- Attraction: A. Schwab
- Location: 163 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
- Industry: General Store
- Website: https://www.a-schwab.com
Surrounded by blues clubs and modern bars pumping live music into the pedestrian streets, one remarkable storefront stands frozen in time.
Walking past creaky wooden floorboards under a tin roof isn’t something you’d expect to find in the heart of Beale Street’s nightlife district, yet this exact experience has welcomed curious shoppers since 1876.
As the sole surviving original business on Memphis’s most famous strip, this general store offers something far beyond typical tourist shops—it’s a genuine slice of American retail history where you can still buy suspenders alongside love potions, cast iron skillets next to Elvis memorabilia, and grab an old-fashioned milkshake while browsing through the eclectic chaos.
The motto here says it all: “If you can’t find it at Schwab’s, you’re better off without it.” And wandering through two sprawling floors packed floor-to-ceiling with merchandise, you’ll start believing that claim might actually be true.
What You’ll Find Inside This Historic Emporium
Memphis Music Heritage: You’ll discover an impressive collection celebrating the city’s musical legacy, from Sun Studio souvenirs to Elvis-themed items that go way beyond standard tourist fare.
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Keep Exploring →Think Elvis pajamas complete with matching pillows, blues records, harmonicas, ukuleles, and even locally-made cigar box guitars. The music section reflects genuine Memphis culture rather than generic gift shop inventory.
Hoodoo & Spiritual Items: Head upstairs and things take an intriguing turn. You’ll find an extensive collection of hoodoo supplies including mojo hands, jinx remover oils, money-drawing floor polish, and various love potions with wonderfully vintage names like “Hug Me/Kiss Me” perfume.
These aren’t novelty items—they represent authentic Southern spiritual traditions that have deep roots in Memphis history.
Old-Fashioned Candy Counter: Your sweet tooth will thank you for discovering the fully-stocked candy selection featuring childhood favorites you probably haven’t seen in years. The variety spans nostalgic treats to old-school confections, all displayed in classic general store fashion. Grab some sweets to enjoy while you continue exploring.
Vintage Clothing & Accessories: The clothing selection leans delightfully retro with bowling shirts, dresses with vintage flair, men’s classic pajamas and nightshirts, union suits, and an astounding collection of over 100 different types of suspenders. You’ll also find the largest hat selection on Beale Street, ranging from practical to whimsical styles.
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Discover MoreQuirky Household Goods: From cast iron skillets to galvanized washboards, hand-crafted brooms to specialty soaps, the inventory feels pulled from multiple decades of American life. You might spot pedal cars, vintage-style toys, praying hands figurines, crystal balls, corncob pipes, plastic back-scratchers, and sterling silver jewelry all sharing the same aisle.
Regional Souvenirs Done Right: Unlike the repetitive shops lining most of Beale Street, you’ll find truly unique Memphis-specific items here. Local made candles, regional cookbooks, barbecue sauces, music-oriented cookie cutters, guitar-shaped spatulas, historical postcards, and A. Schwab branded merchandise create a distinctive souvenir experience.
The Famous Soda Fountain Experience
Classic Milkshakes: The old-fashioned soda fountain serves up thick, creamy milkshakes that frequently earn praise as some of the best around.
The chocolate malt consistently impresses, while the signature “Elvis” shake combines peanut butter and banana into a surprisingly delicious tribute to the King. These aren’t your typical fast-food shakes—they’re made the traditional way with rich flavors and satisfying thickness.
Old-Fashioned Sodas & Phosphates: You can experience authentic handcrafted sodas made the way they were in the early 1900s. Try a soda sampler to taste various flavors including egg creams and phosphates. Fair warning though—the homemade root beer has a distinct medicinal, licorice-forward flavor that’s an acquired taste. The orange soda, however, gets consistent thumbs up.
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Keep Exploring →Gelato & Cold Treats: On sweltering Memphis days, the gelato served in waffle cones provides perfect relief. Flavors like Down Home Peach deliver pure, syrupy ice-cold refreshment. These treats taste like something straight from a grandmother’s country porch on a lazy summer afternoon.
Atmosphere & Historic Character
Creaky Wooden Floors & Tin Ceiling: The moment you step inside, you’re transported backward through time. The original wood floors groan underfoot with authentic character, while the pressed tin ceiling overhead has watched over millions of transactions spanning three centuries. The building itself dates to 1865, making it the oldest remaining structure on Beale Street.
Organized Chaos Display Style: The merchandise presentation embraces delightful clutter rather than modern retail organization. Tables overflow with goods, shelves stack high with inventory, and unexpected items appear around every corner. This isn’t messy—it’s the authentic general store experience where treasure hunting is part of the fun.
The Beale Street Museum: On the second floor mezzanine, you’ll find a small but fascinating collection of historical artifacts documenting both Beale Street’s evolution and the Schwab family’s story.
Vintage farming tools, washboards, original blues memorabilia, household items from bygone eras, and even a carriage warmer create a visual timeline spanning Memphis history. Budget 10-15 minutes to appreciate this free museum space.
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Discover MoreMulti-Level Exploration: With two main shopping floors plus museum space, the building rewards leisurely browsing. The ground floor focuses on souvenirs, toys, clothing, and the soda fountain, while upstairs houses the hoodoo items, musical goods, and vintage collectibles. You’ll likely spend an hour or two here without realizing how quickly time passes.
Other Considerations
Affordable Pricing: Compared to other Beale Street shops, prices here run quite reasonable. You won’t spend more than $50 to walk out with multiple souvenirs and treats.
The value proposition feels solid considering you’re getting unique merchandise rather than mass-produced tourist items found everywhere else. It’s genuinely one of the better deals on the strip for Memphis memorabilia.
Location in the Heart of Beale: Situated right in the middle of the pedestrian-only Beale Street entertainment district, you can’t miss this landmark. It’s perfectly positioned for taking a break from the heat, escaping the crowds, or grabbing refreshments between exploring other attractions. The air conditioning alone makes it a welcome respite.
Parking Logistics: Like everything on Beale Street, you’ll need to park in nearby garages or lots rather than at the store itself. Street parking in the surrounding blocks is possible but competitive. Plan to walk a few blocks regardless of where you end up leaving your car.
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Keep Exploring →Appropriate for All Ages: Families will find plenty to entertain kids of all ages, from vintage toys to the candy counter to fascinating oddities. That said, parents should note some merchandise includes items with adult humor, curse words, or sexual references. These aren’t overwhelming or prominently displayed, but they exist mixed throughout the inventory.
Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, allowing for more leisurely browsing. The soda fountain can get busy during peak afternoon hours and weekends when tour groups arrive. If you want the best selection and personable experience, aim for off-peak hours.
The Living History Element: This isn’t a museum recreation—it’s an actual functioning business that has continuously operated in this location since 1911, selling goods since 1876.
Abraham Schwab fled Europe during the Franco-Prussian War and built this Memphis institution that survived generations, economic changes, and Beale Street’s dramatic transformation.
You’re not just shopping; you’re participating in ongoing Memphis history.
A. Schwab
📍 163 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
