Did you think we'd make a back-to-school list and not include Tempe?
Come on.
There's nothing like a little retail therapy to get in the right mind for back-to-school season. Whether your interests lie in outfitting yourself with the latest tech gear or the season's best fall fashions, there are plenty of ways to get your fall semester off to the right start in Tempe.
See also: 10 Best Shops for ASU Students in Downtown Phoenix
For the college girl or boy on a budget, Here on the Corner carries affordable outfits for going out or going to class. From sundresses to sandals, accessories to men's Ts, this locally owned shops serves cost-friendly fashion for Sun Devils with a sense of style.
When it comes down to it, some students prefer boards over bikes. For them, there's Cowtown Skateboards. The skate shop carries notable board brands and gear -- as well as clothing, watches, hats, and other attire to outfit your whole back-to-school look.
Whether you're looking to capture the year's most memorable moments or enrolling as a photography student in the fine arts program, Tempe Camera has you covered. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find the right gear, inform you of upcoming in-store classes, repair used or damaged equipment, and share tools and tricks for taking the best pictures.
Not every book you put your nose in has to be for school. Treat yourself with sci-fi thrillers, cartoon classics, and graphic novels along with the great selection of comics, shirts, toys, and magazines at Ash Ave Comics & Books. The Tempe shop of comics enthusiasts also hosts community events for fellow fans together, including the Ash Ave Comic Book Club. For more information, visit ashavecomics.com.
For students wanting to create their own look or label, local retailer Branded offers local apparel and accessories for men and women, plus printable merchandise. At Branded, customers can purchase ready-to-wear items or create their own -- either way, a portion of their purchase will benefit one of the store's rotating charities. Good causes look good on you.
You can also customize your college experience with custom-made shirts, totes, and hoodies at Brand X Custom Shirts. The print shop caters to community-based apparel for clubs, sororities, fraternities, teams, and parties, but it also carries ready-made items. Choose from their available prints or design one of your own. If you can think it, chances are they can probably silk screen it.
Whether you're in the mood for vintage clothing or vintage vinyl, Double Nickels has you well taken care of. The Tempe collective carries a eclectic selection of tunes and tracks -- and offers wearables from Meat Market Vintage. Find out more by visiting Double Nickels or Meat Market Vintage online.
Best way to avoid a traffic ticket and parking fees while making your way around campus? A good old fashioned bicycle. Fortunately for you, the Bicycle Cellar carries some of the best selections of bikes for students. Whether you're in the market for new or used, fixed gear or electric, the Cellar crew can get you hooked up with a method of transport that's as easy on the environment as it is on your wallet.
At Arizona Art Supply, you can find artistic inspiration and the tools to make the masterpiece in your mind happen. This store has one of the best selections of materials for almost any medium, including acrylic, water color, oils, pastels, pens, markers, charcoal, canvas, and paper. From finding the right brush to the right brand, you can rely on their on-staff artists to help get your studio all set up.
It takes money to make money. And at Buffalo Exchange (which was founded in Tucson) the same goes for clothes. At this recycled fashion retailer, customers can buy, sell, or trade used and new clothing, shoes, and accessorizes. Because what's the best part about rocking a new top to class? Knowing that it cost you next to nothing.