Shopping in Sparks

When a shopper inquires about one of the many sporting goods at Reno Mountain Sports, it's unlikely they'll be met with an unsure response. That’s because the store—which is nearing its fifth decade in business—boasts staffers who spend their free time paddling kayaks through lakes and piloting snowboards down freshly powdered mountainsides. Patrons can use the team's expertise to invest in new equipment from brands such as K2 and Jackson, or commission tune-ups of weathered and yeti-chewed gear at the onsite repair shop. A slew of rentals also awaits shoppers, who can opt to spend the day lazing upon river tubes or carving paths in the snow with alpine skis.

The artists, teachers, and librarians that staff Grassroots Books know firsthand not to judge a book by its cover. Alongside new, glossy hardbacks and crisp paperbacks, they stock gently used and new-but-slightly-shelf-worn reads at generous discounts. Any books without value are responsibly recycled for free, instead of stuffed into Harry Potter jackets as "secret sequels." Used CDs, DVDs, and video games also share shelf space with more than 3,000 kids books catered to pre-K through high school readers. More exciting yarns await youngsters during the independent bookstore's kid storytelling hours or school book fairs, while the 22nd of every month honors educators with a free book just for coming to the store. Grassroots Books even donates its leftovers to educators and nonprofits after its monthly warehouse sales, four-day extravaganzas where nearly 10,000 books and movies are available each for $0.99.

The life of an expectant mom is full of transitions, from preparing her household for a new bundle of joy to adjusting her clothes to fit a growing belly. The staff at Baby Bumps Boutique helps moms stay stylish and comfortable as their bodies change, equipping them with all the accessories needed to modify the waistbands of too-tight pants and deal with the rigorous wardrobe requirements of nursing. They amass gently used items from brands such as Maternal America, Bravado, and Olian Maternity, and they intersperse rows of flowing dresses and nursing tank tops with baby necessities such as hospital-grade breast pumps, diaper bags, and stork repellent.

Reno eNVy started as an indie clothing line sold out of a tent down by a river, and the brand slowly but surely grew to represent the attitude and culture of the people of Nevada. The company’s owners emblazon the silhouette of a trailer on almost every piece of their clothing line to symbolize the rugged grit of the people of Reno. Whether it's a shirt or a flat-brimmed ball cap, the company’s wares embody Reno culture whose tees bear cheeky statements such as "I'm a 10" and "Battle Born." The line has expanded to include an offshoot named Tahoe eNVy, with iconic images such as majestic pine trees. Kids and babies can get in on the action with onesies, and local cupboards can finally get some Reno eNVy swag with shot glasses.

A locally owned business nestled within Meadowood Mall, Games Galore maintains a robust harvest of party games, jigsaw puzzles, card and board games. From family favorites, such as Apples to Apples and Uno, to classic challenges, such as Monopoly and Rubik’s Cube, the shop keeps its shelves stocked for a wide spectrum of interests. It also is open seven days per week, and a helpful staff stands by to answer any questions.

For more than three decades, The Garden Spot's knowledgeable staff has been helping to pair gardeners with the soil amendments, nutrients, and organics best suited to their projects. From among their verdant inventory, they can provide information on flowering shrubs or shade, fruit, and evergreen trees, or help customers locate yard art that best accentuates their minimalist blade of grass. A fourth-generation landscaping and maintenance staff further abets homeowners in their quest for picturesque surroundings, and instructors bestow useful tips during a range of gardening classes.