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It’s that time of year again—when the air cools off and your bank account gets pummeled by your holiday shopping list. Albuquerque’s a great place to spend some dough. You can tell just by looking at all the unique shops and specialty stores spread out across our city. We’ve got some amazing options for unburdening our heavy cash collections. If you’re looking to buy something, odds are that some Burqueño out there’s got it for a price. Our readers are clearly shopping maniacs who know where to get the best bang for their buck, and they clued us in on the best shops in which to spend some moolah.
Best Flower Shop
Do you need to send the perfect “Thank you,” “Get well” or “I’m sorry I broke your vase” gift? Peoples Flowers has you covered. You can choose from a variety of stylish flower arrangements for all occasions, but it also offers gourmet food and fruit baskets, gifts and even specialty succulent gardens.
Multiple locations
1.) Peoples Flowers
2.) Bagel’s Florals
3.) Apple Blossoms West Florist
Best Furniture Store
There’s a time for standing and a time for sitting. But don’t settle for the discomfort of mail-order furniture sets or threadbare hand-me-downs. Treat your posterior to a couch from New Mexico’s own American Home Furniture & Mattress. With great prices and a massive showroom, you won’t be disappointed.
3535 Menaul Blvd NE
1.) American Home Furniture & Mattress
2.) Tema
3.) Baillo’s
Best Bicycle Shop
Albuquerque is home to a strong cycling community, and it has afforded us with a variety of bike shops to choose from. But our readers said they love the customer service, product-availability and affordable prices of High Desert Bicycles. This is the place to go for repairs, rentals and even specialty bike fittings.
8110 Louisiana Blvd NE Ste. A
1.) High Desert Bicycles
2.) Bike Coop
3.) Two Wheel Drive
Best International Grocery Store
The local grocery store might be a good stop for hot dogs and soda, but if you’re looking for more exotic fare, there’s no better spot than Talin Market World Food Fare. This place has international food essentials, treats and freshly-prepared snacks that will transport you to another place entirely.
88 Louisiana Blvd SE
1.) Talin Market World Food Fare
2.) Cafe Istanbul
3.) Tully’s Italian Deli & Meats
Best Antique Store
Travel to the past with a unique shopping experience at Antiques and Things. This specialty shop boasts 75 vendors and thousands of square feet filled with trinkets, antiques, furniture and other surprises—all in a historic former Route 66 five and dime. Soak in the atmosphere or find that rare and perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.
4710 Central Ave SE
1.) Antiques and Things
2.) Uneek Antiques
3.) Grapevine Antiques & Craft Mall
Best Book Store
Get your face out from behind a screen and put it in front of a good book! Excite your imagination and expand your mind at Bookworks—all while looking smart in public. Browse thousands of titles by your favorite authors at one of the few remaining locally owned book stores. It’s OK to take a break from TikTok once in a while.
1.) Bookworks
2.) Page 1 Books
3.) Organic Books
Best Thrift Store
Buying new stuff is overrated. Instead, stretch your heard-earned dollars at Savers thrift stores. The chain offers huge selections that will help you find that one-of-a-kind, can’t-pass-it-up addition to your ensemble—the one that will make all of your friends seethe with envy. And you can do it all while saving a few bucks.
Multiple locations
1.) Savers
2.) Thrift Town
3.) PAWS Thrift Store
Best Comic Book Store
Comics have taken America by storm. There’s no need to hide them in public or carry them in black plastic bags anymore! Thanks to Hollywood and hip cosplaying influencers, the nerds are finally cool. Soak up your newfound freedom at Astro-Zombies, one of the city’s most recognizably colorful landmarks.
3100 Central Ave SE
1.) Astro-Zombies
2.) Red Planet
3.) Age of Comics and Lobo Comics (Tied)
Best Jewelry Store
Get your bling on at Ooh! Aah! Jewelry. The name says it all. Prepare to be stunned by the jewelry in this classy Nob Hill shop. It features beautiful and unique jewelry made in New Mexico and specializes in custom designs and bridal concepts. Enhance your look with a piece from one of the city’s chicest shops.
110 Amherst Dr SE
1.) Ooh! Aah! Jewelry
2.) Shelton Jewelers Custom
3.) Andy & Edie
Best Plant Nursery
We might live in a desert, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy beautiful plants from around the world. Visit Osuna Nursery for an incredible selection of indoor and outdoor plants for most needs. Bump your garden up to the next level with an exotic plant or just enjoy the calming atmosphere.
501 Osuna Rd NE
1.) Osuna Nursery
2.) Rehm’s Nursery & Garden Center
3.) Plants of the Southwest