The U-City Loop is certainly one of the area's most diverse entertainment and dining districts, but it also has dozens of eclectic shops selling everything from books to bikes, and clothing to crafts. Whether you want handmade art objects produced locally, or designer jeans from New York, chances are you'll find it on the Loop.
City Sprouts
For the new mom, baby or toddler, City Sprouts can't be beat. Its owner, Molly Drda, opened the shop in response to the lack of originality she found in national chains and department stores. All of its merchandise, whether it's toys, clothes, books or furniture, seems designed to inspire smiles and creativity. Much of it comes from independent designers or artists that welcome a store that welcomes their most whimsical products. City Sprouts is located at 6354 Delmar Blvd.Phoenix Rising
Once you're finished shopping for baby, cross the street to City Sprouts' sister store, Phoenix Rising, which is literally operated by Molly's sister, Carrie Drda. Not surprisingly, Phoenix Rising feels very much like City Sprouts, just geared toward adults. Carrie boasts the shop has "something for everyone, from rubber chickens to exquisite handmade jewelry." True to her word, Phoenix Rising has everything from novelty ice cube trays and ABC (already-been-chewed) cookie cutters, to beautiful picture frames and wall clocks designed by independent artists. Phoenix Rising is located at 6331 Delmar.Star Clipper
Even if you've never owned or read a comic book, stop in at Star Clipper, which is much more than a comic book shop. The store also carries collectables, pop culture items and graphic novels. And, unlike most comic book stores or hobby shops, Star Clipper is meticulously organized and easy to browse. If you are a collector, Star Clipper has a huge and diverse selection, carrying all the top publishers, but also a wide range of smaller brands. Star Clipper is located at 6392 Delmar.Plowsharing Crafts
Plowsharing Crafts is a not-for-profit store that markets the products of third world crafts people, providing them with a fair and meaningful income for their goods. One of the store's specialties is its large inventory of handmade and uncommon musical instruments, including drums, gongs, flutes and xylophones. Plowsharing Crafts also carries toys, tableware, art objects and other beautifully crafted items for your home. Plowsharing Crafts is located at 6271 Delmar.Big Shark Bicycle Company
Photo courtesy Big Shark Bicycle Company
If you're in the market for a bike, you can't go wrong at Big Shark Bicycle Company. Big Shark is consistently ranked among the nation's top 100 bicycle retailers by Bicycle Retailer magazine. The award is presented to bike companies based not only on sales, but also its community involvement. You'll quickly agree with the award once you step inside and start talking with the store's helpful employees. They'll help you find the right bike regardless of your age, ability or budget. They even sell unicycles! Big Shark Bicycle Company is located 6133 Delmar.
Vintage Vinyl
Image courtesy Vintage Vinyl
Vintage Vinyl, along with Blueberry Hill, is one of the main anchors of The Loop. For more than 25 years, the famous record store has made The Loop an exciting place to visit. Vintage Vinyl's varied and diverse inventory, combined with employees who live and breath music, have made the store a regional "Mecca" for music lovers. It's not unusual to see its signature hot pink bumper stickers in cities hundreds of miles from St. Louis. If you're looking for a rare album or the latest CD on the pop charts, Vintage Vinyl either carries it or can find it for you. And, even if you're not looking for a particular album, browsing the store's bins and shelves is a Loop tradition that shouldn't be missed. Vintage Vinyl is located at 6610 Delmar.
Good Works
Photo courtesy Good Works
It's difficult to walk past the large row of showcase windows that make up the storefront of Good Works furniture store. Through the windows, Good Works displays dozens of chairs, tables, sofas and lamps that are hip and fashionable, but still look like furniture for real people. Most pieces in the store are urban and contemporary, but are also comfortable, functional and, most importantly, affordable.
