Indie stores and boutiques offer a genuinely unique shopping experience. These shops reflect the personality and creativity of their owners, creating a shopping atmosphere that feels personal and special.

And knowing how much shoppers love indie stores, the team at OnDeck decided to find the very best of them. Using data collected from Yelp reviews, they compiled several charts ranking the most loved indie stores across the USA.

Let’s take a closer look.

The US City with the Best Independent Stores

The independent business spirit is thriving in the great city of Indianapolis. According to the OnDeck data, the average Yelp rating of the city’s indie businesses is a super impressive 4.33 stars out of 5—that’s higher than any other city across the United States of America.

Indianapolis has a vibrant independent business culture, with new stores opening all the time. The city’s commercial indie hubs include Fountain Square, an artsy neighborhood where you’ll find eclectic boutiques, independent coffee shops, art galleries, and craft breweries.

Then there’s Mass Ave, which is home to Indianapolis’ highest rated indie store. Started by owner Kristen Kohn after leaving her corporate retail job, Silver in the City is a little gift store selling unique items and genuine one-off pieces of jewelry.

The Highest-Rated Indie Store in the USA

There’s only one indie store in the country with a perfect 5 out of 5 Yelp rating. And that’s Fine and Dandy, a small but very stylish men’s fashion accessory store tucked away on a quiet little back street in Manhattan, New York.  

It makes and sells custom shirts, as well as ties, bowties, belts, pocket squares, and stylish suspenders for New Yorkers looking to elevate their look to pure dandy.  

“I’d give 10 stars out of 5 if I could,” posted one happy customer. “The owners went so far above and beyond to make sure I got the very specific item I was looking for. Perfect service.”  

Find the Highest-Rated Indie Women’s Fashion Clothing Stores

If you’re looking for the mecca of indie fashion stores selling and making women’s clothing, then it’s time for a visit to San Diego. The city’s wide range of indie boutiques are rated an average of 4.44 stars.

San Diego’s highest-rated store is the sustainable streetwear clothing brand Sew Loka. Founded by San Diego native Claudia Rodriguez, Sew Loka is a beloved independent sewing studio and boutique famous for its custom pieces inspired by Mexican and Chicano culture.

Cities with the Highest-Rated Indie Accessories Stores

California dominates the chart for the best-loved indie accessories stores in the USA. Californian cities take up the first five spots in the top ten list. Of those, Oakland has the best-rated indie accessories stores, with an average Yelp rating of 4.45.

The best of those is accessories store Philippa Roberts. This charming boutique and studio has been a staple of the city’s independent business scene for decades.

“Such a sweet find as I was visiting the city,” reads one 5-star review. “So many beautiful items and cute, whimsical pieces. Highly recommended.”