Best Local Alternatives to Big Box Stores in Duluth Superior

The holiday shopping season is once again upon us, and that means looking for great deals for all the items on our shopping list for our friends and loved ones. Rather than wading through crowds of hundreds of crazy shoppers at the big box stores in town, why not head to these locally-owned alternatives to get the same items on your list?

Electronics/Video Games

Skip the big lines at Best Buy and check out these locally-owned options for the techie or gamer on your shopping list:

Game Essentials in Superior (map) - New and used video games and gaming systems
I Play in Superior (map) - Used video games and DVDs
DADS Electronics in Hermantown (map) - Home theater, car electronics, and more
Downtown Computer in Duluth (map) - New and used computers and accessories
A Plus Computer Services in Superior (map) - New and used computers and accessories

Hunting, Fishing, Camping, and Outdoors

Gander Mountain isn't the only game in town when it comes to getting something for the outdoorsman or outdoorswoman on your shopping list:

Trailfitters in Duluth (map) - Hiking, camping, and backpacking gear and clothing
Marine General in Duluth (map) - Hunting, fishing, and boating equipment and clothing
Duluth Pack in Duluth (map) - Outdoor clothing, camping/backpacking/canoeing gear, and their famous canvas packs and bags
Frost River in Duluth (map) - Canoeing and camping gear, outdoor apparel, and their famous canvas and leather packs, bags, and other products
Northwest Outlet in Superior (map) - Hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking gear and clothing
Superior Shooters Supply in Superior (map) - Hunting clothing and equipment, firearms, and supplies

Pet Supplies and Gifts

Don't forget about the scaly or fur-covered members of your family for the holidays:

A Place for Fido in Duluth (map) - Dog foods, accessories, toys, and gifts
Matilda's Dog Bakery in Duluth (map) - Handmade, all-natural treats for your dog
World of Fish in Duluth (map) - Tropical and saltwater fish, aquariums, and supplies

Athletic Sporting Goods

Whether a new board or bike is on the Christmas list or you want to put a new pair of skates for the hockey rink under the tree, skip Dicks and head to one of these options:

Duluth Running Co. in Duluth (map) - For the runner in your life; attire, shoes, and accessories as well as groups and classes
Ski Hut in Duluth (map) - Skis, snowboards, attire, accessories, summer/winter bikes, and kayaks
Continental Ski and Bike in Duluth (map) - A variety of skiing/snowboarding gear and accessories along with bikes and biking accessories
Twin Ports Cyclery in Duluth (map) - Bikes for any type of rider and any season as well as bike accessories and attire
Stauber Brothers in Hermantown (map) - Athletic sporting goods including skating and hockey gear and accessories
Stewart's Bikes & Sports in Duluth (map) - A variety of athletics sporting goods and accessories from field sports to hockey, along with bikes and trophy making (for that world's greatest uncle trophy you want)
Nevada Bob's in Hermantown (map) - A golfer's toy store; with clubs, attire, and accessories
Tortoise and Hare Footwear in Duluth (map) - Running and walking footwear and apparel
Galleria Bicycle in Hermantown (map) - Variety of bicycles including fat tire bikes, along with parts and accessories

Cooking and Cookware

Especially with this category, everyone seems to jump straight to the department store for cooking items. There are plenty of great local options that you could argue beat the department store options on many levels:

The Blue Heron Trading Co. in Duluth (map) - Specialty cooking accessories and all the necessities
Duluth Kitchen Co. in Duluth (map) - This is split into two different stores in the Fitger's complex that carry different culinary goodies. One store (The Market) carries sauces, seasonings, jellies, and the like. The other carries cooking and kitchen accessories and cookware.
Epicurean - Made in Duluth, you can order these unique kitchen items through their website or purchase them through local retailers like Duluth Kitchen Co. They make high-quality cutting boards, utensils, knife holders, and other kitchen items from recycled materials
The Rustic Olive in Duluth (map) - Offers a variety of premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars for use in cooking

Sweets and Treats

Sometimes the best (and easiest) gift is just a package of sweets or treats. A great option when you don't know what else to buy someone, or a wonderful gift for anyone with a sweet tooth, here are some local places to get those:

Fannie Rose Candy in Duluth (map) - Specializes in a variety of sweets including gourmet popcorn with a sweet twist
Sweeden Sweets in Superior (map) - Chocolates, fudge, and other candies and sweets, including nostalgia candy for a little throwback fun
Cookie Temptations in Duluth (map) - Cookies, cookies, and more cookies! From pre-made cookies to custom packages and cookie gift baskets and bouquets
Hepzibah's Sweet Shoppe in Duluth (map) - From truffles to fudge, a variety of licorice to gummi bears, there's something for anyone on your list