When it comes to shopping, there’s no better place to spend your time and money than at a small business or boutique. These shops often make their own wares or source small batches from other brands or artisans, resulting in unique looks and objects with plenty of personality.
This rings true in fashion, kitchen goods, home decor and art, so whether you’re looking to treat yourself or give a thoughtful gift, consider shopping local first. Here are a few Council Bluffs shops and boutiques we love!
Please note: Due to COVID-19, some of these local businesses may only be offering online shopping. We recommend contacting them to see what their current hours and policies are before visiting as information may change.
Bambi’s Green Acres Natural Market
805 South Main Street, Council Bluffs
This Council Bluffs destination is a one-stop-shop for all of your all-natural product needs! They offer healthy products like vitamins, essential oils, health and beauty aids, herbs and bulk health foods. If you’re interested in making a change in your lifestyle, Bambi’s Green Acres has full-time holistic nutritional consultants who can set you on the right path.
Bloom Works Floral
142 West Broadway, Council Bluffs
Photo courtesy of Bloom Works Floral
Bloom Works Floral laid down roots on the historic 100 Block in Council Bluffs in 2004 and has been growing ever since (pun intended). They are confident about their ability to satisfy any client, any style and any budget—both in their shop and with their wedding floral provisions. Allow their expert floral designers to experiment with new and wild designs for the best and most exciting results!
Corum’s Flowers & Gifts
639 5th Avenue, Council Bluffs
Corum’s Flowers and Gifts is the perfect local spot to grab a bouquet of flowers and a unique gift to accompany it. If you don’t know where to start, select your desired price range and go from there! They also offer delivery to the entire Council Bluffs, Glenwood and Omaha area. Click here to get started on your order.
Dorie’s Crystals & Things
101 Pearl Street, Council Bluffs
Salt lamps, crystals, essential oils, sage sticks and dream catchers are just some of the things you’ll find at Dorie’s Crystals and Things on Pearl Street! Opened in 2017, Dorie’s has become a destination for all things spiritual. They even offer Reiki sessions, Tarot/Oracle Card Readings and Journey Board Readings by appointment.
Dusted Charm
126 East Broadway, Council Bluffs
Photo courtesy of J. Selander Photography via Dusted Charm
This charming boutique is nestled on East Broadway for now—but come May, you’ll be able to find them along the Historic 100 Block! The shop features hundreds of pieces of women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes, accessories and more in a wide range of sizes and styles. Make sure to follow them on Facebook to keep up with their constantly rotating inventory and great sales!
Jan-Tiques
729 South Main Street, Council Bluffs
Jan-Tiques has been a Council Bluffs institution for more than 20 years. Uniquely located in the downtown Haymarket Area, they specialize in quality oak furniture that has been completely restored. You can also find other antiques here, including furniture, cupboards, crocks and so much more.
JM4 Ranch Harness + Tack
16938 Lime Kiln Road, Crescent
Owned and operated by John and Joanne Metz a few miles away near Crescent, this hometown shop is one of the largest harness, tack and farrier supply businesses in the country. But that’s not all! They also have a Horse Bed and Breakfast, where you and your horse can stay comfortably when traveling across the area. Click here to learn more and to book your stay!
Kanesville Kollectibles
530 South 4th Street, Council Bluffs
Photo courtesy of Kanesville Kollectibles
Established in 1985, Kanesville Kollectibles caters to all lovers of the arts with its shelves full of records (old and new), comics, DVDs, VHS, Betamax Videos, CDs, Cassettes, books and so much more. The entire selection is housed in a massive, 10,000-square-foot facility that you’ll have a blast spending a few hours exploring. And if you happen to have any old records, videos or books lying around, they will happily give you cash for them.
The Olive Branch
19278 Conifer Lane, Council Bluffs
This adorable shop is filled to the brim with options for gifts, home goods and other accessories, several of which are handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces. Looking for some locally made lotion? How about some interesting socks or baby toys? No matter what you’re in the market for, you’ll be able to find it (and much more) at The Olive Branch!
Pink & Green
40 Power Drive, Council Bluffs
Pink & Green is a “kid’s shop” offering a wide range of new and gently used clothing, shoes, toys, furniture, supplies and more for children ages newborn to size 12. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell clothing, it’s the perfect spot!
Due to the spread of COVID-19, Pink & Green has implemented limited temporary hours. They are now open Friday-Monday. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Savannah Filmore
19257 Conifer Lane, Council Bluffs
Voted the best of Council Bluffs for eight years in a row, Savannah Filmore offers a wide variety of unique artwork, home decor and holiday items. Peruse their selection of jewelry, handbags, watches, wallets, shoes, gourmet food, wine accessories, glassware, baby gifts, wedding gifts, cards and books. Plus, if you spend $50, you’ll get $5 off—so what are you waiting for?
The Swallows Nest
21080 Pioneer Trail, Council Bluffs
For over 30 years, Jayna and her husband, John, operated an equestrian center. Today, they’ve taken a step back from horse operations to concentrate on other adventures. At their store in Council Bluffs, you’ll see the fruits of their woodworking, jewelry making, dried flower creating, and antique restoration labor.
Xtreme Wheels Bike and Sport
33 South Main Street, Council Bluffs
Xtreme Wheels, an independent bike shop in the heart of CB, wants more people on bikes. That’s why they’ve made it their mission to provide the best prices, customer service and selection in the area. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they are the closest bike shop to the Wabash Trace—where you can take your new wheels for a spin!
What did we miss?
Did we miss your favorite Council Bluffs shop? We want to know about it! Leave us, and our other readers, a few recommendations in the comments below.