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Best Shopping In Sherman Oaks

Village_of_Sherman_Oaks_-_Van_Nuys_Blvd._at_Ventura 610 header
(credit: Cbl62/Wikipedia)

Nestled between Studio City and Encino in the heart of the San Fernando Valley lies the fabulous city of Sherman Oaks. With its myriad of shopping opportunities ranging from toy stores to boutiques to vintage clothing, the Village At Sherman Oaks is home to many of the top spots to get your shop on the valley has to offer. And, while neighboring cities like Studio City or Encino also boast interesting shops, Sherman Oaks holds a special spot for those looking for something other than your typical big box retailers. So, whether you're walking along Ventura Blvd., browsing the shops at The Westfield Fashion Square or stopping by the Sherman Oaks Galleria, below are our picks for the best shopping this Valley hotspot has to offer.

What are your favorite shops in Sherman Oaks? Share in the comments below!
rocketfizz
(credit: Rocket Fizz)

Rocket Fizz
14613 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 981-9009
www.rocketfizz.com

Located along the strip in what's been referred to as the Village At Sherman Oaks along Ventura Blvd., Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop is your one stop shop for all your sweet tooth cravings. Offering thousands of bottled soda pops and candies from around the world, entering this candy haven might seem overwhelming at first. Here, customers shop everything from gourmet sodas and martian sodas to of course, candy. Whether you're a kid or an adult, the gigantic selection offered will launch you back in time to when you were a kid as they offer fun and nostalgic products ranging from retro and gag gifts to concert posters, movie posters and tin signs too. So, if you're looking for a little fun, head to Rocket Fizz for some good ol' fashioned fun.

Earth 2 comics
(credit: Earth 2 Comics)

Earth 2 Comics
15017 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 386-9590
www.earth-2comics.com

As one of two comic book shops in Sherman Oaks, Earth 2 Comics shop stands out for its wide selection of comic books and paraphernalia relating to the industry. With a staff that is always willing to help, the store offers a compilation of older comics, newer comics, recent back issues as well as a nice variant cover. In addition to the comic books such as "Gotham Central", "Superman" and other action comics, customers come by to shop other goods such as a Breaking Bad Heisenberg pillow of all things. Whatever your needs, Earth 2 Comics will ensure your comic book dreams while providing a smaller store atmosphere and intimate shopping. It's a definite must visit if you're a comic book fan.

costplus world market
(credit: Cost Plus World Market)

Cost Plus World Market
15201 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 205-9620
www.worldmarket.com

Your one stop shop for authentic worldly items, Cost Plus World Market located at the corner of Ventura Blvd. and Sepulveda, offers a terrific selection of furniture as well as specialty items. Here, customers shop everything from seasonal/holiday decorations to greeting cards/gift wrap, kitchen supplies, and food and drink from foreign countries. With so many unique items at affordable prices, Cost Plus World Market is one of Sherman Oaks' best places to find great home furnishings or the perfect gift.

buffalo-exchange
(credit: Buffalo Exchange)

Buffalo Exchange
14621 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 783-3420
www.buffaloexchange.com

At Buffalo Exchange, customers come to either buy, sell or trade clothes. Whether you're looking to get some cash for your clothes or get a deal on your next outfit, this Sherman Oaks outpost has been providing some of the best prices for some of the trendiest thrifty clothes for several years now. You may need to sift through some of the undesirable items, but many customers have come away with brand name and vintage accessories in great condition and at rock bottom prices. It's one of the few places where you can get a deal on some otherwise very costly fashion pieces.

ARTOFSHAVING
(credit: The Art of Shaving)

The Art of Shaving
Westfield Fashion Square
14006 Riverside Drive
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 788-2663
www.theartofshaving.com

With several locations throughout Los Angeles, including Orange County, The Art of Shaving at the Westfield Fashion Square is a great place for every man who wishes to get a little pampering or a shave. Located inside the mall in a posh shop, the store offers everything from in-house services such as the perfect shave as well as products for sale ranging from skin, hair, and body products. The Art of Shaving even offers a salon, located at the back of the store, to accommodate haircuts and more. Products offered here include shaving creams and soaps, after-shave lotion and kits, brushes, razors, as well as other grooming products.

american-vintage
(credit: American Vintage)

American Vintage
14438 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 788-4854
www.americanvintage-shop.com

The Sherman Oaks location of American Vintage is undoubtedly one of the best vintage clothing and accessory stores in the Valley. Divided by men's and women's clothing sections, the store goes even further by dividing clothes by decades and styles within the genders. American Vintage excels in vintage western pearl snap shirts, 70s dresses, 80s prom dresses, 50s gowns, and 80s new wave dresses, so if you're seeking some truly retro attire, American Vintage is the place to shop.

Toy Mandala
(credit: Toy Mandala)

Toy Mandala
14555 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 990-3007
www.toymandala.com

Specializing entirely in toys, games and comics, Toy Mandala offers a more refined selection of goods which over the years has focused more on Anime. With a steady customer base, Toy Mandala prides themselves on knowing their customers and stock their shelves with items that appeal to them. So, if you're a fan of Anime, Magic and Pokemon, this is the place for you to shop. Not to worry though. The store does offer plenty of other treasures aside from Anime, including Pop Culture Action Figures, Games, Toys, and Statues! It's the perfect place for kids or adults with a fascination with all things comic books and toys.

freepeople
(credit: Free People)

Free People
Westfield Fashion Square
14006 Riverside Drive
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 788-2663
www.freepeople.com

With locations in Hollywood, Brentwood, Santa Monica and elsewhere around Los Angeles, Free People offers up their mature, contemporary brand of clothing in Sherman Oaks at the Westfield Fashion Square as well. Clothing here is catered to a young modern women's intelligence, creativity and individuality and all clothes are of great quality, but remain affordable. They offer countless options within their own Free People collection along with other hip brands. Offering clothing with a mix of colors and patterns sprinkled through a line of sweaters, knits and skirts, they also offer a variety intimates and accessories as well.

karen's toys YELP
(credit: Melissa S./Yelp)

Karen's Toys
Westfield Fashion Square
14006 Riverside Drive
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 788-2663
www.karens4toys.com

Since June of 2010, Karen's Toys at Fashion Square has been serving the San Fernando Valley with a terrific selection of great children's toys. While this location is the smallest of the 3 Karen's Toys locations, this is their most popular location, conveniently located right near the kids play area and other children's stores in the Sherman Oaks Fashion square. At the store, arts & crafts, building toys, games, puzzles, dolls, wooden Toys, Bruder trucks, play sets, Legos, outdoor toys, and plenty of novelty and activity kits can be found here at all price points. So, no matter what your budget you will find plenty of options for those little shoppers.

What are your favorite shops in Sherman Oaks? Share in the comments below!
Vanessa Diaz is a freelance writer and blogger. You can find her on her blogs The Queen of Swag and Disney Domain. You can also find her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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