Back to School Shopping in Downtown Rochester
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to mean spending hours at big-box stores. In Downtown Rochester, you can turn your back-to-school checklist into a fun afternoon of discovering local shops, finding pieces with personality, and grabbing a little something for yourself along the way.
Whether you’re shopping for a college student, refreshing a teen’s wardrobe, or looking for a few new pieces to kick off the school year, here are four Downtown Rochester stops worth adding to your list.
Start at Ama La Vita
Ama La Vita is a great first stop for a wardrobe refresh. Located right on Peace Plaza at 104 1st Ave SW, this lifestyle boutique features women’s fashion, accessories, home décor and unique gifts.
Looking for something new for the first week of school? Browse the clothing and accessories for pieces that can easily transition from class to coffee runs, weekend plans and everything in between.
Find it: 104 1st Ave SW, on Peace Plaza
Find Your New Favorites at Sal Terrae Boutique
Then, head to Sal Terrae Boutique at 324 Broadway Ave S. This mother-and-daughters-owned boutique focuses on authenticity, inclusivity and community, with clothing available in sizes Small through 3X.
It’s an easy place to find those pieces that make a back-to-school wardrobe feel a little more personal—from everyday outfits to accessories and jewelry that finish off the look.
Find it: 324 Broadway Ave S., Suite 200
Make a Stop at Treedome
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be all about clothes. At Treedome, you can mix in something a little more unexpected.
This creative studio and shop at 309 Broadway Ave S. carries vintage clothing, shoes, skateboard basics and vinyl records.
It’s especially worth a stop if you’re shopping for a teen or college student who would rather stand out than blend in. Dig through the racks, browse the records and see what you discover.
Find it: 309 Broadway Ave S.
Rep Your School at U of M Bookstores
Heading back to campus? Or just looking for some Raptor or Golden Gopher gear? U of M Bookstores has one of the region’s largest selections of University of Minnesota fashions, gifts and collectibles for U of M students, family and friends of all ages.
Located on the skyway level at 150 Broadway Ave S., it’s an easy stop for grabbing a new sweatshirt, T-shirt, accessory or gift before the school year gets underway.
Find it: 150 Broadway Ave S., Suite 200, Skyway Level
Make It a Back-to-School Shopping Day
The best part about shopping Downtown? You don’t have to make it a quick in-and-out trip. Retail is spread throughout Downtown at street level, in the skyways, underground and in the Galleria, so you can make an afternoon of exploring local shops. Grab a bite to eat in between stores at the 60+ dining establishments Downtown.
Parents, You’ve Earned a Break
Let’s be honest: back-to-school shopping can be a lot. After checking off the kids’ lists, take some time to check something off your own.
Downtown Rochester is home to spas and beauty salons offering everything from massages to facials and other beauty treatments.
Explore Downtown Rochester’s spas and beauty salons to find a spot for a little post-shopping reset. Options include Aura Wellness Center, Beauty by Amy, Comfort & Health Massage, Downtown Comfort Zone Chinese Relaxing Spa, Healing Touch Spa and Simply Bao Wellness Studio.
Book a massage. Treat yourself to a facial. Or simply take a little time to slow down before heading back into the back-to-school chaos.
Your Downtown Back-to-School Checklist
Shop: Ama La Vita → Sal Terrae Boutique → Treedome → U of M Bookstores
Explore: Street-level shops, skyways and subway-level shopping throughout Downtown Rochester
Reset: Finish the day with a spa or beauty treatment
Bonus: Make a day of it with lunch, coffee or a sweet treat while you’re Downtown.