Record stores
Cheapo
A huge location in the Uptown area. Specializing in all areas of music as well as DVDs and vinyl records. If you are looking for something that's hard to find, it's a good bet that they will have it. If not, they can order it for you. They also have a large collection of used CDs with huge inventories coming in everyday.
Electric Fetus
Possibly the most complete selection of CDs in town across all genres. Hold on tight to your wallet when you walk in here. If there's an obscure CD you've been looking for, this place is likely to have it. Listening stations are posted throughout the store enticing all who enter to try out some new music. It's the place you would go if you had unlimited resources for buying new music. Be prepared to pay full price, although new releases are frequently on sale. Buy four CDs and get a discount. Tickets for local venues are on sale here too.
Fifth Element
Record store specializing in hip-hop. Established in 1999 by local record label Rhymesayers Entertainment.
Roadrunner Records
Has a great selection of independent LP's, CD's and DVD's. Known for their international music section. Punk and alt-country genres don't suffer. A great independent record store with lots of local and independently produced product.
Treehouse Records
A somewhat small but cozy record shop. New and used CDs and vinyl. Selection isn't large but leans towards the non-mainstream; you can find stuff here that isn't easily found at other Twin Cites record stores.
Extreme Noise Records
Specializes in all punk and subgenres therein. A cooperative run for over ten years by local punks. Amazing selection of punk 'zines, CD's, LP's and 7-inches. The place in town for finding hard-to-find punk records, trading punk records, finding other punks, seeking out that basement show, etc. Don't let the punk rock moniker scare the less-than punk away. If you want to see what a truly independent local scene can produce and meet some of the most earnest members of said scene, you must check out Extreme Noise.
Bookstores
Magers & Quinn
New and used books.
Once Upon A Crime
Mystery bookstore. Ask about The Annex: two giant rooms full of rare first editions, out of print books, magazines, journals, and thousands of hard-to-get gently used volumes. Great for finding new titles and plenty of back-list books for hordes of mystery and thriller writers.
College of Comic Book Knowledge
Shares the building with Nostalgia Zone. Great for newer and more mainstream comics.
Nostalgia Zone
Shares the building with College of Comic Book Knowledge. Best for hard to find old comics and independents. You can also sell comics here, and the dealers are great. The establishment is over 30 years old.
Clothes
Design Collective
A local boutique featuring handmade clothing and accessories from local designers.
Ragstock
A local chain of used clothing stores. Clothing is shipped in from thrift stores across the country and sorted through and either torn to rags for commercial use, or pulled aside to be sold in one of the stores. There are stores around the Twin Cities area in addition to the Uptown location listed above.
Asian markets
New Orient Market
Shuang Hur Supermarket
Truong Thanh Market