Small businesses are the heart of vibrant communities, and while you might not be able to do 100% of your holiday shopping locally, every purchase from these independent shops helps support a thriving Riverside. This guide highlights local retailers across the city, from the walkable Main Street Pedestrian Mall to neighborhood shops throughout town.
Arts & Culture
RCAA Gallery- 3860 Lemon St
The Riverside Community Arts Association Center showcases rotating exhibits of work by local artists at its Lemon Street gallery, with artwork available for purchase. The nonprofit supports the downtown arts scene through exhibits, workshops and community partnerships. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended hours during monthly First Thursday Art Walk events.
RAM Blue Door Museum Store- 3425 Mission Inn Ave
Framed paintings and photos, glass ornaments and garden art, elegant silk scarves and jewelry, colorful ceramics, and a variety of garden banners, notecards and postcards fill this Mission Inn Avenue shop. Scattered throughout are specialty gift items like artisan soaps, aprons, candles, blood orange jam, and Raincross tea towels and doormats. New items are constantly added. Purchases help pay for RAM exhibits, classes for adults and children, and support local artists.
Mission Inn Foundation Museum Store- 3696 Main St.
Thousands of souvenirs and eclectic gifts inspired by Riverside's colorful history and culture fill this Main Street shop. Much of the merchandise is locally handcrafted, featuring both art and practical items that celebrate the city's heritage.
Mi Cultura- 3737 6th St.
This 6th Street shop offers handcrafted Mexican pottery, embroidered textiles, traditional clothing, talavera ceramics, jewelry, and Day of the Dead altar supplies. The family-run business sources authentic items directly from artisans in Mexico, from woven blankets and ponchos to papel picado and colorful alebrijes.
Urge Palette- 3635 9th St.
Downtown's independent art supply shop on 9th Street stocks high-quality materials for artists, from premium brushes and paints to specialty papers and canvases. The artist-run store also features a gallery space (Pain Sugar Gallery) showcasing local and international artists. Perfect for the creative person on your gift list.
Fashion & Personal Style
Raincross District- 3583 Market St.
This Market Street micro-mall specializes in unique vintage clothing and one-of-a-kind fashion finds across more than 60 permanent vendor stalls. Beyond the curated vintage selection, browsers can discover handmade goods, collectibles and other treasures. The venue also hosts pop-up markets, music and art events. A second location operates on Orange Street with a buy-sell-trade model. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
Vixen and Beard- 6412 Magnolia Ave.
More than a barbershop, this Magnolia Avenue destination bills itself as "The Third Space" for men's grooming and style. The shop curates premium brands including Pendleton, Iron & Resin and Venture Grooming Co., featuring products tested by their barbers. Beyond grooming essentials, the retail selection includes quality apparel and accessories.
Music & Entertainment
Penrose Records- 3485 University Ave.
This University and Lemon record shop specializes in new and used vinyl, buying and selling records from collectors. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Rat Hole- 10015 Magnolia Ave, Ste 2
This Magnolia Avenue shop carries all genres of music in vinyl, CDs, DVDs and cassettes, plus music merchandise including shirts, stickers, patches, posters and buttons for every music lover's collection.
Coffee & Specialty Foods
Arcade Coffee Roasters- multiple locations, visit website
A Riverside coffee institution since 2013, Arcade roasts beans weekly at their Tasting Room location on Chicago Avenue. The local roaster operates multiple locations including The Bakehouse in Canyon Crest (featuring house-baked pastries and sourdough loaves) and a Downtown location. Gift options include whole bean coffee, brewing equipment and Arcade merchandise.
Condron Coffee- 3696 Sunnyside Dr.
This Sunnyside Drive roaster sources specialty beans for the coffee aficionado. Beyond fresh-roasted coffee, the shop offers coffee accessories and Condron merchandise for the discerning home barista.
Zurer Bread- online ordering, visit website
Local cottage baker Seth Zurer crafts artisan sourdough breads using organic flour and home-milled whole grains. His country loaves feature regeneratively grown wheat and white Sonora wheat from California's Fat Uncle Farms. Order online for local pickup and delivery, or purchase gift cards.
Riverside Cookie Shoppe- 6737 Brockton Ave.
Located in the Brockton Arcade, this hometown cookie shop bakes fresh-from-scratch cookies daily in traditional and gourmet flavors. Specialties include the Campfire cookie (s'mores-inspired) and Justacookie (their signature chip-less chocolate chip). Open Tuesday through Saturday with vegan options available.
