America's Favorite Mom & Pop Shops: Retail Edition

This article features a curated list of 15 exceptional retail stores from across the United States, highlighting the spirit of independent businesses and the charm of locally owned shops.

This list was compiled by Entrepreneur in collaboration with Foursquare, a platform that helps people discover and explore new places. The goal was to identify America's most loved "mom and pop" shops, showcasing the diversity and quality of retail experiences offered by small businesses.

R.A. Fountain General Store: A Multifaceted Gem in Fountain, NC

R.A. Fountain General Store is much more than just a traditional general store. It's a vibrant community hub that combines a café, bookstore, ice cream shop, and music venue. The store has been a mainstay in Fountain, North Carolina since 2003, housed in a historic building built in 1917. It offers a unique blend of services and experiences, attracting locals and visitors alike.

• Enjoy fresh-squeezed lemonade, orangeade, and limeade.
• Browse the store's selection of books and ice cream.
• Attend live music performances featuring local and touring musicians.
• Immerse yourself in the store's eclectic ambiance and rich history.

Thames Glass: A Masterful Blend of Art and Craft in Newport, RI

Thames Glass is a Newport, Rhode Island glassblowing studio owned and operated by Matthew Buechner. This shop is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of glassblowing, with Buechner's original pieces capturing the beauty and versatility of the medium.

• Admire Buechner's collection of ornate glass shells and fishes.
• Explore his range of glassware, vases, glass animals, and Christmas ornaments.
• Learn the art of glassblowing yourself through lessons offered at the store.
• Experience the beauty of glassblowing firsthand by watching Buechner create his art.

Wood Werks Supply: A Woodworking Paradise in Columbus, OH

Wood Werks Supply is a Columbus, Ohio-based woodworking store that has been serving the community for over 30 years. It's a one-stop shop for woodworking enthusiasts, professionals, and hobbyists. This shop is a testament to the power of small businesses, expanding over the years to become one of the largest woodworking stores in the nation.

• Discover a vast selection of power tools, from table saws and bandsaws to drill presses and CNC machines.
• Find a wide range of woodworking supplies, including lumber, hardware, and tools.
• Benefit from expert advice from knowledgeable staff who are passionate about woodworking.
• Browse the extensive online shop for woodworking needs, even if you can't visit the physical store.

Yuri's Records: A Cool Fusion of Vinyl and Skateboarding in South Gate, CA

Yuri's Records in South Gate, California, is a unique blend of two iconic cultural elements: vinyl records and skateboarding. This shop offers a vibrant selection of vinyl records across all genres, alongside skateboards, roller skates, and a range of related gear.

• Shop for a wide array of vinyl records, CDs, classic video games, and guitar supplies.
• Enjoy live music performances featuring various genres, from punk to indie and ska to 60s garage.
• Stay updated on new record releases, skate deck arrivals, and upcoming events through their social media channels.
• Browse their extensive online shop for any items available at the store.

The Sports Lure: Your Outdoor Adventure Headquarters in Buffalo, WY

The Sports Lure in Buffalo, Wyoming, is a family-owned business that has been serving outdoor enthusiasts for over 50 years. It started as a fishing tackle shop, but has evolved into a comprehensive outdoor goods store, offering everything you need for your next adventure.

• Find clothing, footwear, skis, bikes, and water bottles.
• Rent hardtail and full suspension mountain bikes, e-bikes, and Bakcou e-bikes.
• Utilize their repair shop for binding mounting, ski and snowboard tuning, bike repairs, and more.
• Experience the warmth and expertise of a family-run business that is passionate about outdoor recreation.

Magic Sleeper: A Dream Destination for Quality Mattresses in Pottstown, PA

Magic Sleeper in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, is a family-owned and operated mattress company with a three-generation legacy of providing customers with high-quality sleep solutions. They specialize in custom-made mattresses and offer a wide range of styles, materials, and sizes.

• Explore a variety of mattress categories, including innerspring, wrapped coils, foam, latex, and more.
• Design your own custom mattress in-store or online.
• Shop for a range of furniture items, including sofas, recliners, dining tables, and more.
• Benefit from their sleep number repair shop for professional bed maintenance.

Bibliotech: A Literary Paradise in Shawnee, OK

Bibliotech in Shawnee, Oklahoma, is more than just a bookstore; it's a haven for book lovers, comic enthusiasts, gamers, and collectors. This shop boasts an impressive selection of new, used, vintage, and rare books from all genres, including comic books.

• Discover a vast selection of books, comics, board games, card games, and tabletop games.
• Explore unique collectibles, such as toys, statues, and Star Wars memorabilia.
• Benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable staff who are passionate about books and collectibles.
• Immerse yourself in the store's welcoming atmosphere and discover literary treasures.

