10 quintessential Downtown Pittsburgh shopping experiences (2024)

On weekdays, it’s a mess of suits hurrying to office buildings. On weekends, the sidewalks are crowded with dressed-up men and women heading to a show or teeming with jersey-clad fans.

While it’s not the lavish corporate America-meets-Eastern Europe-meets New York it once was, a vestige of Downtown’s vibrance remains. There’s a furrier (how “Mad Men”) and a men’s hat shop; a camera repair store and a couple of newsstands (how quaint); and severalboutiques that keep Pittsburghers fashionable through changing seasons. And really excellent restaurants, for fueling before or after a day spent shopping.

Because Downtown Pittsburgh is still a destination, here are 10 shopping experiences that make it worth driving through the tunnels and over a bridge.

Sports enthusiasts: Whether you’re living locally, traveling to Pittsburgh for a game, or returning to your roots, Sports World Specialties should be top of your shopping list. Inside it’s a world of sports history, where game-used bats hang elegantly above the entranceway and the center aisle is dedicated to trading cards. The store’s perimeter is decorated in memorabilia of all kinds, including a display of signed baseballs and hockey pucks; pennants; framed autographed jerseys and photographs; and a glove signed by Muhammad Ali. The store’s been in town since the mid-1980s, but, because of the buying and selling, no trip inside is ever quite the same.

Stepping into S.W. Randall’s Downtown is like stepping into a life-size dollhouse, with its high, white-trimmed ceiling and endless rows of shelves filled with toys. Visitors will delight in stumbling into what feels like secret rooms – one filled with dolls; another with ornate chess sets. S.W. Randall’s is simply two stories of sheer joy, offering classics like wooden Pick Up Sticks, Breyer horses and model trains, as well as card games, board games, jewelry boxes and Christmas villages (tucked into a corner beneath the stairs).

Step back in time, and grab a coffee while you’re Downtown. Nicholas Coffee & Tea’s bold red door has been a fixture of Downtown’s Market Square for decades, and for good reason: The shop smells like heaven and is a vision to behold, with high, ornate ceilings, low Edison lighting and a wooden counter displaying, behind glass, every type of coffee bean sold. Not only does Nicholas Coffee roast its beans in-house, the shop also offers house-made peanut butter- and chocolate-covered espresso beans. Nicholas Coffee carries several brands of good cigars; a variety of loose and bag teas; everything you’ll ever need to make the perfect cuppa at home; chocolates and nostalgic sweets; and cool apparel.

Not every city is home to a world-renowned master luthier. Then again, not every city is Pittsburgh. New York-raised Phillip Injeian crafted his first violin at age 13, mastered his trade abroad and settled in the City of Bridges almost 15 years ago. The award-winning luthier offers a variety of stringed instruments for purchase, including those skillfully crafted by Injeian in his light-filled Roosevelt Building workshop, and specializes in instrument restoration and maintenance. Though mostly by appointment only, a stop into the Phillip Injeian Violin Shop and a conversation with the master violin maker himself is one of the most unusual, fascinating and wonderful shopping experiences.

Nowhere else in the city will you find 13 premier jewelry dealers located conveniently on three floors of a historic building. The Pittsburgh Jewelry District lives on floors two through four of the Clark Building, once Warner Bros.’ headquarters. It’s not as bustling as in days of yore, but if you’re in the market for a little sparkle, there’s something charming about stepping into the Clark Building’s grand, golden elevator, going “up!” and following the plush floor past jewelers’ window display after window display – and, perhaps, ducking into one to purchase something special for someone special.

Heinz Healey’s has been dressing Pittsburgh’s gents for nearly 40 years, and while the storefront’s big, gold lettering alludes to days of old, what’s inside is new and fashionable. The knowledgeable staff helps men of all ages look and feel their best in everything from custom tuxedos to seriously sharp suits by designers like Jack Victor and Michael Kors to casual wear, including jeans and T-shirts. Complete any look with cuff links, bowties and ties, boxers and funky, or serious, socks. No matter the occasion, Heinz Healey’s has the look Pittsburgh guys are seeking – and, thanks to its new online store, can dress you from home or abroad.

It’s giving New York City: 306 Forbes is small but mighty lovely. Upon entrance, the eye is immediately drawn to the back of the shop, covered in soft florals, more statement piece than wall. Natural light filters through the large front windows, and, together with the chandelier, illuminates the luxe space. Bouquets spaced throughout add a pop of color to a boutique that features fashion-forward pieces by designers including Pistola Denim; accessories; and perfume. Located beside French bakery La Gourmandine, woman-owned 306 Forbes is a must during a Downtown shopping excursion.

What began in 1998 as a supplier of legal pads is now a charming, one-stop shop for cards, small gifts, Pittsburgh souvenirs and, yes, office products. Craig Lindstrom and Bill Schossow decorate the store for every season, rotating in knickknacks to match that vibe. Inkwell offers everything from greeting cards and notebooks to high-end pens and film reel strips, from chocolates and candles to stuffed animals, from wax seals to DIY gift baskets and everything in between. It’s the hometown alternative to any Hallmark store, with the perfect card and small gift for any occasion.

It’s a living love letter to the City of Bridges, a gallery showcasing the work and labor of more than 100 Pittsburgh artists and artisans, and every thoughtfully curated piece can be purchased – as a souvenir, as a gift, as home or office decor. love, Pittsburgh’s airy, modern storefront offers something “Yinzer” in every category. Sarris chocolate bars stand near Steel City Salt; cozy sweaters bearing love, Pittsburgh’s bridge emblem hang near locally made prints and photographs; and there’s plenty of adorable drinkware for your coffee- or tea-sipping pleasure. love, Pittsburgh connects visitors to every facet of this city, including other Downtown storefronts, highlighted on a cute lil’ love, Pittsburgh map, free to all who enter.