Nestled in a small corner space, the tiny Gnome is one of the most authentically cool shops in the French Quarter on the “locals” side of Decatur. The spot is big on hip clothing, accessories, and magazines. At Gnome, they’re keeping it analog, offering up friendly, genuine customer service — you won’t find employees sitting around checking their Facebook statuses while you stand there being ignored, which, if you’ve been shopping lately, you know is (sadly) refreshing.

The shop is going through a transitional time and a small scale remodeling but they still have a great selection of summer essentials for both men and women. Gnome is the place to duck into if you’re out strolling around the cool side of the Quarter in the mid-day heat and suddenly realize a straw hat would make the summer sun a bit more bearable. Dogs barkin’? Upgrade your shoes to Toms — Gnome’s got the best in-store selection in the city — or buy a pair of trusty ol’ Haviana flip flops or an affordable pair of plimsolls. Make sure you check out every nook and cranny of this place as great finds are stuffed everywhere and often hidden in plain view.

Trying to kill time in the park, or just in need of some fresh reading material? Pick up a cool as shit magazine to sit down and read, such as Monocle, art fave Juxtapoz, Gastronomica, Hi Fructose, Adbusters, Surface, and Wire. Or just want your old fav GQ? Help out this local business and pick it up here instead at that hell-on-Earth Tchop Walmart.

More than anything Gnome specializes in quality apparel for not a lot of money. The quality of the Herschel backpacks and totes makes them seem pricier than they actually are, and they’re durable and good looking to boot. Represent local favorite Defend NOLA and replace that tattered tee you wore into the ground.

In a time when it’s more important than ever to support the small local guys, you can shop at Gnome and feel good about their prices, quality, and the products that they choose to carry. So get downtown and get ‘cha some new ish!

Gnome
1301 Decatur, at Barracks
(504) 309-2288
Hours: Tue-Sun 12 pm-6 pm
No website

by Christy Lorio