EXPLORE: Summer Fun
By Sofia Legaspi Dickens
Want to get your shopping on but don’t know where to start? Try these favorite small business retailers in the area, according to CITYVIEW’s Best Of Des Moines Readers’ Poll in 2022.
HISTORIC VALLEY JUNCTION
Along Fifth Street in West Des Moines
www.valleyjunction.com
Dozens of locally owned businesses call this quaint historic district home. Looking for your newest outfit, creative costume, craft supply, statement furniture piece, unique antique or the perfect gift? Valley Junction has it all — and more. Voted “Best Shopping District.”
BING’S
213 Fifth St., West Des Moines
bingsdsm.com
Voted “Best Valley Junction Store” as well as “Best Local Gift Shop” for several years running, Bing’s sells “things that make people happy” like games, art poles, gifts and books. A mother-and-daughter duo operate the store alongside shop pup, Penny, who adds an extra boost of joy.
PRYSM JEWELRY & PIERCING
13101 University Ave., Suite 2, Clive
prysmpiercing.com
Prysm scored the big one in CITYVIEW’s 2022 poll: “Best Local Store (Overall),” not to mention “Best Local Jewelry Store.” By appointment only, local experts help patrons customize their pieces and provide a safe and worry-free piercing experience.
MANY HANDS THRIFT MARKET
Locations in Grimes, Clive and Des Moines
manyhandsthrift.com
Find gently used clothing, furniture, home decor and other items at Many Hands, as well as Haitian products like handmade metal art, jewelry and coffee. All proceeds from the thrift store benefit its nonprofit, Many Hands for Haiti. Voted “Best Local Thrift Shop” and runner-up for “Best Local Store (Overall).”
SUZY’S KITCHEN & GIFTS
4830 Maple Drive, Pleasant Hill
801 Bass Pro Drive, Suite 638, Altoona
suzyskitchenandgifts.com
Voted “Best New Local Store,” Suzy’s colorful shop offers all the kitchen basics, plus fun gifts: toys, bibs, books, puzzles, games, journals, Warmies, tumblers, mugs and more from 80 different suppliers. A second location recently opened at the Outlets of Des Moines on Sept. 1.
THE LEARNING POST
2761 100th St., Urbandale
learningposttoys.com.
Since 1977, The Learning Post has been supplying local educators and parents with hard-to-find learning materials. Now, their inventory also includes fun products like bath toys, board games, gadgets, musical instruments, puzzles and stuffed toys. Voted “Best Local Children’s Store” by CITYVIEW readers.
WORN
857 42nd St., Des Moines
5515 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 160,
West Des Moines
thewornstore.com
A modern resale boutique for women located in West Glen Town Center and the Shops at Roosevelt shopping mall. Sell your unwanted items and update your wardrobe in one place. Voted “Best Local Resale/Consignment Boutique” and runner-up for “Best West Glen Store.”
Want to get your shopping on but don’t know where to start? Try these favorite small business retailers in the area, according to CITYVIEW’s Best Of Des Moines Readers’ Poll in 2022.
HISTORIC VALLEY JUNCTION
Along Fifth Street in West Des Moines
www.valleyjunction.com
Dozens of locally owned businesses call this quaint historic district home. Looking for your newest outfit, creative costume, craft supply, statement furniture piece, unique antique or the perfect gift? Valley Junction has it all — and more. Voted “Best Shopping District.”
BING’S
213 Fifth St., West Des Moines
bingsdsm.com
Voted “Best Valley Junction Store” as well as “Best Local Gift Shop” for several years running, Bing’s sells “things that make people happy” like games, art poles, gifts and books. A mother-and-daughter duo operate the store alongside shop pup, Penny, who adds an extra boost of joy.
PRYSM JEWELRY & PIERCING
13101 University Ave., Suite 2, Clive
prysmpiercing.com
Prysm scored the big one in CITYVIEW’s 2022 poll: “Best Local Store (Overall),” not to mention “Best Local Jewelry Store.” By appointment only, local experts help patrons customize their pieces and provide a safe and worry-free piercing experience.
MANY HANDS THRIFT MARKET
Locations in Grimes, Clive and Des Moines
manyhandsthrift.com
Find gently used clothing, furniture, home decor and other items at Many Hands, as well as Haitian products like handmade metal art, jewelry and coffee. All proceeds from the thrift store benefit its nonprofit, Many Hands for Haiti. Voted “Best Local Thrift Shop” and runner-up for “Best Local Store (Overall).”
SUZY’S KITCHEN & GIFTS
4830 Maple Drive, Pleasant Hill
801 Bass Pro Drive, Suite 638, Altoona
suzyskitchenandgifts.com
Voted “Best New Local Store,” Suzy’s colorful shop offers all the kitchen basics, plus fun gifts: toys, bibs, books, puzzles, games, journals, Warmies, tumblers, mugs and more from 80 different suppliers. A second location recently opened at the Outlets of Des Moines on Sept. 1.
THE LEARNING POST
2761 100th St., Urbandale
learningposttoys.com.
Since 1977, The Learning Post has been supplying local educators and parents with hard-to-find learning materials. Now, their inventory also includes fun products like bath toys, board games, gadgets, musical instruments, puzzles and stuffed toys. Voted “Best Local Children’s Store” by CITYVIEW readers.
WORN
857 42nd St., Des Moines
5515 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 160,
West Des Moines
thewornstore.com
A modern resale boutique for women located in West Glen Town Center and the Shops at Roosevelt shopping mall. Sell your unwanted items and update your wardrobe in one place. Voted “Best Local Resale/Consignment Boutique” and runner-up for “Best West Glen Store.”