Shopping in Alpharetta

Sparks of inspiration can flare into big ideas, as evidenced by Ann Jackson’s zeal for art, which led to her opening a namesake gallery in historic Roswell in 1971. Initially an exhibit space for works from local, national, and international artists, Ann Jackson Gallery today provides a number of interior-decoration services for homes and commercial buildings, such as custom framing and art consultation and restoration. Now helmed by her three daughters, Ann Jackson Gallery maintains a colorful collection of artwork with a specialization in fine oils, including pieces by Ann Jackson herself. The gallery is also one of a few galleries in the world licensed to represent the art of Dr. Seuss, helping customers achieve the American dream of a sneetch on every wall.

The playful toy emporium offers an eclectic collection of imagination-blowing toys, sure to satisfy the toddler or tween on your houseboat. To ensure the next generation carries on the family's entomology legacy, bestow a HexBug (starting at $9.99) upon your over-five-year-old, or keep a flight-prone child grounded with a Kid Galaxy Ripcord Flyer ($15.99), a launchable, flying helicopter. While the store's stock of artsy crafts (starting at $1.99), building blocks (starting at $3.99), dolls (starting at $8.99), and precious fake diamonds will lure your tot into its gooey web of fun, extras such as free arts classes and weekly story time will keep them there. Consult the calendar for further information.

Each of Decadent's designs can be personalized by a dizzying arrangement of custom fonts, colors, missives, stitching, and more. Whether you're wishing a new mother well with a plush lovie ($12) or a best friend a happy-moving with a flower-power reusable tote bag ($17), Decadent has you covered. You can also keep pillow fights from tumbling over the precipice of illiteracy with monogrammed pillowcase covers (two for $22), or contain mascara madness with a snow-white waffle-weave cosmetic bag (two for $25). Decadent also offers straight embroidery services for plain items you've picked up elsewhere that are in desperate need of branding.

The specialists at Boomerang Sports and Fitness stock a vast collection of new and gently used equipment to facilitate games of baseball, lacrosse, and hockey, as well as general exercise. They frequently receive new items from companies such as Easton, Bauer, Wilson, O'Brien, and Everlast, and strive to keep the latest marvels of sports innovation in their inventory, giving players a competitive edge against robotic point guards. Customers can seek staffers' help in selecting equipment, ensuring that players take to the field with properly fitting pads, helmets, and gear. Used equipment is also available, saving customers the trouble of breaking in and housetraining new gear.

Father-and-son team Robert and Fred Lee worked as homebuilders for years before going into business selling lights in 1965, so they knew how quickly something impressive could rise from a humble foundation. Sure enough, Lee Lighting, their small family company, grew to include a vast online retail shop and one of the largest lighting dealers in Texas. They've even purchased Savoy, a company that designs fixtures to bring cheer to dining rooms and make rooms full of ventriloquist dummies less terrifying.

Lee Lighting stocks shelves with a diverse selection of indoor lamps from brands including ELK Lighting, Quoizel, and Hudson Valley. Staffers certified by the American Lighting Association move beneath the dazzling crystal sprays and faux candles of chandeliers. They suggest outdoor lighting to transform backyards into regal terraces. They also stay abreast of lighting trends to help patrons select lights that will stay in style.

Frames, crafted with care by designers such as Oliver Peoples and Chanel, decorate the wood-backed shelves of Reflections Eyecare. The artistry doesn't end there, though. The boutique's optometrists give equal attention to the appearance of lenses, using in-house technologies to make them noticeably thin. To uncover prescriptions, Drs. Schultz and Cohen perform vision exams, using digital means to explore the different layers of the eye and communicate with the computer servers within.