Lot 22 Olive Oil- 5225 Canyon Crest Dr, Ste 13
This Canyon Crest shop grows, harvests and presses olive oil from their own 200-tree grove. The tasting room offers unlimited samples of extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars sourced globally, plus specialty items like truffle salt and whipped honey.
Old California Botanicals- sold in various locations, see website
A seventh-generation Californian and fifth generation of a California citrus growing and packing family brings heritage to handcrafted products. The line includes lip balms, perfumes, marmalades and candles all inspired by growing up in the heart of California Citrus Country.
Gless Ranch- 19985 Van Buren Blvd.
This local producer offers fresh citrus and avocados alongside value-added products including jams, marmalades and home décor items. The selection also features craft beers and seltzers for gifting or entertaining.
La Bodega Wine & Spirits- 3512 Central Ave.
Established in 1965, this Central Avenue shop has become the Inland Empire's destination for craft beer, fine wine and spirits. The extensive selection includes rare and giftable bottles alongside knowledgeable staff who can guide shoppers to the perfect present for any beverage enthusiast.
Gifts & Home Goods
Muse Market- 5225 Canyon Crest Dr. Ste 23
Located in Canyon Crest Towne Centre, this shop features locally made décor and gifts, with most products crafted by Inland Empire artisans. The curated selection celebrates regional creativity and craftsmanship.
Ampersand Gifts and Goods- 3555 Riverside Plaza Dr. Suite 111
This Riverside Plaza shop sells home goods, travel accessories and family fun items in a curated space designed for unhurried browsing. A dedicated section features Riverside-themed merchandise including apparel and mugs celebrating local pride.
Downtown Apothecary- 3615 Main St #102
This Main Street bath, body and home specialty shop offers luxurious self-care essentials including bath bombs, artisan soaps, lotions, body brushes and scrubs. The selection extends to lip and face care products alongside lovely gift items for anyone seeking a little pampering.
Tiggywinkles- 3675 Main St.
A Main Street fixture for years, this kitschy gift shop delights browsers with whimsical finds and nostalgic treasures. The eclectic collection offers something unexpected for anyone who appreciates quirky, charming gifts.
Mission on Main Mercantile- 3625 Main St.
Unique gifts for everyone fill this Main Street shop, from glassware to recipe books, Riverside merchandise, totes and home décor. The carefully selected inventory ensures shoppers can find something special for any recipient.
Pets
Elliott's for Pets- 6744 Brockton Ave.
This local pet store stocks everything every pet and owner could possibly want or need, from quality food and treats to toys, accessories and care essentials for dogs, cats and other companion animals.
Pet Wants- 4241 Market St.
This Market Street shop specializes in fresh dog and cat food, with products made in small batches for quality and freshness. The store also carries natural treats, chews, grooming supplies (including house-made "spaw" products), health supplements and pet accessories. Free local delivery on orders over $45 within 15 miles.
Budget-Friendly & Sustainable Shopping
Pink Ribbon Thrift Shop- 5924 Magnolia Ave.
This boutique-style thrift shop on Magnolia Avenue supports The Pink Ribbon Place, the Riverside Community Health Foundation's cancer resource center. All proceeds fund no-cost services for families impacted by cancer. The curated selection includes quality clothing, furniture, antiques and décor. Open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mission Galleria- 3700 Main St.
This four-story consignment thrift shop offers a treasure trove of pre-loved goods across multiple floors. Patient browsers can discover everything from vintage clothing to home furnishings in this expansive secondhand marketplace.
Assistance League Thrift Shop- 3707 Sunnyside Dr.
Staffed and managed entirely by member volunteers, this thrift shop ensures merchandise is always good quality, clean and fairly priced. Shopping here supports the Assistance League's community programs while offering sustainable alternatives to new purchases.
Small businesses create the character and community that make Riverside special. While you may not complete your entire holiday list at independent shops, every purchase from these local retailers helps keep our city vibrant and unique. This season, consider how your shopping choices can strengthen the fabric of our community, one thoughtful gift at a time.
Editor's Note: Riverside is huge and we know this list is missing some of your favorites. Please visit our Instagram and Facebook pages and comment your favorites not on this list to let fellow Riversiders know where else to shop small this season.
