The days are getting warmer and warmer, and what better way to spend a nice day in Texas than to stroll around downtown McKinney? The plaza has added a lot of new stores in the past year. So park, grab a map, and check out our shopping guide!
Atomic misfits
A unique boutique with a punk touch, Atomic Misfit’s mission is to make its customers stand out and be different with their clothing, artwork and home décor. Atomic Misfits caters to those looking for an alternative, punk, rockabilly, tattoo culture, monster, or even just an annual Halloween party costume! Dare to be different and stop by their storefront on East Virginia Street.
birds and words
Maybe your home needs a seasonal refresh after all that spring cleaning. Go by Birds & Words and shop for pillows, wall art, textiles, furniture, and decor. They also carry seasonal selections, such as rabbits in the spring and reindeer at Christmas time. The store is very easy to find: it’s across from Square Burger on the corner of Virginia and Kentucky. There is also a butterfly mural, so be sure to stop by and take a picture!
carpe diem cartoon
If you watched the latest Marvel release or the latest season of Weird thingsMaybe you need the latest collectibles and board games. Carpe Diem Comics is a great source for guidebooks, figurines, death, paint and every kind of board game you can imagine – from cult classics settlers of Kattan And dungeons and dragons To the newest board games that have just come off the press. It also carries the latest comic books, such as Marvel, Star Wars, and DC, as well as selections from Avatar: Another Airbender And Lower Olympus. Check them out next to Mellow Mushroom and Red Zeppelin Records on Louisiana Avenue.
Etienne Market
In high-quality cocktails, kitchens, or home goods? Etienne Market is the place for you. In downtown McKinney, this is the best place to find quality cast iron mixers, cutting boards, frying pans, and frying pans. It also holds Weck’s glass jars, which are perfect for organizing your refrigerator. Founder Coryanne Ettiene, who has retired from her successful journalism ventures, started Etienne Market to promote her personal philosophy of “offering a steady pace of life”. Step into Etienne in downtown McKinney or be sure to swing by their Bishop Arts outpost on your day trip there.
Grady L’N Boutique
Shopping in boutiques can be frustrating and not finding your size, but that’s not the case at Grady Ln Boutique. Hallie, the owner, is making a forever positive change to the box by offering sizes XS to 3X! She has dresses, tops, hats, jeans, and tracksuits. Shop their full sizes at Chestnut Street across from Guava Tree or shop their website here.
Groovy Cup + Red Zeppelin
Don’t forget to visit sister stores Groovy Coop and Red Zeppelin. Groovy Coop is an eclectic collection of crystals, books, clothes, household goods and more for the hippie in you. Customers often compare Groovy Coop to boutiques dating back to the 1970s, and it’s exactly the owner of the ambiance that Katie Scott was looking for.
If you get close to the corner of Louisiana and Tennessee, you’ll find Katie Scott’s other brainchild, Red Zeppelin Records. Records saw a significant increase in sales. Music lovers of all ages can scroll through the chests and discover the latest releases, vintage finds, and limited-edition collectibles. They also have an online shop where you can shop and an active Instagram where you can see the latest vinyl work that has been acquired! You can read more about Red Zeppelin here.
Home plants + coffee
Two favorites – plants and coffee – in one fun store. Sip your favorite drink while buying paper friends for your home, or sit back and meet other plant lovers. Try the highly recommended Lavender Matcha, or keep it simple with Landline Espresso. You can even buy their delicious coffee in whole grain varieties, through Viewfinder Roasters. You can read more about Habitat here.
Mary Gregory
Do you want to shop men’s and women’s fashion in the same store? Mary Gregory offers clothing for jewelry, stationery, handbags, hats, body care, grooming accessories, and tongue-to-cheek artwork from LX Artworks. The store is located on Virginia Street near Native, Local Yocal, and Magic Needle Piercing.
Makeni Hat Company
The McKinney Hat Company will make hats for the whole family! Pull out your new felt or straw hat from historically famous companies like Stetson, Resistol and Charlie 1 Horse. Make sure to wear it when you go two-step, attend the local rodeo, or to the Fort Worth barn pools. MHC makes sure you get the right size, or they will order it online for you to get later.
McKinney Netery
Even if you’re not into the arts of spinning, this is really great for you to check out! They have yards and yards of thread, arranged by color. Each strand is hand dyed and made from different materials. They even offer kits, personal help, and tips for your projects, whether it’s a scarf, jacket, hat, blanket, or whatever! Check out their historic space in West Louisiana.
pumps
There are many clothing stores downtown, but arguably the most important accessory for any outfit is shoes. On the corner of Virginia and Kentucky is the perfect spot with your “sole” balm! The pumps describe themselves as “industrial elegance meets funky flea market”. You can enter Pumps on the corner of Kentucky and Virginia, next to Lone Star Wine Cellar and Cotton On.
Charla
With their turquoise storefront and the scent of perfume wafting from the doors, you have to stop by Charla’s. They hold the best in jewelry, makeup, hats and home décor. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to meet Charla herself. She and her staff will be able to find your favorite lipstick color, eyebrow pencil or skincare mania. She even has her own face masks for the night. Shop in store or on their website and check out the full list of Charla’s favorites here.
Soho Makeni
Have you ever wondered what’s at the bottom of the stairs at the corner of Virginia and Tennessee? Wander below and discover a piece of France in the heart of Texas. Soho McKinney is named after the area of the New York City borough. Here you’ll find French-inspired clothing designed by Robin Cook and handcrafted in Texas as well as vintage pieces curated by Cook and sourced from markets in France and England. You can also find canvas bags, oil paintings, lavender soap, and candles.
Spice and tea merchants
You’ll find that spice and tea merchants carry much more than just spices and tea: this will be your frequent stop for olive oil, salts, sugars, sauces, herbs, extracts, and soup mixes. They will even make you a cup of tea if you ask nicely! They have all the spices from Aleppo chili powder to wasabi. Check out their store on Tennessee Street across from Groovy Coop and Emporium Pies.
White rock soap exhibition
The front of the White Rock Soap Gallery in downtown McKinney is a must-see for a walk through the plaza. Boasting over 50 small businesses, WRSG has made a name for itself in DFW with four area stores, a thriving online store and wholesale presence. McKinney’s beautiful location has a rustic vibe with its original wood floors and exposed brick walls, and attentive and knowledgeable staff (including the author of the article; be sure to stop by and say hi!). Check out their popular soy wax candles, all-natural deodorants, vegan lip balms, soaps, and of course a swag box containing five of their bestselling products for just $15.
Don’t Miss: Makeni Farmers Market
Take a special Saturday morning trip out to the field to catch the weekly farmers market in the historic chestnut village. Wander between loyal entertainment and restoring 20th century homes while shopping for the wares of local artisans and farmers. Take home the freshest produce, and there are also vendors of honey, bread, soap, candy and other handmade goodies. Don’t forget the White House Kitchen stand and be sure to buy a bottle of the delicious Elderberry Hibiscus Lemonade!
