Gifts For All

SoCo Stroll and other seasonal surprises await at Austin's Music Lane this holiday

Whether you are looking to celebrate with family and friends or trying to cross off gifts from your shopping list, Music Lane has something for everyone.

The premier destination in Austin for holiday shopping, dining, and revelry, Music Lane is the latest addition to iconic South Congress Avenue and includes a nice mix of both local and first-to-Texas retailers and restaurants.

For her
Check out the stylish, runway-to-real-life fashion from NYC-based retailer Alice + Olivia, or live la vie en rose with whimsical, romantic designs by LoveShackFancy. Want to shop local? UT alum and jeweler to the stars Nak Armstrong offers sparkling gems and beautiful baubles for those who are at the top of the nice list

For him
Houston homegrown brand Manready Mercantile features local Texas designers and includes leather goods, barware, grooming, and more for the man in your life

For the athlete
Nike and Alo are the newest stores to join the Music Lane portfolio. Located on the south side of the development, each store has all the gear the favorite runner or yogi in your life is looking for.

For the teacher
Allbirds keep feet comfy, even after running around with your kiddos all day.

For the boss or bestie
You can't go wrong with a Le Labo candle. Whether on your vanity or your desk, these fragrant candles makes any room a bit chicer.

Refuel and recharge
For bites and drinks, check out Aba, the Chicago-based Mediterranean concept from Top Chef alum CJ Jacobson and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. With its first Texas location — and only second one in the country — Aba brings a delightful Mediterranean-inspired menu and one of the most Instagram-worthy patios in town.

Two Hands, also a first Texas location outside of NYC, offers an Australian-inspired option and a setting that's ideal for people-watching.

Do the SoCo Stroll
On December 18 and 19 from 12-4 pm, Music Lane and its other South Congress neighbors will celebrate the second annual SoCo Stroll, a self-guided day of shopping, dining, and entertainment specials.

The Good Juju Flower Truck will be out both Saturday and Sunday, selling custom wreaths and seasonal arrangements, and complimentary Hair Sparkles activations will take place in the breezeway behind Aba — this is sure to make a statement at your holiday parties.

Select Music Lane retailers will be offering shopping discounts on those days, along with festive, limited-edition menu items at restaurants and free gift wrapping in the courtyard between Lululemon and TwoHands.

Gather around the Disco Ball Christmas Tree on the plaza for photos with Santa.

You can read more about the offers and plan your visit here.

Wondering about parking? Don't forget the underground parking garage, located at the corner of South Congress and Music Lane, with elevator access to the street so you can easily store your purchases. Rates start at $6 for two hours.

Cross off everyone on your list at Music Lane.

Photo by Ruslan Dashinsky/Getty

Cross off everyone on your list at Music Lane.

holidays promoted shopping

RETAIL WATCH

Texas AG Ken Paxton opens investigation into fast-fashion giant Shein

Photo courtesy of SHEIN

Shein is now under investigation from the Texas Attorney General.

Critics of fast fashion have found a strange bedfellow in Ken Paxton. The Texas Attorney General announced December 1 he would investigate online retailer Shein for alleged unethical labor practices and unsafe consumer products.

According to a release from Paxton’s office, the inquiry aims to find out if Shein’s “supply chain and manufacturing practices violate Texas law by using toxic or hazardous materials, misleading consumers about product safety, and misleading consumers about ethical sourcing.” The probe will also look into the corporation’s data collection and privacy practices.

In a statement, Paxton put a partisan spin on the investigation.

“Safe, non-toxic material and products are another key ingredient to [Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s] Make America Healthy Again movement,” said Paxton in the release. “Any company that cuts corners on labor standards or product safety, especially those operating in foreign nations like China, will be held accountable.”

Paxton’s move unexpectedly aligns the AG with environmental watchdogs. Nonprofit Yale Climate Connections has long sounded the alarm about the Singapore-based e-tailer, calling it one of the world’s biggest polluters. Paxton has long railed against climate change regulations and sued the Biden administration several times to block emissions rules.

The investigation is part of a larger Republican crackdown on Chinese consumer products. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are debating new restrictions on Shenzhen-based aerial drone maker DJI, and Senator Tom Cotton has called for investigations of “Communist Chinese” companies Shein and Temu. The September Texas vape ban specifically banned disposable e-cigarettes manufactured in the country.

In a statement emailed to multiple media outlets, Shein said it would comply with Paxton’s investigation.

“Shein takes these concerns seriously and is fully committed to cooperating,” a spokesperson said. “Our mission — to provide affordable, fashionable products to customers around the world — is underpinned by a dedication to safety, compliance, and respect for human rights.”

The controversy will likely have little effect on Shein’s popularity with Zoomers. The company snagged an estimated $38 billion in sales in 2024 and has an average of 24.7 million active app users each month.

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