The term “shop local” has become a social slogan implemented by governments all over the country lately, pushing residents to the businesses in their own towns. It’s more than just a catchy door sticker though; it’s a mindset of visiting those stores that celebrate the town you love while supporting the proprietors who have chosen to hang their shingle in the town they love as well. Here are five places we love to shop in Mobile that bring their own brand of style to the Port City.
- Toomey’s Mardi Gras
- The Carnival warehouse is Mobile’s one stop shop for all things Mardi Gras. If you need to prepare for your parade ride down Dauphin St. or if you’re just planning a Fat Tuesday themed party, Toomey’s Mardi Gras has all of your party favors, decorations, and beads…tons and tons of beads. They can also help with party items and decor for everything from weddings to St. Patrick’s Day parties. No one does Mardi Gras like Mobile and Toomey’s is there to help make it a success.
- Three George’s Candy Shop
- If you’ve been downtown chances are good you’ve oohed and aahed over Three George’s Candy Shop. It’s the precious green jewel that sits on the corner of Dauphin and Joachim Streets. The striped awning lets you know that you’re about to step back in time to a business that has been established in Mobile for 100 years in 2017; that first bite into one of their decadent chocolate candies makes you glad you’re in the present to enjoy the sweets. Three Georges is there to create the perfect gift to give to a friend or yourself. And when you’re downtown and need a sweet treat, stop in and sit on one of their stools to enjoy a milkshake and lunch.
- MoonPie General Store
- The MoonPie General Store celebrates one of Mobile’s strangest yet most beloved quirks, the Moon Pie. Located at the bottom floor of the Trustmark building—or more aptly, the building where the MoonPie drops from at New Year’s Eve—on St. Francis St. the store draws more on the nostalgia of an old drug store, filled with Moon Pie and Mobile paraphernalia so visitors can browse trinkets of either their beloved city or the place they’re visiting for the first time. After perusing the shop, sit down for breakfast or lunch. Or if you’re just there for a specialty milkshake, then relax at the old-fashioned counter and enjoy a taste of Mobile in its full Carnival glory.
- Urban Emporium
- When it comes to shopping local and supporting Mobile’s own businesses, there’s really no better way or place to do it than Urban Emporium. An arm of the non-profit organization “Springboard to Success,” UE is a training and housing ground for those hoping to start their own company here on the Bay. The new owners can start by selling their products within UE during which time they will receive hands on training, and learning how to deal with everything from marketing to personnel management. Hop in for some unique and boutique products that you can’t find elsewhere and you’ll also leave knowing you helped shape the future of Mobile.
- White House Antiques
- For those that want all of the treasures of a Flea Market without having to actually visit the unairconditioned Flea Market and fix up the products themselves, there’s White House Antiques. They search the Gulf Coast for those treasured antiques and incredible finds and bring them all back to one place for you to visit. Some stay in their original state while others get the White House Antique touch. If you like their style and want to incorporate it into your next event, you’re in look—they do rentals as well!
Shopping local is a great way to give back to your community. When you’re lucky enough to live in Mobile, it’s also fun and easy with stores like these to enrich our community. If you prefer to shop from home, Toomey’s Mardi Gras has an excellent website: www.toomeysmardigras.com or find them on Facebook.
Shop Local, Eat Local, Live Local 