shop local in oakland

Step 1:
use these guides

Step 2:
Go Shopping in Oakland

Step 3:
Feel Good About Spending Locally
about localmotiv shopping guides
Our mission is to inspire your shop local Oakland spirit! So, we created our Oakland Indies Shopping Guides so you can explore local shops in The Town. Read stories about our shop local adventures and the merchants we’ve met along the way. Discover the shops, products, events, and so much more!
Step 1. Use These guides: Whether you live in Oakland or you’re a visitor, we hope these Shopping Guides are a valuable resource. Maybe, they become a handy tool to plan your indie shopping trips.
Step 2. Find It In Oakland: 4 ways to discover So Oakland shopping experiences.
- Read articles about Oakland Independent Merchants we’ve visited
- Peruse listings about the latest Indie sales, events, and product news
- Browse by store types and neighborhoods
- Use the search bar to find information about other topics
Step 3. Feel Good About Spending Locally: It’s a massive economic, social, and environmental investment in our own communities.
Active Lifestyle


Rhythm Bikes Provides Local Rhythm
Without local bike shops, bookstores, gift shops, clothing stores, and local cafes and restaurants what makes one neighborhood different from any other? It's a hot question that bubbles up in the...
Arts & Literature


Wolfman Books
Once upon a time, one of us at LOCALMOTIV worked in the building right next door to Wolfman Books. Okay, it was me. Indeed, I watched them build out their special project and launch in 2014. All the...
featured merchant
Body & Soul


Rare Bird Soaring with Unique Artistic Vision
Every neighborhood needs a Rare Bird Gift Shop and Artists Studio. But, then again, it wouldn't be a Rare Bird anymore. Perhaps that's one of the reasons shopping local is so special. Indeed, each...
DIY & Do-It-Together Creativity


Rare Bird Soaring with Unique Artistic Vision
Every neighborhood needs a Rare Bird Gift Shop and Artists Studio. But, then again, it wouldn't be a Rare Bird anymore. Perhaps that's one of the reasons shopping local is so special. Indeed, each...
featured merchant
Find what you are looking for
browse by guide categories
Active Lifestyle
There are lots of ways to keep active in Oakland. And, there are the Indie Merchants with the expertise to ensure we’re dressed, equipped, and ready for the active occasion. This Active Lifestyle Shopping guide takes you to the bike shops, skateboard shops, specialty shops, and even old-school sporting goods stores. No doubt, Oakland proprietors can help you up your game–or at least make you look good doing it!
Arts & Literature
In our Arts & Literature Shopping Guide, discover Oaktown’s vital culture. There are so many bookstores, galleries, and other Oakland art-themed shops to peruse. And, meet the Indie Merchants that dedicate themselves to the art of cultivating our creative and curious Oakland minds.
Body & Soul
In the Body & Soul Shopping Guide, discover the local Indie Merchants that specialize in healing the mind, body, and soul. Maybe you need to pamper yourself with nourishing body care products. Or, perhaps, you are looking to energize your spirit with crystals, scents, or candles. Indeed, Oakland proprietors have the experience and expertise to guide you on your individual journey.
DIY & Do-It-Together Creativity
Let Oakland Indies help you take your DIY creativity and skills to the next level. Or, if you have partners-in-creativity, they can definitely advance your DIT goals. So, use this guide to search for the merchants and shops that carry the supplies you just have to have and the workshops and classes you’ll covet. And discover the unique communities that each proprietor forges with their can-do customers. Whether you’re an artist, maker, craftsperson, gardner, or other DIYer–or DITer–type, there’s an Oakland shop that will inspire you.
Featured Merchants
In our LOCALMOTIV Featured Merchants Shopping Guide, our goal is to share our new found knowledge with you. As such, we hope to introduce you to proprietors that you previously had no knowledge of.
Because, over the last year and more, we’ve met dozens of merchants all over Oakland. Many of them we didn’t even know about until we took up this LOCALMOTIV venture. Some of them own shops in neighborhoods we frequent and others in neighborhoods we’d never visited. And they’ve taught us so much. Importantly, they introduced us to categories and products we hadn’t really ever considered. And, we learned about the events–like pop ups, game nights, parties, classes, and workshops–they host in their spaces. We saw how all of their efforts contribute to a more vibrant Oakland.
Each one of them adds to the very special Shop Local narrative. And there’s so still so much more for us to discover.
Gift Inspirations
Need some gift inspirations? If you have a gift-giving challenge, Oakland Indie Merchants have the solutions. Discover some of the best shops in Oakland that make gift shopping a true joy.
Home Goods & Decor
Enjoy a shop local home goods & decor experience. In this Shopping Guide, we point you to shops that can help you fill your home with necessities from vacuums to kitchen gadgets and so much more. And, we acquaint you with the imaginative and expert merchants that will explore your individual home style with you. Rest assured, they’ll assist you in your search for sofas, tables, dressers, art, lighting, rugs, knick knacks, and other home accessories. After all, they want to ensure that your home looks and feels just like your home. Happily, Oakland merchants cover it all.
Kids Style & Stuff
Shopping for Kids Style & Stuff in Oakland might be the most rewarding shop local endeavor. So, read about the expert Indie Merchants that are devoted to our kids. Because it’s as if they know exactly what Oakland families want and need. They often carry a well curated mix of new and gently used clothes and toys. And, they’ve got culturally diverse toys and books. Depend on them to have old and new-school games and activities. Most importantly, experience the joy as each one of these special proprietors welcomes our tiny loved ones into their special Oakland Family.
Leisure & Entertainment
Looking for hobbies, games, wine & spirits or maybe other recreations? Then, explore this Leisure & Entertainment shopping guide for Oakland Indie shops that are devoted to our interests and amusements.
Men’s Style
Are you about to expand your wardrobe for work, leisure, or sport? Then, search our Men’s Style Shopping Guide for Indie Merchants and fashion inspirations. Indeed, you’ll discover the proprietors that are committed to help build upon your individual sense of shop local style.
Oakland Love
There’s a lot of Oakland Love in The Town. And, many Indie Merchants devote themselves to the So Oakland Spirit. Peruse this Shopping Guide for shops and galleries that celebrate serious Oakland talent. You’ll find Oakland Love in art, clothes, home decor, accessories, and more.
Vintage, Antiques & Previously Loved
Oakland loves its vintage, antiques & previously loved merchandise. So, not surprisingly, The Town has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to passionate Indie Merchants dedicated to the pre-owned, upcycled, and restored categories. Indeed, it’s like a treasure hunt without the actual hunt. There’s furniture, fashion, art, kids stuff, jewelry, home accessories, home decor, and stuff you never thought of. You can find serious or uber quirky. And, there always deals to be had. In short, this is a dynamic shopping scene.
Women’s Style
If it’s time for a wardrobe refresh, then it’s time for The Women’s Style Shopping Guide. Afterall, Oakland is an exciting Indie scene burgeoning with Merchants with varying fashion perspectives and influences. One common thread though, is that they are all fiercely independent. This means you’ll find something entirely refreshing when you shop The Town. It’s all about what feels good for you. And there’s so much to choose from: high fashion to comfy casual to vintage and previously loved. Discover sustainable and/or locally-made brands, emerging designers, and some of the best of the tried and true. Then go take advantage of a truly priceless shop local perk. Proprietors and their staff are so full of knowledge, expertise, and passion, that they are practically personal stylists!
browse by neighborhoods
Downtown Oakland
Explore the joy of shopping in Downtown Oakland. Indeed, it’s an underappreciated neighborhood. But, it’s full of hidden gems in plain sight. Learn about the imaginative and talented Indie Merchants and their shops, products, and sales. Also, find events, classes, and workshops that help us to broaden our knowledge, discover new talents, or hone existing skills.
Grand Lake District
Discover the outstanding shopping in the vibrant Grand Lake District. Learn about the Indie Merchants and their stores, products, and sales. Also, find events, classes, and workshops that help us to broaden our knowledge, discover new talents, or hone existing skills.
Laurel & Fruitvale
In this Shopping Guide, discover off-the-beaten-path shopping in Laurel & Fruitvale. Learn about the talented and dedicated Indie Merchants and their stores, sales, and, products. Also, find events, classes, and workshops that help us to broaden our knowledge, discover new talents, or hone existing skills.
Montclair Village & Piedmont Ave
This guide examines local shopping in the Montclair Village & Piedmont Ave neighborhoods. Learn about the diverse group of Indie Merchants and their shops, sales, and products. Also, find events, classes, and workshops that help us to broaden our knowledge, discover new talents, or hone existing skills.
Rockridge
Experience the joy of local shopping in Rockridge, a popular Oakland neighborhood. Learn about the dedicated Indie Merchants and their stores, sales, and products. Also, find events, classes, and workshops that help us to broaden our knowledge, discover new talents, or hone existing skills.
Temescal
The shopping in Temescal is diverse, vibrant, and even a little offbeat! Explore the merchants in this quirky neighborhood. Find out more about their stores, sales, and products. Also, learn about events, classes, and workshops that help us to broaden our knowledge, discover new talents, or hone existing skills.
Oakland: Indie Sales, Events, Markets & More
The Shopping in Oakland Guide is a compilation of upcoming Indie Merchant and Indie Markets activities. First, it’s a weekly listing of Indie Merchant’s sales, events, classes, and intriguing new product news. Secondly, it includes information about upcoming Indie markets, bazaars, craft fairs, and other neighborhood events.
Gift Inspirations

Need some gift inspirations? If you have a gift-giving challenge, Oakland Indie Merchants have the solutions. Discover some of the best shops in Oakland that make gift shopping a true joy.

Oo La La Gifts & Accessories: Oakland or Paris?
PART 2: LOCALMOTIV'S Take Oo La La... Oakland. Oftentimes, when we casually explore the local shopping scene in...

Bella Ceramica: Shop Local Italian Style
A Bella Ceramica story. Have you ever been to Italy and explored the little ancient towns? And, one day you and your...

Rare Bird Soaring with Unique Artistic Vision
Every neighborhood needs a Rare Bird Gift Shop and Artists Studio. But, then again, it wouldn't be a Rare Bird...
Home Goods & Decor


Mix Shade Store & More Delightfully Mixes it Up
First, let's talk about the Shade Store. Owner, Pat Benson, has a thriving window covering consultancy. She offers free consultations and meets you at your home to discuss all manner of window...
Kids Style & Stuff


Dr Comics & Mr Games: A Shop Local Secret
Pssst. You want to know a secret? There's this cool comic book store on Piedmont Ave called Dr Comics & Mr Games. It's an unknown entity to many--hidden away in plain sight on Piedmont Ave. But,...
Leisure & Entertainment


Buckingham Wine & Spirits Bucks Old-School Liquor Store Image
Yes, Buckingham Wine & Spirits definitely has an old-school vibe. And usually, when we write of old-school shop...
Featured Merchants

In our LOCALMOTIV Featured Merchants Shopping Guide, our goal is to share our new found knowledge with you. As such, we hope to introduce you to proprietors that you previously had no knowledge of.
Because, over the last year and more, we’ve met dozens of merchants all over Oakland. Many of them we didn’t even know about until we took up this LOCALMOTIV venture. Some of them own shops in neighborhoods we frequent and others in neighborhoods we’d never visited. And they’ve taught us so much. Importantly, they introduced us to categories and products we hadn’t really ever considered. And, we learned about the events–like pop ups, game nights, parties, classes, and workshops–they host in their spaces. We saw how all of their efforts contribute to a more vibrant Oakland.
Each one of them adds to the very special Shop Local narrative. And there’s still so much more for us to discover.
Men’s Style


Cotton Basics: No, Cotton Necessities
Admittedly, we don't know much about Cotton Basics to relate to you. But, we certainly want to learn more about the story behind this indie shop. So, consider us now on a mission to meet the...
Oakland Love


SOBU: Modern Style with a Warm Oakland Touch
To hear Laleh's version of their story, it's so modest and humble. It goes something like this: Laleh and Alessandro had a crazy little dream to leave their corporate jobs to create a venture of...
Vintage, Antiques & Previously Loved


Narrative Oakland: A Shop Local Time Travel Story
Narrative Oakland, we have two words: Thank you! Vanessa! Yes, thank you for having the entrepreneurial spirit, vision...
Women’s Style

If it’s time for a wardrobe refresh, then it’s time for The Women’s Style Shopping Guide. Afterall, Oakland is an exciting Indie scene burgeoning with Merchants with varying fashion perspectives and influences. One common thread though, is that they are all fiercely independent. This means you’ll find something entirely refreshing when you shop The Town. It’s all about what feels good for you. And there’s so much to choose from: high fashion to comfy casual to vintage and previously loved. Discover sustainable and/or locally-made brands, emerging designers, and some of the best of the tried and true. Then go take advantage of a truly priceless shop local perk. Proprietors and their staff are so full of knowledge, expertise, and passion, that they are practically personal stylists!

Shoes on Solano: Walking in Shop Local Shoes
We've oft wondered why women's shoes have to strangle and torture our feet. Surely, none of us can count the number of...

Philippa Roberts is Everyday Exquisiteness
We started our Shop Local Oakland adventures in February 2019 knowing that Oakland had a burgeoning independent...

Taylor Jay and the Oakland Fashion Scene
We are lucky here in Oakland. We've got some talented entrepreneurial clothing designers in our midst. And a handful...
Downtown Oakland

Grand Lake District

Laurel & Fruitvale

Montclair Village & Piedmont Ave

Rockridge

Temescal

Oakland: Indie Sales, Events, Markets & More
