We stepped back in time finding an old soda fountain, candies, hats, musical instruments, cash register... There were some reasonably priced souvenirs & even pickled vegetables. Arnold Schwab opened this store 150 years ago on Beale Street.Amazing that this dry good store stood time. read more

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Quality/Quantity - What an interesting and good find. Spent some time here checking out the place, studying some history, buying souvenirs, etc. Atmosphere - Good size location. Three floors. See pictures. Good place to buy gifts for friends and family. Congrats on your continuous expansions, see website. Original restrooms so treat the plumbing accordingly. Open 7 days a week from 11am to 5pm, 7pm, or 8 pm. Service - N/A, self service. Price - Depends on what you buy, eat, or drink. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 1876. With up to the 5th generation family running the business. Now with the new second family running the business since 2011. read more

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Certainly a neat old place. The stuff around....its ok...some is cute; but they're proud of it alright. Ice cream...not bad...try some! read more

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My son and I came to Beale Street to learn all about the history. After learning about this store, we had to stop in. My son ordered a chocolate shake and I ordered the Elvis. Both of which were amazing. My son didn't know peanut butter and banana went so well together. The man that served us was really great. We heard him playing his guitar in the back. We bought some souvenirs for a great price also. I don't think we spent more than 50 bucks. This store had it all. read more

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I had read about this place before I got here and wanted to give it a try. Old fashioned soda sounded like a good idea. Not something canned but made to order. We tried a few different flavors and I have to say I was happy with the results. We tried cherry cherry, green river, and home down peach. My favorite was cherry cherry! read more

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Interesting store. You'd never know how big it is from the look of it. Walking in, your nose is slammed with a distinct smell of aging. Old wood. Old items. It wasn't overpowering but it has a smell. The store is jammed pack with numerous items. Most are horrendous items that shouldn't be imported for the sake of our landfills. Items that children play with for a few minutes then are discarded. Items that parents grab last minute so that their kid thinks they were thought of while on TDY. Ya know, meaningless oddities. On the main level, to the left, there is a small milkshake bar which also serves coffee. Upstairs is filled with music items and a RANDOM wannabe metaphysical and occult area. So random and so thrown together. Awkward merchandising, in my opinion. read more

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Fun little stop for kids. The candy selection was diverse- not things you see everywhere. I was excited to try the sampler of sodas but they did t do that anymore. I wish our sodas had been served in the glasses and not plastics cups but that's because I try to reduce waste. If we had been asked, we would have asked for glass. Over all a fun stop, yummy sodas! read more

This shop is located on Beale street so I suggest coming by during the day before it gets too wild. The store is massive with two giant spaces and upstairs full of various things. Shirts, hats, purses, toys, instruments, gag gifts, tourist souvenirs just to name a few. You could spend a good amount of time wondering through everything. The pricing are the best we found which was surprising given its location. read more

A Schwab Dry Goods Store - They have everything! - Souvenir Shops Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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This is the perfect little touristy spot that provides a balance of souvenirs and all types of sweets, candies and unique things to buy for the whole family. We went over and tried the milkshakes and they are incredible. not too expensive and the PB chocolate one was off the chart. Great customer service and overall good time. read more

We were excited to try this staple! It came recommended and we were told it's been in Memphis for years. It's a cool spot, mostly a gift shop with a soda shop counter. The gift store has a lot of cool shirts, trinkets, and gift type items that would actually make great souvenirs instead of the typical stuff you see at tourist traps. We went in specifically for the soda shop to get a milkshake, and while in line decided to get a handmade soda as well. For the milkshake we got the Elvis (peanut butter and banana) I mean when in Memphis, you got eat like The King. Unfortunately the shake was only so so. It wasn't bad, but it was really lacking in flavor and sweetness. I don't enjoy overly sweet things, but this really could've used a kick. It was really lacking in the peanut butter flavor as well, it was mostly overpowered by banana. The cherry cherry soda we got, wow! So refreshing and tasty! On point cherry flavor and had that old school soda consistency. Smoother and not as sharp with the bubbles. I would highly recommend trying this soda! The service was a little lacking, but overall, I would recommend coming in, if not just for the nostalgia feel of it all. read more

