Palm Desert is blessed with a diverse retail environment that includes everything from small boutique stores to the biggest of the national retailers. Small Business Saturday, marked each year on the day following Black Friday, focuses renewed attention on those unique locally owned stores that make up the backbone of Palm Desert’s rich retail climate. Here are a few suggestions contributed by our staff when they were asked to name their favorite “can’t live without them” Palm Desert businesses. Hopefully, you’ll find some inspiration here for the shopping season to come.
Apparel and Accessories
Apparel has long been a stalwart in Palm Desert in general, and on El Paseo in particular. Whatever your style, from funky bohemian to classic chic, these stores have you covered.
BG’s El Paseo
73520 El Paseo, #1D
(760) 779-9947
Great shop for bold, graphic, edgy fashions that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Blonde
73200 El Paseo, #A3
(760) 836-3366
Known for their up-to-date selection of stylish jeans and boho-chic casual clothes. Don’t miss their great selection of unique jewelry.
Daisy Blue
73560 El Paseo, Suite C
(760) 340-0090
Daisy Blue brings quality fabrics to the essential, timeless basics that every woman needs to create a chic blend of comfort and style.
Earth Spirits
73750 El Paseo, #102
(760) 779-8766
The spot to visit for highly textured, richly hued womenswear that evokes another era while remaining fresh and contemporary.
Elizabeth and Prince
73470 El Paseo, Suite F3
(760) 773-3500
A lifestyle boutique offering a thoughtfully curated selection of elegant clothing and accessories with an eye for details.
The Lumpy Bunny
73640 El Paseo
(760) 636-0870
A unique shop for babies and kids up to eight years old, featuring fun and spunky clothing, accessories, shoes, and educational toys.
Mares Menswear
73255 El Paseo, Ste. 4
(760) 346-3500
An extensive selection of clothes including suits, sport coats and slacks that are both classic and contemporary, age-appropriate, and stylish
Moccasins West
72840 Highway 111, The Shops at Palm Desert
(760) 568-4400
This unique boutique features western, Native American and artisan-crafted handbags, gloves, cowboy boots and moccasins as well as hand-crafted jewelry.
Spectacular Shades
73910 El Paseo
(760) 568-4500
The area’s largest upscale eyewear retailer for both designer sunglasses and prescription eyewear.
Specialty
Whether you just need to pick up a bottle of wine as a hostess gift or you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind present, here are a few suggestions to consider.
The Body Deli
73560 El Paseo Ste. B
(760) 340-3731
73910 Highway 111
(760) 340-3731
Pioneers of fresh and organic face, body, and hair care, all lovingly crafted in their Cosmetic Kitchen in small batches daily.
Comic Asylum
44829 San Pablo Avenue
760-636-6711
This locally-owned shop with a wide selection of merchandise offers great excellent service from a staff with a keen eye for comic collecting.
Desert Wine Shop on 111
73360 Highway 111
(760) 674-0305
The desert’s only independently owned and operated boutique wine shop caters to local tastes with its global variety of wines ranging from the big names to unheard-of gems.
Ralph’s Sewing and Vacuum
73941 Highway 111
(760) 568-2226
Have a seamstress or quilter on your list? Ralph’s offers a huge selection sewing machines and accessories for sale that are sure to delight.
For the Home
Know a “nester”? Sometimes the best gift is something they can use and appreciate in their home.
Lotus Garden Center
45350 San Luis Rey Ave
760-404-1949
Sometimes you just have to say it with flowers! Select from their floral designs made with a European flair or take a workshop and learn how to make your own stunning creations.
Palm Desert Ace Hardware
74058 Highway 111
(760) 568-1861
Looking for a unique gadget? Whether it’s for specialty housewares or great garden supplies, this locally owned hardware store is the place to go.
Trestle
73130 El Paseo, Ste. C
(760) 565-7960
Trestle on El Paseo is the place to go for all the sweet and unique accessories that turn a house into a home.
Jewelry
There are a plethora of jewelry stores in Palm Desert, so it’s hard to winnow this list down to a few favorites. Here are the suggestions that garnered multiple recommendations from our staff.
El Paseo Jewelers
73520 El Paseo, Ste. E
(760) 773-1040
The place to come for memorable, one-of-a-kind custom pieces and for high carat-weight rings, bracelets, necklaces and other jewelry items.
Leeds & Son Fine Jewelers
73670 El Paseo
(760) 568-5266
A veritable jewelry emporium selling the most exquisite jewelry and elegant timepieces from around the world.
Sports and Recreation
Palm Desert is a recreation lover’s dream. But no need to simply dream about your next bike, golf clubs or tennis racquet—these stores have you covered.
Pete Carlson Golf and Tennis
73741 Highway 111
(760) 568-3263
At 14,000 square feet, it’s hard to call this store a small business, but for over three decades it’s been the place to go for all your golf and tennis needs.
Palm Desert Cyclery
77750 Country Club Drive
(760) 345-9096
The place to find new bicycles from Electra, Specialized and Trek plus one of the best selections of bike accessories in the area.
Tri-A-Bike
44841 San Pablo Ave.
(760) 340-2840
Whether you’re looking for a mountain bike, road bike, cruiser, tandem bike, kids’ bike, or an electric bike, experienced biking enthusiasts are ready to help with your questions.
Vintage
Why not upcycle your gift giving this year? You never know what treasures are out there waiting to be discovered.
The Fine Art of Design
73717 Highway 111
760-565-7388
For the sheer “wow” factor, it’s worth a browse at this delightful emporium of designer names from decades past.
Marga’s Repeat Boutique
73900 El Paseo, #3 Rear
(760) 773-1988
Top-of-the-line clothing options from well-known name brands including Chanel, Prada, and Gucci plus statement jewelry and accessories.
Thriftology
44855 San Pablo Avenue, Ste. 1 & 2
This is the place to go for a curated selection of modern and vintage finds ranging from men’s and women’s clothing and accessories to housewares.