Markets and independent shops in Indianapolis

Markets and independent shops in Indianapolis

1. Buy

   Arthur's Music Store

   Arthur's is Indy's finest music instrument shop, focusing mainly on fretted instruments. From its retro housing, it's been a staple on the Indy music scene since 1952. From guitars to banjos, dulcimers to luthiers—you can find it all. A great place for on-site repairs and supplies too. A must-see for any stringed instrument lover.

2. Buy

   Broad Ripple Vintage

   One of Indy's best known vintage shops, they offer a wide variety of retro clothes—mainly 1960s, 70s and 80s. Large array of t-shirts and accessories and drag queen sized gowns. They always are playing The Doors, and the decor is out of an old school head shop. Quite pricey, and we swear that prices go up around Halloween.

3. Buy

   Brown's Antiques

   Brown's on 5th

   Gift shop that specializes in Vera Bradley bags. You can get new and old bags, in this collectors paradise. It's like Vera Bradley threw up and out popped this store.

4. Buy

   Circle Centre Mall

   This is the mall that caused the big revitalization of downtown Indy. Shopping and restaurants fill up this mall. The mall has had no department stores since the last anchor, Carson's, went under in 2018. It had lost Nordstrom in 2011; some of the space vacated by that retailer used to house the offices of the city's main newspaper, The Indianapolis Star. Other stores included Victoria's Secret, Banana Republic, Hot Topic, Forever 21, Abercrombie & Fitch, Go! Retail Group, H&M and more. The fourth floor had a movie theater and video game arcade. Unfortunately, the mall closed its doors on December 31, 2025 when the Circle Centre Development Company announced that it had sold the mall to Hendricks Commercial Properties. It is targeted to open in 2029, will include retail, dining, and entertainment; office space, and more than 300 apartments, along with public plazas and green spaces.

5. Buy

   City Market

   Halfway between Mass Ave. and the Wholesale District this is a historical landmark in downtown Indy full of shops and restaurants. From chocolates to crafts, fresh meats to veggies, they also feature an awesome farmer market in the warm months.

6. Buy

   Claus' German Sausage & Meats

   Indy's finest place for homemade sausage, lunch meat, smoked, and well, meat. It opened as Klemm's in 1913, and is now owned by Claus Muth, who is a master sausage maker from Frankfurt, Germany. They also have great German beers and other goods.

7. Buy

   Clay Terrace

   The first new outdoor mall in ages is in the burb of Carmel. A well kept environment this mall has a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Shops include DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, Dick's Sporting Goods, Wild Oats, Sur La Table, Z Gallerie, Indigo Nation and White House/Black Market. When the weather is nice, it is a lovely place to stroll.

8. Buy

   Downtown Comics

   Indy's finest locally owned comic chain features new and collectible comics, games, and toys. They have three other locations.

9. Buy

   French Pharmacie

   A very cool shop that features fashion, furniture and accessories. Carrying clothing by names such as Balenciaga, Acne, Stella McCartney and more. 18th century and modern creations in furniture, and accessories for your home and self—candles, shoes, bags, and more.

10. Buy

    Global Gifts

    Indy's only all fair-trade boutique. Meaning that artisans from all over the world receive a fair price for their work. Buy clothing, decor, beauty products, food, and unique gifts from Africa, Asia, Europe and beyond. A unique non-profit shop that supports third-world-countries artisans and talents.

11. Buy

    Good Earth

    Indy's oldest natural living store in town. Organic and natural food, health and accessories. Great place to stop by for a snack or for much needed groceries. Upstairs is a huge selection of vitamins and supplements, shoes and clothing too.

12. Buy

    Hamilton Town Center

    An outdoor mall that opened in May 2008. Located on the southwest corner of Interstate 69 and State Road 238 (Exit 10), it has some great options for dining and shopping. There you will find discount-type stores such as SteinMart and Payless; a large JCPenney anchor; and a good variety of shops including Ann Taylor Loft, Borders, Chico's, Dicks' Sporting Goods, Old Navy, etc. If shopping makes you hungry, you can find both casual and fine dining at places like Stone Creek Dining Co., McAlister's Deli, Qdoba Mexican Grill and Paradise Bakery & Cafe.

13. Buy

    Haus Love

    Great clothing, housewares and furniture shop for women and children. Very cool clothes from all over the world. Great place for shabby chic fans.

14. Buy

    Indy CD & Vinyl

    One of Indy's most popular record shops specializing in independent musics and obscure finds. A wide selection of new and used CD's and vinyl, from indie rock to hip hop. Great selection of box sets and music-related DVDs: buy a pack 20 of loose mystery.45s for $5 and see if you get lucky. They also host in-store performances, and is a great place to pick up fliers about upcoming shows and events.

15. Buy

    Lafayette Square Mall

    Beginning in the mid-1990s, this mall, like the area around it, fell into disrepair. The area around Lafayette Square has been rebranded "International Marketplace" as part of a revitalization effort to capitalize on the surge of ethnic stores and restaurants that have entered the neighborhood. The mall is big, with few stores however, and lots of fascinating retro architecture. Shops include Bath & Body Works, Champs and Old Navy. There are also a number of local speciality and boutique shops. Many cater to hip hop culture and living.

16. Buy

    Luna Music

    Indy's finest local record shop. Featuring CDs, vinyl and collectibles—posters, t-shirts, etc. Great place to find rare imports and out of print gems. All genres of music with friendly staff, clean and hip environment.

17. Buy

    Pitaya

    Women love Pitaya's homegrown jeans—trendy and stylish shopping since 1990 that provides women with an affordable place to get lovely trendy clothes. Voted best jeans in town numerous times.

18. Buy

    Rusted Moon Outfitters

    Indy's finest outdoor shop for hiking, canoeing, kayaking and camping. They offer a great selection of hiking boots, clothing, rope climbing accessories, and offer canoe & kayak rentals. Located within a 5-minute walking distance of the White River for easy access, and right on the Monon Trail.

19. Buy

    Silver in the City

    Voted Indy's favorite gift shop by Nuvo readers. Great selection of unique gifts and jewelry.

20. Buy

    The Bungalow

    Artsy gift shop featuring artsy kitchen, textiles, art and housewares. Local and international art pieces. Very cool store.

21. Buy

    The Shops at Perry Crossing

    Metropolis

    A bizarre innovation in outdoor shopping, this 'future mall' with modern architecture and unique events is the latest mall in the region. Anchored by JC Penney and Dick's Sporting Goods, it also has Ann Taylor Loft, Barnes & Noble, Coldwater Creek and more. The Carmike (formerly the Rave) is an 18-screen theater.

22. Buy Not mapped

    The Fashion Mall

    This is the mall to see and be seen. The ritz and the wanna-be's shop at this classic Indy mall. Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue are the anchor stores. Other shops include Crate & Barrel, Tiffany & Co, MAC (Cosmetics), Sephora, Coach, Sony, Apple, William & Sonoma, a Tesla Motors gallery and more. They also have a huge variety of locally owned boutique shops too. Locals often declare this mall has the worst food court in the city, so grab a bite before/after you leave.

23. Buy

    Blacksheep Gifts

    5626 E Washington St

24. Buy

    Indy Cycle Specialist

    5804 E Washington St

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Indianapolis (CC BY-SA 4.0).