Dallas, Texas is Home to Coveted Stores for Everyday Needs

Dallas' fine dining options and high-end retailers are often touted as must-see attractions, but there are many unique stores that provide a memorable experience without the hefty price tag. Perhaps you have never heard of these hidden treasures. Maybe you drive past them without realizing what you are missing, but these local shops are worth visiting and likely to become regular destinations.

The Container Store
5203 Alpha Road
Dallas, Texas
75240

America's hunger for The Container Store was not apparent until Oprah featured the retailer on her show and gave the audience gift cards for the organizational giant in 2008. Inundated with shoppers and looky-loos, the website crashed.

For the uninitiated, The Container Store sells a dizzying array of organizational supplies, housewares, gift wrap and whatchamacallits. There are practical options, such as reusable lunch totes and drawer organizers, but The Container Store goes above and beyond. It seems as though there is a specialty container for every need. For example, there is plastic gizmo shaped to store a one-pound package of bacon.

Merchandise is also available online, but it is better to go to The Container Store and see the selection in-person. There are several locations in the Dallas area. The staff is also helpful in suggesting the appropriate item for a specific organizational purpose.

Wonder Bread Bakery Outlet Store
4120 West Ledbetter Drive
Dallas, Texas
75233

A rare find, bakery outlet and thrift stores sell bread, buns and packaged cakes at bargain prices. Some of the foods are heading south while others still have plenty of time left before their best by date. The store is small, but brimming with baked goods from raisin bread to snack cakes. Affordable snack options are good for adding to lunches or serving at social gatherings. The selection at the Wonder Bread Bakery Outlet Store includes products from Hostess, Wonder and Dolly Madison.

Penzey's Spices
12835 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas
75230

Penzey's Spices has only two locations in Texas. Known for its massive selection of fresh herbs, spices and seasonings, Penzey's Spices is a great resource for cooking novices and beginners alike. The staff is knowledgeable and there are sample jars that allow shoppers to examine and smell the herbs. The high-quality merchandise rotates frequently to ensure freshness and the prices are reasonable.

Baking supplies, such as extracts and vanilla beans, are also available at Penzey's, but the company cut back on its massive selection of salt in response to concerns about excess sodium in foods.

Penzey's products are also available online or by catalog. The comprehensive website and catalog include stories and recipes.