Big Ideas for Shopping Small in Downtown Arlington

What do we love best about shopping in Downtown Arlington? It’s personal. Personal attention, personal service and a selection of merchandise that’s also very personal – to the gift giver, receiver, and to the shop owner her/himself.

The Personal Touch

Downtown’s growing restaurant and retail scene is the opposite of a shopping mall. Rather than forced under one homogenized roof, these areas have organized themselves organically along streets. Abram Street. Main Street. Urban Union (Front Street). And like their unique locations, these businesses are as much a personal reflection of the passion, dedication and taste of their owners as their customers.

Folks from Arlington will tell you. Where do you go for exceptional service and an exclusive selection of high-end men’s wear? The Man’s Shop. Want a mix of antiques and vintage-inspired fashion and home décor? Collected Treasures. Love the look of hand-carved wood and fabulous finds from the past? Wondrous Works in Wood. Looking for a musical blend of retro cool and hipster chic? Truth Vinyl. Thanks to Wally Hardin, Jana Holland, Sherrie Phillips and Ric Delzell, you’ll never find another store like any of them.

That’s not all. Lovingly-curated gift shops-within-a-store (some featuring locally-created art, crafts and gourmet items) are tucked inside many Downtown destinations including Potager’s Other Stuff, Growl, the Arlington Museum of Art, the recently-opened Inspirations Catering, and Urban Alchemy Coffee + Wine Bar (which offers free DIY gift wrapping from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. every Saturday until Christmas).

Consider giving the gift of creativity with a gift card from Board & Brush. Order a lovely holiday centerpiece from H.E. Cannon Florist & Greenhouses, which is celebrating its 125th year in Downtown Arlington this year. And don’t forget to stop by your family and friends' favorite Downtown restaurants, spas, breweries and pubs for merch and gift cards.

Click here for a directory of Downtown's shopping destinations.

Popping Up in 2018

Discover not one but two new pop-up markets in Urban Union that not only provide unique shopping experiences in a fun atmosphere but support many small and women-owned businesses in our community.

Small Business Saturday Pop-Up Market

In and around Union Worx and Legal Draft

Saturday, November 24 from noon – 6:00 p.m.

​Hosted by Union Worx Coworking, Legal Draft Beer Co. and Kimberlite Studios, this pop-up market is all about celebrating small businesses while providing a fun shopping atmosphere. You’ll find a variety of great gift ideas including handmade jewelry and other crafts, books, popular brands and other merchandise. Visit the Kimberlite Studios website for the list of vendors.

As you shop, enjoy complementary wine, coffee, hot chocolate and apple cider or grab a beer for purchase at Legal Draft. Dogs and kids are welcome, and there will be a fun make-and-take creative area for kids inside Union Worx. Admission and parking are free.

Happy Holidays Pop-Up Market

Inside the Downtown Arlington offices, across from Legal Draft

Saturday, December 8 – Sunday, December 23

Monday – Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Thursday – Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday from noon – 6:00 p.m.

As one of DAMC’s Pop-Up! Partners, 817 Arts Alliance is bringing a two-week pop-up market to Downtown and Urban Union. When you shop the Happy Holidays Pop-Up Market, you’re supporting local artisans while discovering lovely handmade gifts for those on your shopping list or fabulous finds for yourself. Handcrafted wares range from jewelry to home decor and more. Learn more about the various artists by clicking here. Admission and parking are free.

On Sunday, December 9 from 3:00-6:00 p.m., the Happy Holidays Pop-Up Market will also host a special author event and book-signing with Dr. Mary Payton. Dr. Payton is the author of Taylor's STEM Adventures Hawaii, the first in a series of children's books about a young son of two military members in STEM career fields. Books will be available for purchase.

When you stop by the Happy Holidays Market on December 8, be sure to visit the Arlington Foodies Farmer’s Market info table, which will be set up from 2:00-6:00 p.m. adjacent to Legal Draft.

Black Friday and Small Business Saturday

Many restaurants and retailers in Downtown are offering Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Specials. Check their individual websites and social media for details. #shopsmall @DTArlington

Parking and Getting Around Downtown

Parking is free throughout Downtown Arlington (unless specified). Track #myAbram and visit myAbram.com for the latest information about traffic routing, temporary parking and construction milestones along Abram Street. Download Waze for free and see real-time traffic, find optimal routes and avoid road closures, or leave your car at home and hail Via Arlington Ride Share for only $3.

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About Downtown Arlington

Designated by the State of Texas as the Arlington Cultural District, Downtown Arlington blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate.