Shopping and retail options in Idaho: Abundant local farmers' markets. Numerous boutique shops in towns. Presence of major retail chains. Sales tax applicable on most purchases. Unique Idaho products and souvenirs. Variety of thrift and antique stores. Expanding shopping malls and centers. Year-round outdoor gear shops. Boise offers diverse shopping experiences. Support for local artisans and crafters.
Abundant local farmers' markets.
Idaho boasts over 50 Farmers Markets across the state, offering fresh, local produce, meats, baked goods, crafts, and other products year-round. With options like indoor markets available during the winter months, these markets play a significant role in supporting local agriculture and fostering community spirit. To learn more about the array of offerings and locations, visit the Idaho Preferred website.
Numerous boutique shops in towns.
Idaho's vibrant towns, such as Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint, are perfect destinations for boutique shopping enthusiasts, offering a myriad of unique galleries, eclectic gift shops, and specialty stores including Impulse Home Decor, Zany Zebra, and Great Stuff. Each establishment presents a diverse assortment of items ranging from home decor and jewelry to clothing and local crafts. Moreover, downtown Boise provides an exciting retail landscape with numerous boutique shops such as Derluj, featuring vintage and new apparel, Idaho Made, showcasing handmade and locally-crafted items, Shift Boutique with ladies' clothing and accessories, and Keystone Station for men's clothing, all emphasizing local products and distinct charm. Meanwhile, Poppy & Pout in Idaho Falls uniquely combines rustic elegance with modern styles, presenting a curated collection of apparel, accessories, gifts, and artisanal home decor that celebrates the local spirit of Idaho Falls. For more information on shopping experiences across Idaho, explore this extensive [list of places to shop local](https://fromboise.com/posts/a-big-long-list-of-places-to-shop-local).
Presence of major retail chains.
Idaho hosts a variety of major retail chains, including Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Walmart, Target, and Costco, which operate multiple stores across the state and provide a wide range of products and services to local consumers. These retailers are among the largest and most prominent in the state, with significant employment and economic impact. For more information on these companies, you can visit the Top Retail Companies in Idaho website.
Sales tax applicable on most purchases.
In Idaho, the sales tax rate ranges from 6% to 9%, with a base state rate of 6% and local rates ranging from 0% to 3%, applicable on most retail purchases of tangible personal property and some services. For more detailed information, you can visit the comprehensive guide on State Sales Tax Rates provided by Yondatax.
Unique Idaho products and souvenirs.
When searching for the perfect gift that captures the essence of Idaho, several local businesses offer distinct options that highlight the richness of the region's produce and craftsmanship. Idaho Preferred showcases specialty food baskets filled with jams, jellies, syrups, honey, and baking mixes sourced directly from Idaho's farmers and artisans. On the other hand, Idaho Unlimited Gifts provides an array of souvenirs, focusing on huckleberry products and locally crafted items such as lotions and soaps, reflecting the unique spirit of Pocatello, Idaho. Meanwhile, Powers Handmade Gifts curates themed gift boxes featuring specialty foods, nostalgic chocolates, and iconic Idaho Spud candy bars, all elegantly packaged to offer a taste of Idaho's classic flavors and traditions.
Variety of thrift and antique stores.
Idaho offers a diverse range of thrift and antique stores, including L.A. Junk Antiques in Boise, Second Chance Consignment in Weiser, and Antique World Mall in Boise, among others, each providing unique vintage and antique items, rustic decor, and collectibles. For those exploring the southern part of the state, the Southern Idaho Antique Trail features a vibrant array of shops like Granny's Drawers, Parlor Antiques, and 2nd Time Around Antique Mall, where you can discover a wide array of vintage goods, local art, and historic collectibles in charming towns such as Buhl and Shoshone. Additionally, Village Antiques in Nampa showcases over 25 vendors within 10,000 square feet of showroom space, offering a high-quality antique shopping experience with a wide range of antiques and collectibles.
Expanding shopping malls and centers.
The Village at Meridian is undergoing a reconfigured expansion, shifting away from initial plans for residential units and instead focusing on adding retail and restaurant spaces. This decision follows previous expansion plans that were delayed or altered due to various factors such as market conditions and regulatory concerns. For more details about this development, you can visit the Boise Dev website for the latest updates.
Year-round outdoor gear shops.
Escape Outdoors in Coeur d'Alene, ID, is a premier destination offering a wide range of year-round outdoor gear and clothing from top brands, emphasizing durability and comfort across all weather conditions for men, women, and kids. Meanwhile, the locally owned Outdoor Experience in Sandpoint, ID, has been serving outdoor enthusiasts since 1986 with its curated selection of outdoor gear, apparel, and rental equipment. Over in Moscow, ID, Tri-State Outfitters has proudly been catering to outdoor adventurers since 1946, providing quality outdoor apparel, hiking gear, and camping equipment. It also features a diverse Ace Hardware and Gourmet Kitchen department. Lastly, Outdoor Exchange Boise stands out for its unique buy-and-consign model, ensuring that outdoor recreation remains both accessible and affordable through its flexible consignment program that offers benefits in the form of in-store credit or cash payouts.
Boise offers diverse shopping experiences.
Boise offers a diverse range of shopping experiences, from the vibrant downtown area with over 100 local and national stores, to large retail complexes like Boise Towne Square with over 150 stores, and upscale outdoor shopping centers like The Village at Meridian, which features designer apparel, specialty retail, and entertainment options.
Support for local artisans and crafters.
Idaho is thriving with opportunities to support local artisans and their exquisite handmade creations. In Boise, Idaho Made serves as a premier destination for those eager to support local artisans, utilizing a cooperative-style business model that empowers over 60 creators to sell their handmade products, including pottery, jewelry, stationery, and sculpture, all under one roof. Additionally, communities such as Artisans of Idaho provide an essential platform for both emerging and established local artisan brands to showcase and sell their crafts. Furthermore, across the state, various craft fairs and markets like the Merry Makers Market, the Rathdrum Craft & Farmers Market, and other holiday-themed events offer unique opportunities to discover and purchase handmade items from local craftsmen and women.