The best local shops in Urbandale

26 local shops we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Urbandale’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Bakeries & Sweets · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Nightlife · Health & Wellness · Cafes · Entertainment · Home & Garden · Arts & Culture

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Shopping · 26 places · showing the latest additions first

Medicap Pharmacy keeps Urbandale running with neighborly pharmacy care, easy vaccines, and a surprisingly solid selection of wellness…

8170 Douglas Ave

“Medicap Pharmacy keeps Urbandale running with neighborly pharmacy care, easy vaccines, and a surprisingly solid selection of wellness goodies and self-care finds that save you a separate errand. The kicker is their 24/7 pickup kiosk, so refills happen on your schedule, not theirs.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 5, 2026

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Turn About Memories CBD & Boutique keeps it simple with CBD lotions that actually feel good and a Certificate of Analysis posted so you…

7611 Douglas Ave Ste 25

“Turn About Memories CBD & Boutique keeps it simple with CBD lotions that actually feel good and a Certificate of Analysis posted so you know what you’re getting. Bonus points for the unexpected Wine Slushy Mix, which turns backyard hangouts into tiny celebrations when Iowa humidity shows up.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Retail chain selling brand-name clothing, shoes, accessories & housewares at discount prices.

3800 Merle Hay Rd #400 (Des Moines)

“Retail chain selling brand-name clothing, shoes, accessories & housewares at discount prices.”

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Oak and Ember leans into zero waste living with tallow balms, a magnesium option, and body soaps that leave skin feeling clean and calm.…

4900 Lyndale Dr (Des Moines)

“Oak and Ember leans into zero waste living with tallow balms, a magnesium option, and body soaps that leave skin feeling clean and calm. They also stock handsome teak cutting boards, making it an easy local pick around Ankeny when you want a thoughtful gift that’s actually useful.”

From the Ankeny newsletter, September 5, 2026

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Whether you need a last-minute hostess gift, a little bling, or you just want to browse pretty things and call it self-care, Cottage By the…

3800 Merle Hay Rd (Des Moines)

“Whether you need a last-minute hostess gift, a little bling, or you just want to browse pretty things and call it self-care, Cottage By the Creek has unique home accents, kids’ gifts, pretty jewelry, gourmet treats, Christmas ornaments, artful tabletop touches and garden-friendly finds.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, August 25, 2026

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By Wysteria

Shopping

By Wysteria makes artisan soap and candles that make your bathroom feel fancy without trying too hard. Find them at the Downtown Des Moines…

1208 42nd St (Des Moines)

“By Wysteria makes artisan soap and candles that make your bathroom feel fancy without trying too hard. Find them at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market or through the Iowa Food Cooperative, and keep an eye on workshops and private events.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Whether it's a wedding or a corporate shindig, Bella Flora Event Design brings full service planning, custom florals, rentals, luxury…

3100 Justin Dr A Suite A

“Whether it's a wedding or a corporate shindig, Bella Flora Event Design brings full service planning, custom florals, rentals, luxury linens, draping, and distinctive décor together into one cohesive vision.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 29, 2026

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Flowerama

Shopping

Florist chain offering plants, special arrangements, balloons & gifts as well as flowers & bouquets.

7301 University Ave (Windsor Heights)

“Florist chain offering plants, special arrangements, balloons & gifts as well as flowers & bouquets.”

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Styled. by JJ Boutique nails the casual, boho, and chic vibe with statement pieces, cocktail looks, and staples in women’s sizes XS to 3XL,…

8805 Chambery Blvd Ste 350 (Johnston)

“Styled. by JJ Boutique nails the casual, boho, and chic vibe with statement pieces, cocktail looks, and staples in women’s sizes XS to 3XL, plus accessories. Female-owned by Johnston mom Julia Bradshaw since 2018, they also carry Sweet Water Decor gifts and you can browse in person at Eleven101 Collective in Clive.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 27, 2026

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APN African Marketplace brings authentic African heritage to your closet with statement clothing plus shoes, accessories, and home accents,…

3015 Merle Hay Rd #9 (Des Moines)

“APN African Marketplace brings authentic African heritage to your closet with statement clothing plus shoes, accessories, and home accents, curated by a Des Moines team. Great for when your neutrals feel sleepy, and you want color, craftsmanship, and pieces that actually start conversations.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Purple Moon's Magical Emporium is a trusted local stop for metaphysical supplies right here in DSM. It’s the kind of place you wander,…

3427 Merle Hay Rd (Des Moines)

“Purple Moon's Magical Emporium is a trusted local stop for metaphysical supplies right here in DSM. It’s the kind of place you wander, compare vibes, and leave with tools that actually fit your practice... or at least make your bookshelf look a lot more intentional.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Hy-Vee Grocery Store has the produce, meat, seafood, and fresh bakery treats you want, plus deli meals when cooking energy is at a historic…

5750 Merle Hay Rd (Johnston)

“Hy-Vee Grocery Store has the produce, meat, seafood, and fresh bakery treats you want, plus deli meals when cooking energy is at a historic low. Friendly service, real savings, pharmacy care, and easy pickup or delivery make it a reliable go-to for Ankeny weeknights and weekend stock-ups.”