Audio Perfection: Elevating Your Sonic Experience in Minneapolis, MN

Audio Perfection in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a specialist audio shop that provides tailored sonic solutions for homes and venues. They offer a curated selection of high-quality audio and video electronics, speakers, headphones, and accessories from renowned brands.

• Explore a wide array of audio and video electronics, speakers, headphones, and accessories.
• Benefit from expert advice and guidance from their team of sonic specialists.
• Receive professional audio repair services, including turntable setup and phono cartridge installation.
• Enjoy in-home installation services for your new audio equipment.

Books Are Magic: A Literary Oasis in Brooklyn, NY

Books Are Magic is a Brooklyn, New York, independent bookstore owned by award-winning novelist Emma Straub and her husband, graphic designer Michael Fusco-Straub. This shop is a testament to the power of books to connect people and foster community, with a wide selection of titles and a vibrant schedule of events.

• Explore a diverse selection of books from all genres and subject matters.
• Enjoy a cozy and inviting atmosphere that encourages browsing and lingering.
• Attend monthly events, including author talks, live storytimes for kids, and book clubs.
• Experience the unique writerly touch of a bookstore owned by a celebrated novelist.

Chalet: A Community Hub for All Things Garden and Home in Wilmette, IL

Chalet in Wilmette, Illinois, has been a staple in the local community since 1917, serving as a one-stop shop for yard care, landscape, and home décor needs. This shop offers a diverse selection of products and services, catering to a wide range of customers.

• Find outdoor plants, houseplants, garden essentials, apparel, planters, and pet products.
• Benefit from expert landscape services, including design, build, maintenance, and enhancements.
• Attend events and classes, such as pollinator lectures, meditation sessions, and gardening workshops.
• Receive personalized shopping advice and guidance from knowledgeable staff.

Crescent City Books: A Rare Book Haven in New Orleans, LA

Crescent City Books is a New Orleans, Louisiana, used bookstore that has been a fixture in the historic French Quarter since 1992. This shop is a treasure trove for book lovers, with a vast collection of rare and historical texts dating back centuries.

• Explore an impressive selection of rare and historical books, some dating back 500 years.
• Browse the store's collection of antique maps and prints.
• Discover a constantly changing inventory of used books, with new arrivals arriving regularly.
• Experience the unique charm of a bookstore that is both a haven for bookworms and a window into the past.

The Village Retail: A Celebration of Black-Owned Businesses in Atlanta, GA

The Village Retail is a curated boutique located in Atlanta, Georgia's historic Ponce City Market. This shop is a unique destination for finding high-quality products from local Black-owned businesses, showcasing the creativity and talent of entrepreneurs within the community.

• Discover a selection of apparel, jewelry, home goods, gifts, cosmetics, and games.
• Support local Black-owned businesses and their creative endeavors.
• Shop online for a seamless shopping experience, with convenient delivery options.
• Experience the power of shopping local and supporting diversity in the retail landscape.

U'sta-B-New: A Treasure Trove of Antiques in Bloomington, IN

U'sta-B-New is an antique shop in Bloomington, Indiana, offering a vast collection of housewares, furniture, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, and toys. This shop is a haven for antique enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of history, style, and sustainability.

• Explore a diverse collection of antique and vintage items, from furniture to clothing and collectibles.
• Discover unique pieces for your home or office, adding a touch of history and character.
• Attend events and parties hosted by the store, promoting sustainability and artistic expression.
• Experience the joy of finding hidden treasures and giving new life to vintage items.

Vines Art Glass: A Showcase of Unique Glass Art in Bandon, OR

Vines Art Glass is a Bandon, Oregon, storefront owned by artist Bryce Dimitruk, showcasing his distinctive glass art creations. His work is characterized by its raw, vibrant, and textural beauty, capturing the essence of molten glass and the artistic process.

• Admire Dimitruk's collection of swirling, vibrant glass ornaments.
• Explore his range of pots, vases, and other glass sculptures.
• Discover his sweetheart series of ornate hearts, perfect for romantic gifts.
• Experience the beauty of glass art firsthand, viewing Dimitruk's creations in person or online.

Palm Beach Doggie Bags: A Treat for Your Furry Friend in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Palm Beach Doggie Bags is a Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, business dedicated to providing pets with healthy and delicious food options. They produce human-grade dog and cat food, made with fresh, nutritious ingredients and catering to specific dietary needs.

• Find a variety of fresh, homemade dog and cat food flavors.
• Benefit from the convenience of pre-made meals, tailored to your pet's needs.
• Enjoy a range of healthy treats, including chicken strips, bacon strips, and hemp blueberry bites.
• Celebrate your furry friend's birthday with a special Barkcuterie Board, filled with delicious treats.