Iowa Stores and Shopping

Iowa Book outfits University of Iowa students and sports fans with UI-centric gear and books. Within the shop’s stacks, textbooks can be purchased, rented, or sold, and a host of newly released and signed books fuel extracurricular reading or book-fort-building sessions. Hawkeye supporters of all ages can announce their athletic allegiance by donning black-and-yellow apparel from brands such as Nike, Russell, and Under Armour, or doling out team-branded gifts such as jewelry, tailgating accessories, and holiday decorations.

That Golf Place stocks a bounty of golfing equipment and apparel to assist players along the path to less stressful swings and lower scores. The shop carries a wide variety of gear by top industry brands, including golf balls by Callaway, Bridgestone, Taylor Made, and Srixon, and wedges by Cleveland and Mizuno. Additionally, the shop’s passionate staff tailors clubs to fit owners' preferences through regripping and shaft-fitting services, and also stock an assortment of game-improving accessories. Golfers can sheathe their woods or post-mulligan embarrassment with their favorite species of animal-head cover.

Chooty & Co’s fabric designs span the spectrum from folksy to baroque, but they’re united by bright colors and bold patterns that can enliven any space in your home. One mustard-colored blanket, for example, features silk-screened flowers and a black satin border; tiny mosaic tiles wind across another plush salmon pillow; and some gauzy gold drapes crinkle like a foil candy wrapper. In addition to premade home furnishings, the store stocks more than 600 fabric swatches for shoppers to peruse until they hone in on an ideal pattern and hue for bed linens, blankets, or Dracula capes.

Self-billed as a "funky little boutique for bellies, babies, and kiddos," Urban Belly's 6th Street retail space teems with fashion and gifts ideal for professional carpet crawlers and working mommies-to-be. Urban's staff lines the shelves with baby gifts such as nursing covers, diaper bags, and towel sets. For moms, the staff curates apparel that includes a lower-priced value-line of clothing. They also adorn hangers with an array of designer brands such as Oilian, Lilac Maternity, and Citizens of Humanity—which devotes a portion of its profits to various charities ranging from youth programs to stuffed-animal witness-protection programs.

Two decades ago, Jeff Holmes founded the original CanoeSport Outfitters in a space so tiny he could only display five or six boats. Today, CanoeSport Outfitters’ Indianola location sprawls out across more than 20,000 square feet of retail space dedicated to stocking shimmering hulls and essential accessories.

Five miles south, on the sandy shores of Lake Ahquabi, lies CanoeSport Outfitters' satellite concessions outpost, which rents canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards to those who forgot to bring their pet dolphins. The outpost also teaches basic and advanced paddling classes—including water-based yoga—and sends groups on guided tours of the surrounding waters. No matter the task, the team members from CanoeSport Outfitters hold true to their philosophy of supporting sustainable recreation that minimizes environmental impact.

Like the popular kid at school or the kid whose parents have bribe money, Nobbies Party Superstore products are always invited to the party. Whatever the reason for celebration, Nobbies stocks get-togethers with tableware, balloons, and party favors from an inventory of thousands of accessories, decorations, and costumes. Themed party decorations immerse guests in re-creations of circuses, barnyards, and casinos, or help party planners create a crime-scene theme when police won’t let them borrow decorations from the real thing. Collections of Halloween costumes and accessories also enhance the holiday experience for adults and kids with spooky masks, corsets, tutus, and outfits for dogs. Supplies for holiday and religious celebrations are also included, such as custom napkins, banners and centerpieces. Decorations are also available for big life moments as births, weddings, anniversaries, and tax returns.