From the Ankeny newsletter, September 6, 2026

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Whether you're refreshing work-to-weekend outfits or just want a top that somehow goes with everything, Purple Poppy Boutique - Johnston…

5800 Merle Hay Rd Ste 6 (Johnston)

“Whether you're refreshing work-to-weekend outfits or just want a top that somehow goes with everything, Purple Poppy Boutique - Johnston nails it with comfortable, versatile pieces, shoes, and accessories, plus genuine one-on-one styling that makes shopping oddly fun… and surprisingly empowering.”

From the Ankeny newsletter, August 31, 2026

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Whether you need a just-because pick-me-up, wedding florals that actually feel like you, or a sympathy bouquet that says the right thing,…

3801 Ingersoll Ave (Des Moines)

“Whether you need a just-because pick-me-up, wedding florals that actually feel like you, or a sympathy bouquet that says the right thing, Boesen The Florist - Ingersoll Ave crafts tasteful arrangements and offers local delivery, with Designer’s Choice and Signature Collection options that always land just right.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Old Navy

Shopping

Chain with a wide range of clothing for the family from jeans to loungewear, plus fun accessories.

3800 Merle Hay Rd Ste 508 (Des Moines)

“Chain with a wide range of clothing for the family from jeans to loungewear, plus fun accessories.”

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Hot Topic

Shopping

Teen-oriented chain known for rock/pop-culture-inspired T-shirts, plus accessories & body jewelry.

3800 Merle Hay Rd Spc 910 (Des Moines)

“Teen-oriented chain known for rock/pop-culture-inspired T-shirts, plus accessories & body jewelry.”

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Five Below

Shopping

Teen-oriented retail chain for a large assortment of games, snacks, jewelry, room decor & more.

3850 Merle Hay Rd #525 (Des Moines)

“Teen-oriented retail chain for a large assortment of games, snacks, jewelry, room decor & more.”

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Whether you forgot a birthday, need sympathy notes, or want to snag this year's Keepsake Ornaments, Becky's Hallmark Shop nails the…

Westridge Shopping Center, 10201 University Ave Ste B4 (Clive)

“Whether you forgot a birthday, need sympathy notes, or want to snag this year's Keepsake Ornaments, Becky's Hallmark Shop nails the little-things-that-mean-a-lot. Shelves are packed with clever cards, quality wrap, and giftable favorites from Disney, Star Wars, and Willow Tree... all ready for last-minute heroes.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 21, 2026

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From expertly curated gift boxes and picnic-ready baskets to a subscribe-and-snack Cheese Club, The Cheese Shop nails the weeknight spread…

833 42nd St b (Des Moines)

“From expertly curated gift boxes and picnic-ready baskets to a subscribe-and-snack Cheese Club, The Cheese Shop nails the weeknight spread and the last-minute party save, with friendly mongers, artisan meats, chocolate, and a nudge toward Cheese Bar’s cast-iron mac if you decide to make a night of it.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Target

Shopping

Retail chain offering home goods, clothing, electronics & more, plus exclusive designer collections.

5901 Douglas Ave (Des Moines)

“Retail chain offering home goods, clothing, electronics & more, plus exclusive designer collections.”

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Boesen The Florist makes moments mean more with boutique floral designs, a solid Designer’s Choice when you want their artistry, and green…

3422 Beaver Ave (Des Moines)

“Boesen The Florist makes moments mean more with boutique floral designs, a solid Designer’s Choice when you want their artistry, and green or flowering plants that actually thrive. They deliver across the metro, so you can upgrade your space or save the day without leaving the living room.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, August 23, 2026

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Where The Child Things Are stocks a curated mix of kidswear from preemie through youth, plus shoes, toys, and even vintage books. Bonus for…

2785 100th St

“Where The Child Things Are stocks a curated mix of kidswear from preemie through youth, plus shoes, toys, and even vintage books. Bonus for local parents, you can sell back those outgrown piles, and their Athleta Girl lineup brings like-new performance pieces for school, sports, and, let's be honest, mud puddles.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 11, 2026

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Whether you need a closet refresh or a last-minute outfit, Cindy's Boutique in Valley Junction nails multi-generational style with…

114 5th St W (West Des Moines)

“Whether you need a closet refresh or a last-minute outfit, Cindy's Boutique in Valley Junction nails multi-generational style with personalized styling, fun Girls Get-Together shopping nights, and a purple door vibe locals love. New arrivals drop daily, plus rewards, a VIP Text Club, and easy local pickup or shipping.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Tulip Bloom Boutique is run by sisters who mix trendy, size-inclusive women’s fashion with stylish home accents and giftable finds, all…

138 5th St (West Des Moines)

“Tulip Bloom Boutique is run by sisters who mix trendy, size-inclusive women’s fashion with stylish home accents and giftable finds, all thoughtfully curated in Historic Valley Junction. Expect brands like Jodifl and Pretty Simple bags that support type 1 diabetes research and advocacy...”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 6, 2026

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Store selling shoes and casual, camping, fitness and outdoors clothing, plus gear.

4520 University Ave Ste 130 (West Des Moines)

“Store selling shoes and casual, camping, fitness and outdoors clothing, plus gear.”

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Venus Moon Studio & Shop is part boutique, part creative clubhouse serving up curated local goods, vintage finds, and mystical treasures,…

6563 University Ave (Windsor Heights)

“Venus Moon Studio & Shop is part boutique, part creative clubhouse serving up curated local goods, vintage finds, and mystical treasures, plus workshops, craft nights, and open studio time. Supplies and kits are ready when inspiration hits, and owner Nicole also offers bridal makeup and cosmetic tattooing.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 14, 2026

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