Unique Shops in Joplin
If you’ve been following this blog, you know that I love stumbling across new places to see and things to do in the Joplin area.
And I get especially excited when I discover new local businesses.
Why?
First of all, local businesses usually provide a high level of customer service. The owners of these businesses are often visible and accessible, and make an effort to get to know their customers.
Second of all, these mom-and-pop shops often sell items that are made in the Joplin area. It’s mind-blowing to me to see the things produced by our neighbors and friends here in our community. This town has some pretty big talent!
Novel Finds
Urban Art Gallery, 511 South Main Street
From photographs to ceramics to jewelry, this gallery features pieces made by local artists, making it a great place to look if you’re shopping for a one-of-a-kind gift.
One of my favorite artists sells her work here at Urban Art Gallery. She’s Kristin Girard, the jewelry artist/scientist behind Kristin’s Laboratory.
Attention, Ladies!
Forget driving to a big city to shop for the latest styles of clothing! In fact, Joplin has so many hip and original women’s boutiques that I had to make a post just for them, which you can read right here.
Fill Your Belly
Candy House Gourmet, 510 Kentucky Avenue
I fell in love with this place the very first time I visited Joplin, and I’ve been a devoted customer now for twenty years. This handcrafted chocolate is made at the Chocolate Factory downtown, and you can even tour the facility to watch the process in action.
Try a sample of the sea salt caramels (my favorite), the English toffee, the fudge, or anything else – it’s all good. Candy House also sells a variety of sugar-free chocolates, as well as pre-packaged candy assortments that make great gifts.
Joplin Empire Market, 931 E. 4th Street
For a true slice of the Four State Area, visit the Joplin Empire Market. Open year-round on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this market features vendors from a 150-mile radius selling produce, meats, eggs, local products, crafts, and art.
Get Active
Runaround Running & Lifestyle Co., 303 S. Main Street
You don’t have to be a runner to benefit from a visit to this store. In fact, more than 50% of the store’s business comes from people who are on their feet all day. But all of these customers have one thing in common: they are seeking the perfect fit.
To find it, Runaround uses a computerized system which provides information (high arch, low arch, etc.) that allows the staff to find the optimal shoe for each customer.
With a wide selection of performance-related shoes, apparel, and gear, as well as its excellent customer service, it’s easy to see why Runaround earned a place in Competitor magazine’s “50 Best Running Stores in America 2013.” Ranked along with running stores located in big cities across the nation, that’s quite an honor for a Joplin business.
We’ve got some great local shops in this town, run by talented people who are passionate about what they do.
Take some time to visit these gems and see for yourself.
You’ll be glad you did.
WANT MORE?
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This article was commissioned by the Joplin CVB, however the opinions expressed are purely my own. The purpose of Joplin MO Life is to highlight all the best that our area has to offer, and when an article is written about a restaurant, business, attraction, or event, it is because I have had an enjoyable experience and want to share it with others.
Click here to visit the Joplin CVB’s Facebook page.
Living Life to The Fullest!
I love seeking out new experiences and finding places off the beaten path. I started Joplin MO Life in August 2013 as a way to share my discoveries with others in the Joplin community so that they can learn about the resources that exist right in their own backyards.I have worked in education and event planning, and have always loved to write. I hold a master's degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor's degree in marketing from Tulane University.