A Schwab Dry Goods Store - Cherry cherry soda, the Elvis milkshake - Souvenir Shops Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

What a cute little store on Beale Street! So much nostalgia in this on place. It reminds me of going shopping with my mother on Saturday's to checkout all of the cool new items and treats in store. This store has everything you can think of when it comes to Memphis paraphernalia to old school candy that we all loved as a kid. It is huge and has two sections downstairs and even an upstairs area. It is guaranteed to be something for everyone. I love to go and get the homemade ice cream. Oh and yes in case you were wondering the prices are very affordable. If you are in Memphis or near Beale street you must stop by and see what they have in store for you! read more

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"If you can't find it at A. Schwab, you're probably better off without it!" Established in 1876 by Abraham Schwab, the store was a mainstay run by the same family for 136 years until it was sold in 2011 to the Saunders family (who were descendants of Clarence Saunders who founded Piggly Wiggy and had a location on this spot prior to the expansion by A. Schwab). Abraham (A. Schwab), a Jewish immigrant from Alsace, France, initially founded the store as a haberdashery but it evolved to sell dry goods and then an assortment of unique odds and ends. It is the oldest continuously running store in the mid-South housed in the oldest building on Beale Street. Today, it is a quirky shop filled with souvenirs, clothing and an old fashioned soda fountain. Between the first and second floors is the Beale Street Museum which houses a hodgepodge of antique tools, vintage clothes and family memorabilia. Check out the collection of original blues vinyls on the second floor as well. A nice step back in time on Beale Street. read more

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Talk about a blast from the past!!! For those of you that have never had the chance to experience a real soda fountain, you're in luck! A 2 story, old school, dry goods store. Established 1897 and I'm sure many things remain the same... Sit in the window of the fountain looking out onto Beale and watch the people walk by... People watching at its best. Go upstairs and buy yourself a $400 harmonica or grab an Elvis T.. you can't go wrong!! Oh Oh.. the cleanest picture windows I've ever seen through!! read more

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Vintage store. With so many of the items putting a smile on your face. And candy that you haven't seen in decades takes you back to your childhood read more

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Good tourist stop, lots of Elvis items, tees, candy, knick-knacks. A real soda shop which was a fun experience! Great dark chocolate sea salt gelato! read more

A Schwab Dry Goods Store - Cream Soda & the 7 Roots Beer - Souvenir Shops Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Old school soda fountain and general store that has been around for about 100 years. This is the best place on Beale Street to buy a Memphis souvenir. Nice selection of shirts, hats, magnets, etc. I bought a cherry coke at the soda fountain and it was just okay though...kind of disappointed in that. On the upper level, there was a small section with black magic stuff...kind of weird. read more

This store has three levels! Most of the items sold can be found at other novelty shops but definitely fun to look at. I really enjoyed the second level which shared the history of the store and displayed historical items. I tried one of the old- fashioned sodas (lemon-lime) and it definitely is an acquired taste but was refreshing on a hot summer day. Other than the soda I purchased a locally designed t-shirt of Beale Street to bring back home. Very cool to experience a piece of Memphis history. read more

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Agree, this is a charming and unique shop- part Memphis souvenir shop and part sit-down ice cream parlour. I'll definitely return for ice cream later in the week, but today's visit was just for Memphis souvenirs and vintage candy. Fun!! There is a strong scent in the shop, perhaps from the candle section, I'm not sure. That did limit the duration of my visit as I'm sensitive to smells. But otherwise this is a cool shop with some unusual items located right on busy Beale Street! read more

A Schwab Dry Goods Store - Souvenir Shops Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

What a wonder place. Each staff member we spoke with was truly impressive. We hope to be back soon.

