As the retail hub of the Four Corners region and New Mexico’s San Juan County, Farmington brings together a strong assortment of small businesses, from family-owned shops to locally loved restaurants.
No matter where you are, shopping local is an investment in your community. It supports local jobs, retains a far greater share of spending in the local economy than when you buy from an online e-commerce giant, and helps the culture and character of your community thrive. What’s more, you’ll find unique goods you won’t see elsewhere, many of them deeply tied to the region..
Here are some of the special finds you’ll come across in Farmington and what makes them special.
What makes Farmington’s local business scene so unique?
Much of New Mexico, including the Four Corners area, is set apart by its unique historic and cultural influences. You can see these influences in our architecture, food, and values.
Most notably, Farmington and the greater area are inextricably influenced by the regional Native communities. This shows up in our food, art, jewelry, crafts, and more, which you’ll see throughout Farmington. Of course, the Spanish influences are also ever-present.
In town, you will see a blend of historic downtown charm and modern commercial offerings showcasing all of this and much more.
Shopping in historic downtown Farmington
In our downtown retail district, you’ll find boutiques, galleries, eateries, breweries, and trading posts. From June to early October, this disrict includes the weekly Makers Market with “handmade, homemade, or grown” products from local vendors.
Where to Shop: A Starting Point
Just outside of town, Big Rock Trading Post has the essentials you can expect from a trading post and general store, including Native jewelry and crafts, tack, baskets, and blankets. They’ve been family-run since the 1960s, and theur staff’s extensive knowledge of the art and tools they sell shows it. While in the area, a visit to Hogback Trading Company is also highly recommended.
You can discover handmade and repurposed gifts for sale by local crafters at A Beautiful Mess and The Dusty Attic. Fifth Generation Trading Company, in the middle of town, has the largest selection of local Native crafts and jewelry in the region. The Mod Shop is also a must for modern fashion finds and accessories.
If you’re looking for something to read, Amy’s Bookcase is a paperback book exchange on the east side of Farmington, housing over 100,000 used and new books, plus book-adjacent gifts. Quill & Quest is another local independent bookstore in Historic Downtown, with the added bonus of being a cafe, too! You’ll find not only books but coffee, tea, and pastries (including gluten-free options for our friends with dietary restrictions), as well as events occurring several times a week, including book clubs, release parties, and talks.
Art and gifts from local makers
Farmington is home to many local craftsmen working across a range of media.
For example, Shiprock Trading Post, along with trading post staples that are available at Big Rock, Hogback and Fifth Generation, focuses on locally-sourced handmade goods. Shopping in Farmington provides you the opportunity to discover Native textiles, pottery, jewelry, and food throughout town and the surrounding area.
You will also find art galleries featuring local artists. Artifacts 302 and Heart Gallery showcase the work of contemporary artists and craftsmen from the region.
Farmington also has multiple museums, exhibits, and often live artist demos where you can buy goods. The Farmington Museum has a gift shop with handcrafted items by local and regional artists, plus educational children’s toys and books covering regional history, culture, and exhibit-related topics. Navajo rugs, blankets, and jewelry are some of the amazing pieces you will come across at the Salmon Ruins Museum.
And while you’re shopping, be on the lookout for Navajo Pride products such as blue corn flour and pancake mix. These products carry on the legacy of Navajo agriculture, while prioritizing stewardship of the land and culture that sustain them.
Seasonal markets
Farmington also has markets that appear seasonally, and feature local artisans, growers, bakers, and cooks. Mentioned earlier was the Downtown Makers Market, which operates on Thursdays from June through October, with fresh produce, baked goods, and other handmade artisan goods. Popular holiday markets include the annual Salmon Ruins Holiday Arts & Craft Fair, the Totah Fine Arts Winter Market, and Panteraz Winter Wonderland Craft Fair. You’ll find the Farmington Growers Market at the Farmington Museum & Visitor Center from June to October. For updated details on these craft fairs as well as others, visit the official community calendar of events.
Other shopping opportunities
Beyond the hyper-local shops you’ll enjoy throughout Farmington, you can find a lot of popular brand retailers at Animas Valley Mall, located on the east side of the city. While it doesn't have the same local focus, it typically offers what you need between beauty goods, home decor, sporting and recreational equipment, and clothing. There are also entertainment options in the mall. My Golf Fix and Escapology are two of them.
Supporting local businesses year-round — whether you’re a local or visitor
Of course, the number one way to support small businesses is to buy local as often as possible. Remember to look for them first and only buy from e-commerce giants when local options aren’t available.
There are other ways to support local businesses and makers near and far, even when you aren't able to buy from them. It's helpful to follow your favorite shops on social media, sign up for their newsletters or mailing lists, and share a positive review. It might not seem like a lot, but especially in today’s digital information ecosystem, where visibility is trickier and more important than ever, these moves can make a huge impact.
With the holiday season coming up, it’s the perfect time to get in the habit of choosing local first! Wherever you are, thinking local strengthens the community, helps culture thrive, and keeps the community vibrant. If you’re thinking of swinging by, be sure to look ahead to discover other Farmington businesses and events that are happening during your stay!