The Shopping District
From local shops to big brands, discover it all in Tupelo
Words by Ashley Locke
Most well-known as the birthplace of Elvis, Tupelo is already on the map for music-lovers—but it should be for holiday shoppers too. The city has three distinct shopping districts—Downtown, Midtown, and Barnes Crossing—making it a shopper’s paradise. The lack of large crowds make shopping more enjoyable than it can be in larger cities, and the mild winters encourage outdoor window shopping. Compared to the hectic holiday shopping most people are used to, Tupelo is a breath of fresh air.
The newly opened Hotel Tupelo is the perfect place to stay during your visit. Located in the historic Fairpark District, the boutique hotel is just steps away from downtown shopping. Downtown, you’ll find local boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, and Reed’s—a 117-year old department store. Indigo CoWork is a great starting point for downtown shopping. Inside, you can grab a cozy drink from Tupelo River Coffee before strolling over to Heir Tupelo to browse home furnishings, local art, and more. After that, make your way to Blairhaus Interiors to discover home decor and gifts curated by interior design experts. When you’re ready to refuel, downtown is full of local restaurants.
Located in the former Tupelo Garment Factory where Gladys Presley worked while pregnant with Elvis, Relics Marketplace boasts two floors with over 117 booths filled with antiques, handmade and repurposed items, vintage clothing, and so much more. You could spend several hours in Relics alone, perusing the unique goods and gifts they have for sale at this must-see marketplace.
If you have an adventurer on your list, Core Cycle & Outdoor is Tupelo’s home for outdoor apparel, gear, and bicycles. From there, you can walk over to Bliss Boutique for the latest fashions, pop in to Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. for handmade bath products, and enjoy a meal at Fox’s Pizza.
Midtown offers trendy boutiques, upscale gift shops, and an exceptional florist. When you’re in Midtown, you can’t miss Flourish Paper. There, you can find custom designed invitations, embroidery, paper products, and gifts. It is located next to Elizabeth Clair’s, which has everything from kitchenware and bedding to perfume and jewelry. Black Sheep Boutique is also close by, where you can find festive outfits for your next holiday party. Just around the corner, Lost+Found Coffee Co. is waiting with handcrafted coffee and small bites.
Barnes Crossing houses everyone’s favorite national brands, as well as a robust regional mall. From sneakers at Journeys to beauty products at Ulta to fuzzy best friends at Build-A-Bear, you’ll be able to find something for everyone on your list in one convenient location.
Beyond the incredible shopping, Tupelo also hosts a variety of holiday events throughout the season. The Christmas Flea Market, the Lighting of Ballard Park, and the Reed’s Tupelo 47th Annual Christmas Parade are just a few of the festive happenings. Before you plan your visit, check out www.tupelo.net/events to see what’s going on around town!
Tupelo Holiday Shopping List:
Under $25 – RAW Furniture Company is known for their beautiful furniture, but they also have an incredible array of home goods. Their hand poured candles are a crowd-pleasing gift!
Under $50 – Swirlz owner Shelly Daniel has curated a stunning selection of giftable goods. Pick up a custom pair of Tupelo-made Kim Gambrell earrings for your favorite fashionista.
Under $100 – Midnite Pottery is a local pottery studio that’s always a delight to peruse. Pick up a piece from their selection of handmade platters, vases, ornaments, and more!