We stopped for floats at the soda fountain. The root beer was gross and made the float gross. But we had fun overall so I still give it 4 stars. read more

This was a pretty cool little gift shop. They still had a soda bar and ever a reel bar connected to it. read more

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We came down to A-Schwab to try the old fashioned soda. I tried the peach soda on the menu, and it was pretty good. If you are going to try old fashioned soda, keep an open mind and be aware that it isn't the same experience as your typical soda that is purchased in stores or from a bottle. It is lighter and less carbonated from what I've experienced here in Memphis. The flavor was very light and it was sweet enough to make it pleasing and not overbearing. Definitely give it a try ! read more

A shell of its former self. It's nothing more than a glorified gift shop. Nothing like it was ten years ago. Even the "old fashioned soda shop" is a scam. $6 for a half-hearted malted. Damn shame. Steer clear of this tourist trap. I hate that it has become was it has. I used to love this place. Damn. read more

All I got here to eat was the ice cream and I got the chocolate which was quite good. I got it with a waffle cone. Also I tried some of their old time candy such as the wax candy and the fake cigarettes. Was a fun trip but a little pricey read more

A Schwab is a throwback souvenir shop & soda fountain. Old school decor. Very rustic old timey feel. Souvenirs and nick knacks are on the pricey side. Soda Fountain bar is a step back into time. Ice cream and shakes! Ton of gelato choices. You can sample a few. Double Scoop - $4.98 - Whiskey Pecan & Pistachio - Creamy! Not overly sweet. Each ice cream had a good amount of nuts. They close early so if you are here at night, make sure you come before it gets late. read more

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A Scwab is an icon. It's really the only reason I go to Beale Street. The historic nature of the building and business makes it worth the trip. The soda fountain is why I go. Where else can you find gelato, true, handcrafted, sodas, espresso, and for those who are interested adult beverages all at a historic soda fountain? This selection is great, I've enjoyed everything I've had there. It will cost you a little more than a similar out of elsewhere, but part of the value is in the ambience. I don't usually buy things from the retail side of the store, though they have quite the assortment of items that remind me of a mix of classic general stores of my early childhood and kitschy gift shops so it's fun to walk around and look. when you go, make sure you take time to visit their museum in between the store levels. There's some pretty interesting stuff from days gone by. H, and if you need anything from a hat to a real honest to goodness harmonica, they've got it.... read more

I didnt realize that this was a soda shop until we left and almost home. So sad I missed out on that part of it. I like that it had a ton of random knickknacks and a ton of candy that I cant find anywhere else and that I haven't seen since the 80's. I got a few different flavors of the big league chew gum and a tiny Memphis mug, smaller than a shot glass. If Im in the area again. I will come back for the soda shop read more

My husband and I threw a dart at the metaphorical map and decided to visit Memphis. We hadn't ever been and it's not a super far distance from our house. I got my phone stolen (not at this place) but in Memphis nonetheless. My husband took me to A Schwab to take my mind off the fact I wanted to track down the jag who took my phone. My husband nailed it. This place is such an amazing mix of every single thing in the world. Nostalgic candy from the 80s. Memorabilia from the artists who made Memphis their home base. Incense. Jewelry. Ice cream parlor and soda jerk. Socks that say "My dog is F**cking awesome." It is all here. I didn't know where to start or what to look at but in the best way possible. I had so much fun looking at everything in the store. The staff was super nice too. Maybe that's the South. I'd like to think so - you know, Southern hospitality and whatnot. I was doubting it until that moment (re: stolen phone). If you are on Beale St - this is place is a must! read more

Service Good Shake Superior When you think of a real chocolate shake made with real chocolate ice cream and milk! The best way to drink a Chocolate Shake is with someone you love! read more

A Schwab Dry Goods Store - Chocolate Shake is best shared with someone you love! - Souvenir Shops Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Checked out Beale street for the first time and this place caught my eye. Going inside was like walking back in time with creaky wood floors and old fashioned candy. There was a counter on one wall where they sold gelato and home brewed sodas. I had an amazing sea salt caramel gelato and a fabulous cream soda! The man working the counter was very friendly and patient when I pondered my choices. Not only that but the gelato and sodas were all very reasonably priced despite being on a tourist trap of a street. If I have anything negative to say is that they close early at 5pm and close the soda counter at 4:30! I'm glad I got there when I did! read more

This old general store has stuff for all ages. There are knick knack items that you can't find anywhere else, souvenirs, jams, sauces, clothes..you name it! There is also a section showing items from years gone by...really neat to see. There are multiple levels and one side has an old fashioned soda shop. We tried the cherry and orange sodas and they were nice treats on a hot day. read more

