A. Schwab's

A. Schwab is a general store on Beale Street stocked with traditional candies, musical instruments, art books, and handcrafted items like cast iron skillets. The shop features a restored soda fountain counter inside where visitors can sample period sweets and drinks.

The store was founded in 1876 by Abraham Schwab, an immigrant from Alsace, who started by selling men's shoes. Over time it grew into a diverse retail business that mirrored the economic changes on Beale Street.

The shop displays artifacts on its mezzanine balcony that show how Beale Street has evolved over many decades. Visitors can explore these objects and understand the street's importance to the city and its communities.

The store is easy to reach on foot and spreads across multiple floors including the museum on the mezzanine level. Plan to spend time browsing since the inventory covers many different areas and interests.

The store is the only original business operating continuously on Beale Street since its opening in 1876. It also occupies the oldest standing building in the district, making it a rare surviving relic from another era.