Shopping in Marshalltown

Backed by the Verizon Wireless network, Shock City Cellular's service stretches through the nation’s airwaves. To support this expansive service network, each of Shock City’s physical locations operates according to three core principles: provide great customer service, do business ethically, and commit to staff development. With these guiding principles, staff members can help customers customize the retailer's two-year plans to accommodate how often they text, use data, and talk on the phone. Staffers are also always on hand should patron’s need a hardware update, with a selection of accessories and phones from venerable brands such as Samsung, Droid, and Two Tin Cans and a String.

The Iowa State University Book Store is YOUR store. Owned and operated by Iowa State University, the University Book Store has been serving the faculty, staff, students, and community for over 100 years.

We sell handmade doll clothes for the American Girl, Bitty Baby, Bitty Baby Twins, Barbie and My Twinn dolls.

Owned by Iowa residents Lisa Barillas and Twyla Tindall, Lyla's Boutique supplies well-known brands to Iowa's multifaceted fashionistas. The boutique stocks a bevy of pants, tops, skirts, and dresses from prominent labels such as Miss Me, Free People, BCBG, BB Dakota, Sweet Pea, Judith March, Level 99, and Vintage Havana. Covering colorful styles from hand to toe, Lyla's also houses a range of purses and functional, form-fitting shoes. Popular wearables currently include a braided-chain-and-jewel necklace and earring set ($32), Kinsie Girl Oliander wedges ($49), !iT Jeans ($69.95), and the wildly inspiring Free People zebra dress ($128) (see pictures of select clothing items here.

The blossom specialists at Coe’s Floral and Gifts arrange flowers for spontaneous gestures and a host of special occasions. A 12-stemmed pink-rose bouquet nests in a shapely vase with ample greens, and a dozen roses in assorted colors keep semioticians guessing. Tulips slap smiles on faces with 15 cheerful stems, and any buds in the store may be combined to create hypnotic palettes or floral supergroups. The store, which has been in business since 1932, hosts floral-design workshops on a variety of topics each month, including seasonal decorations and how to conceal a trebuchet in a bed of roses during a siege.

Ames British Foods was originally started to sate the comfort-food cravings of Iowa State’s expats, but it didn't take much time for owner Marcus to discover he had a native fan base as well. His new restaurant—The Chip Shop—serves up traditional fare from across the pond in a friendly setting that encourages relaxing over a plate of fish ’n’ chips or starting a game of cribbage. Customers can also shop Ames British Foods in downtown Ames for imported British biscuits, chocolate, and other UK-leaning groceries, and enjoy a free cup of tea offered by a friendly staff member or that overly friendly regular customer.