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Junk shops and curios are my thing, so A Schwab is definitely my kind of place. I love it. When we checked it out on our first visit to Beale Street, my boyfriend and I didn't know what to expect. But I guess that's its charm; it's all about what unexpected gem you'll find. My favorite thing in A Schwab is the "museum" section. It's filled with antiques, relics, little pieces of history - just plain old-timey goodness. The rest of the store has a plethora of knick knacks, snacks and food goods, novelty items galore, and souvenir stuff. For me, it's fun to look around even if you don't plan to buy anything. This is a great store for browsing and seeing something different on Beale Street. read more

A Schwab Dry Goods Store - A. Schwab T.O.E. Jam - Souvenir Shops Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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This is a nifty stop along Beale Street. A. Schwab's is a general store that has been around since 1876, founded by Abraham Schwab, a Jewish immigrant from Alsace-Lorraine, France. There are tons of Memphis souvenirs, silly toys and novelties, and even a soda fountain. The ice cream sodas are light while the milkshakes are dense and richer. Both are $5.98. There are about 15 milkshake options to choose from. While a little spendy at six bucks, I recommend the chocolate peanut butter, made with real peanut butter! The ice cream sodas are a milkshake-soda hybrid. You can choose from chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. I'm just mentioning these two drinks since those are what I drank, but there are plenty of options, and the menu does say that the soda jerks are open to creating whatever you want! The store closes at 9 PM, or at least it did the nights I was there. Worth popping in while on Beale Street. read more

What a cool place to walk in & spend some time wondering around looking at everything. SO much stuff! They had tarot cards upstairs, along with some other cool spiritual nick nacks. Incense, potions, and more! Downstairs, was plenty of gifts, jewelry, funny dish towels, socks with phrases! On the soda fountain side, we ordered hot chocolate and apple cider. Both were delicious! Worth a stop to kill some time and get out of the cold! read more

A Schwab Dry Goods Store - Souvenir Shops Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Walked in because of the old fashioned soda fountain and counter and it seems to be the only type of souvenir shop on Beale Street. Went to the counter to order some ice cream and the older man working the soda fountain never greeted us hello and just waited for our order. He got our order wrong and didn't attempt to apologize or fix it. He actually smiled at us in a very creepy looking way. Sorry to say, I don't think he likes diversity. He may or may not be racist, but he was certainly giving off those type of vibes. The shop also has fortune reading cards upstairs which is kind of odd, right next to the music section. Grumpy employees and a filthy bathroom, will definitely not return nor recommend this place. read more

I was there 30 years ago when it was still a dry goods store. now it's just a big souvenir shop. I understand times have changed but was disappointed. read more

The ice cream and shakes are delicious!! Customer service could be better but overall we will be back for the all the treats! I recommend the Oreo shake and the cherries jubilee ice cream. Yummy read more

Step back in time and represent, people! Get a vanilla shake and a pimento grill cheezw with fries and you can't go wrong... read more

A Schwab Dry Goods Store - Git a 'nilla shake if ya can... - Souvenir Shops Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Cheap cold beer on tap, delicious milkshakes, huge assortment of souvenirs ... a little something for everyone! The staff is super friendly, too. If you're in town, make sure you visit! read more

Many of my childhood memories involve field trips around Memphis. My favorite, however, was going to A Schwab Dry Goods Store (in hindsight, walking down Beale St with 6 year olds - what in the world were they thinking?). I was fascinated by the fact that they sold love potions and weird, magical items. I remember thinking potions had to be real, had to work, in order for a store to sell them, right? Fast forward 22 years later when my intern and I were spending the day downtown and I insisted we pop in. I wanted to see if it was as cool as I remember... Well ladies and gents, it is even cooler. Three stories of awesomeness to be exact. Not only do they sell love potions like I remember (I bought the attraction oil...which hopefully will work *cross your fingers for me*) and sage to smudge your home, but they also sell REALLY cute dresses now!! And hats! And accessories! My new hat is the bomb.com and so are my new cocktail napkins that playfully hint about how much I like to drink. I chatted with the buyer of the store for a bit and he told me they are about to open an old fashioned soda fountain and ice cream parlor on the other side of the store- can't wait....it is a game changer. He mentioned most of his clientele consists of tourists, but they have a new local patron because this place is great (and quintessential Memphis)! read more

A Schwab Dry Goods Store - Souvenir Shops Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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