuit that will guarantee you stand out from the crowd.
LOCATION 2657 Appling Road HOURS Tues-Fri 11.30am-6pm Sat 12pm-5pm Closed Sun-Mon
The Ivory Closet
Located in the heart of Midtown Memphis, Ivory Closet prides itself on its high quality, affordable products and exceptional customer service. The store houses a diverse assortment of women’s apparel, beauty supplies, and accessories including jewellery, bags, shoes, and more. The focus is on fashion forward but highly wearable clothes that will feel comfortable on everyone, and shop floor staff are always on hand to act as your temporary personal stylist as you peruse the store.
LOCATION 2095 Madison Avenue HOURS Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm Fri-Sat 11am-9pm Sun 12pm-6pm
Stock & Belle
Part gallery, part furniture store and part clothing boutique, Stock & Belle is a light-filled, airy lifestyle space carrying cool, eclectic wares such as funky apparel, local art & retro-chic mid-century furniture pieces. Men’s and women’s fashion items feature clean, modern design styles, while art from local vendors such as GetArched – who specialise in Memphis-themed pieces – adorns the walls and is also for sale.
LOCATION 387 South Main Street HOURS Tues-Sat 10am-6pm Closed Sun-Mon
Lindy Lou’s Boutique
Selling a huge selection of girls’ clothing, dresses, shoes, and accessories, Lindy Louis Boutique focusses on both girls and tween girl apparel and accessories. The team spends significant time painstakingly choosing the perfect outfits to dress fashion minded tweens, with mums flocking here to find the hottest trends, as well as classic looks, for their youngsters. There’s a fast turnaround of items too, guaranteeing there’s always something new to peruse each time you visit.
LOCATION 5070 Goodman Road, Olive Branch HOURS Mon-Fri 10am-7pm Sat 10am-6pm Sun 12pm-5pm
Crazy Beautiful
A trendy women’s boutique featuring stylish, offbeat clothing, from distressed denim to lace dresses, Crazy Beautiful is a favourite among Memphis fashionistas. The store sells a wide range of trend pieces from fun designers, including accessories such as shoes, bags, hats and jewellery – all available in the store and online, while helpful and courteous staff will help you find the perfect outfit, gift, or special occasion piece.
LOCATION 2111 Madison Avenue HOURS Mon-Weds 11am-7pm Thurs-Sat 11am-8pm Sun 11am-5pm
Repeat Boutique
Repeat Boutique is a secondhand clothing & furniture store run by a local women’s organisation called the Junior League of Memphis, which is committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities. The store sells gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for all ages, as well as home furnishings, housewares. The majority of items sold at the store have been donated by members of the Junior League of Memphis or other members of the public.
LOCATION 3586 Summer Avenue HOURS Tues-Sat 10am-5pm Closed Sun-Mon
By Paul Joseph