When you're headed out for a day of shopping, sometimes you're looking for something more than just your average American mall with the same anchor stores that you would see all the way down to Florida. If you're shopping list includes some more creative and interesting items than aquarium filters for the family pet and new sensible work shoes, there are lots of interesting stores in Akron that you should check out. Even grocery shopping can have a little extra something with the Akron shopping experience.

One of the best ways to find something original for your wardrobe at a great price is to look for resale pieces at secondhand and consignment shops. The best clothing styles always seem to come back into fashion some time and if you don't need all of your items to be brand new, these are great places to find hidden treasures. And some don't just sell clothes. You could find a funky lamp or an antique front auto plate to decorate your home with. Some of the best resale stores in Akron are A New You, Plato's Closet, and Revival.

If you're in the market for a unique gift or something handmade from one of thousands of artisans all over the world, Highland Square's The Market Path is your best option. This store entirely works with fair trade items, meaning that more of the purchase price is actually going to those creating the stores products. Maybe this year instead of buying a loved one an Illinois spa package, you could help out residents of some of the world's poorest countries by shopping at The Market Path.

West Point Market is the perfect place for someone looking for more than just your average grocery store. This specialty food store is a national chain but has none of the harshness of most chain grocers. At West Point Market you'll find over five thousand wines and international cheeses, as well as tasting booths and aisle after aisle of heavenly specialty foods. Their produce section looks like it comes straight from a growers supplies and the chocolate shop is to die for. There are also two restaurants in the building, The Beside the Point Cafe and Mrs. Tinklemore's Cafe.

If you're shopping for that unique item, whether it's a custom candle or a cloth swim diaper there is a great store where you can find it in Akron. While many choose to travel to Cleveland for their big shopping trips, they really could stay right here at home and find all that they need.