Columbia has plenty of familiar places to shop, but some of the most interesting local businesses are the ones you might drive past without ever noticing.
We’re talking about a barbershop with arcade games, a store dedicated to needlepoint and mahjong, and small specialty shops selling things you won’t find just anywhere.
Whether you’re shopping for a gift, picking up a new hobby, or simply supporting more local businesses, these Columbia spots deserve a little attention.
The Rabbit Hole
You might not expect to find an entire shop dedicated to needlepoint right here in Columbia, but that’s the vibe at The Rabbit Hole Stitchery.
This specialty shop carries needlepoint canvases, colorful threads, accessories, and supplies for anyone interested in stitching. You don’t have to be an expert, either. Beginners can take classes and get help learning the basics.
And here’s something you might not expect: The Rabbit Hole also carries mahjong supplies and shares its space with COMO Mahjong, making it a gathering spot for people who want to learn or play.
Find it: 124 E Nifong Blvd Ste G, Columbia, MO 65203, United States
Why it’s worth checking out: It’s equal parts supply shop, classroom, and local hangout.
The Rabbit Hole Stitchery website
Grooms Barbershop
A barbershop with a pool table, arcade games, and a photo booth? Yep, Columbia has one.
Grooms Barbershop opened in the Arcade District, offering a much-needed alternative to the standard in-and-out haircut routine. Founded by barber Sierra Nova, it combines traditional men’s grooming—like hot shaves and clean fades—with a space that actually invites you to hang out for a bit.
It’s the kind of business that makes getting a haircut a little more interesting, especially if you’re tired of the usual in-and-out appointment.
Find it: 1206 Eugenia St, Columbia, MO 65201, United States
Why it’s worth checking out: The arcade-inspired atmosphere makes getting a haircut feel like an event, not an errand.
The Grooms Barbershop Facebook
The Workshop by K&K Co. LLC
You might have walked through Columbia Mall dozens of times without realizing there’s a locally owned business where you can make your own candles, perfumes, and body care products.
K&K Co. is a veteran-owned business specializing in plant-based skincare and fragrances. Beyond buying their handmade soaps and oils off the shelf, you can book hands-on sessions at The Workshop by K&K Co. to mix your own custom scents and body scrubs. It’s an easy win for a date night, a birthday, or a rainy afternoon.
Visitors can book hands-on experiences to create custom candles, perfumes, soaps, and body scrubs. It’s a fun option for a date night, girls’ day, birthday celebration, or anyone looking to try something different around Columbia.
Find it: Columbia Mall, JCPenney wing, 2300 Bernadette Drive, Columbia, MO.
Why it’s worth checking out: You get to shop local or craft your own custom goods without ever setting foot outside the mall.
Website: K&K Co. Bath & Home Collection
Coming Home
Tucked into the North Village Arts District, Coming Home is one of those small, independent shops you could easily walk right past.
Instead of rows of mass-produced merchandise, the shelves are packed with carefully curated home goods, decor, and gifts chosen for their actual character. It’s the kind of place you stop into when you need a clever housewarming present or just want to freshen up a bookshelf.
Find it: 110 Orr St Ste 103, Columbia, MO 65201, United States
Why it’s worth checking out: It’s a genuinely independent alternative to big-box home decor stores.
Hedda
Hedda isn’t your average clothing boutique.
This woman-owned shop focuses on vintage pieces, thoughtfully made new clothing, and lifestyle goods designed to actually last. One of the best things they offer is in-house clothing repair and mending—meaning you can actually bring back a favorite jacket or pair of pants that needs a little love instead of throwing it out.
The shop also carries a selection of lifestyle goods, making it worth browsing even if you’re not shopping for clothes.
Find it: 1019 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO 65201
Why it’s worth checking out: It’s a fantastic stop for vintage fans and anyone trying to buy less disposable fashion.
Songbird Station
Unless you’re already deep into the backyard birding world, you might have lived in Columbia for years without ever stepping inside Songbird Station.
It’s been a local fixture for over 30 years, carrying everything from heavy-duty feeders and custom seed blends to nature-inspired gifts and wind chimes. The best part is that you don’t need to know a goldfinch from a sparrow to go in—the staff will happily help you figure out how to attract wildlife to your yard.
The business also hosts educational events and bird walks, giving Columbia residents another way to enjoy the outdoors.
Find it: 2010 Chapel Plaza, Columbia, MO 65203, United States
Why it’s worth checking out: It’s a wonderfully specific local staple that might accidentally launch you into a new hobby.
Distant Planet Comics & Collectibles
Hidden in Columbia’s Arcade District is a small shop packed with comic books, graphic novels, collectibles, and gifts.
While it’s a goldmine for longtime comic fans, it’s also welcoming if you don’t know a superhero from a sidekick. They carry great reads for younger kids and unique gift items you won’t find at a standard bookstore.
Find it: 711 N College Ave #105, Columbia, MO 65201
Why it’s worth checking out: It’s an independent neighborhood spot with a massive selection for collectors and curious first-timers.
Distant Planet Comics & Collectibles Facebook
My Quilty Pleasure, LLC – Columbia
Unless you’re plugged into the local sewing community, My Quilty Pleasure is easy to miss off Providence Road.
It’s a full-service quilt shop offering premium fabrics, sewing machine support, and classes for all skill levels. Beyond the supplies, they handle longarm quilting and custom memory projects—like turning old concert tees and school sports jerseys into keepsake quilts.
Find it: 1900 Providence Rd #201, Columbia, MO 65202, United States
Why it’s worth checking out: Between the classes, custom projects, and quilting services, there’s more happening here than you might expect.
Small Businesses Make Columbia More Interesting
Some of Columbia’s most interesting businesses aren’t the ones with the biggest storefronts or the most advertising.
They’re the smaller shops offering unusual products, specialized services, and experiences you might not find anywhere else in town.
The next time you’re looking for somewhere different to shop or something new to try, consider visiting one of these businesses.
Did we miss one? Columbia has plenty of locally owned businesses that deserve more attention. Tell us about a small business you think more people should know about. We might feature it in a future roundup!
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