Local Gem: Small World Goods in Austin, Texas

Local Gem is RetailMeNot’s new editorial series celebrating standout indie shops across the United States. Discover hidden treasures near you, travel to one, or shop their one-of-a-kind finds online.

Small World Goods, a shop on Austin’s buzzy East Sixth Street, gets a lot of foot traffic.

It’s not just because of its enviable location between Austin culinary institutions Suerte and Ramen Tatsuya (though that certainly helps). It’s also because of the store’s uncommon inventory, which includes treasures not typically seen in the city — or even on this continent. 

Small World Goods is located at 1630 E 6th Street, Austin, Texas 78702

The tiny shop packs an eclectic selection of apparel, gifts and crafts handmade in far-flung destinations. Each piece is handpicked by owner and world traveler Bibi Kemper, who sources finds from women and independent artisans in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa and beyond. 

“Most of what we have from overseas can’t be found anywhere else in the Americas,” Kemper says. “I prioritize working with makers who don’t have access to the internet or a larger marketplace.” 

The Story Behind Small World Goods 

Small World Goods has been open for three years, but its story is decades in the making. The tale begins in 2001, when Kemper took her first trip to India and fell in love. From India, the burgeoning vagabond continued to Europe, Asia and Africa.

To support herself while traveling, Kemper taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and theater. After years in the classroom, she knew it was time for a change. Kemper was struck by the idea to start her own business when her therapist asked her what she would do if money were no object. 

“I immediately thought about my love for little import shops,” Kemper says. “I always felt incredibly inspired by the people, cultures, and crafts in the countries I traveled to. I wanted to support those artists and traditions.” 

Once she knew what she wanted, Kemper sprang into action. Settling in Austin in 2017, Kemper opened up shop in a little blue truck on East 11th. She named the business Gadabout Goods, filling the colorful retail truck with products from places she’d been. 

“I wrote my friends in India, who sent me beautiful things to start selling,” Kemper says. “I taught myself to run all aspects of the business, from social media to finances to legal compliance.” 

Then, in 2020, the pandemic struck. Like many small businesses, Gadabout Goods was forced to close. 

“Pop-up markets shut down, and I couldn’t invite people into the tiny space of my truck,” Kemper recalls. 

Through the long, lonely pandemic, Kemper remained committed to her dream of selling crafts from around the world. 

“The dream had always been to open my own brick-and-mortar store,” Kemper says. When it looked like things were opening up after the pandemic, I decided to take the plunge.” 

Serenipitously, a storefront on Austin’s vibrant East 6th Street unexpectedly vacated. Kemper went for it. 

What You’ll Find Inside 

Three years later, Small World Goods is already a fixture in Austin’s vibrant Eastside. Inside the sunlit shop, shelves display colorful sarongs, Turkish towels, and quirky mugs. Each piece comes with a handmade card with a description of its origin. 

“Small World Goods is like a tiny treasure chest,” Kemper says. “Most people walk around the shop three or four times because they see new things every time.”

Ahead, we’ve shared a few standouts from the shop: 

Dear Friend Clothing 

Image: Small World Goods

Dear Friend is Kemper’s proprietary line of ethically made clothing. Every piece is designed by Kemper and handcrafted by a fair-trade women’s collective in Kathmandu, Nepal.

“I work with an amazing group of women who handloom all the cotton fabric first and hand-make each piece,” Kemper says. 

The collection includes cozy, flattering pieces made from natural fabrics designed to last a lifetime. The pieces are designed to make wearers feel as beautiful, comfortable and confident as you do with your dearest friends, Kemper explains.  

“They’re perfect for Austin’s long, hot summers and fantastic for layering up in the colder months,” Kemper says. 

Top sellers include the Krishna Button-Up Top ($78), a versatile, breastfeeding-friendly top with natural bamboo buttons, and No Waste Scrunchies made with leftover handloomed cotton scraps. 

South and Southeast Asian Jewelry 

Small World Goods offers a collection of rings, bangles and earrings handcrafted by artisans in Bali, India and other Asian countries.  A top seller is the Spiral Cuff Hill Tribe Earrings ($24), carved by silversmiths from the Karen Hill Tribe in northern Thailand.

Dhuni Powder

Dhuni powder is a fine powder of herbs and spices burned like incense with a distinct, uplifting aroma. The traditional powder is seldom found in the U.S. It’s one of the shop’s most unusual items, Kemper says. 

Dhuni powder is a fine powder of herbs and spices burned like incense with a distinct, uplifting aroma. The traditional powder is seldom found in the U.S. It’s one of the shop’s most unusual items, Kemper says. 

“We have a few Dhuni powders on the shelves made by a wonderful group of women in India,” Kemper says. “You don’t see Dhuni powder much in Austin!” 

A Peek Into Small World Goods’ Community 

Kemper herself may have lived all around the world, but she has a special place in her heart for Austin. 

“I’m an avid gardener, and always inspired by the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center,” Kemper says. “I like to spend the day there, relaxing and walking through the different ecosystems they’ve created.” 

Fast on its way to becoming an East Austin icon, Small World Goods is an active and valued part of the colorful neighborhood’s community. Every second Sunday, Small World Goods joins other small businesses on East 6th Street in a block party celebration. At the monthly festival, local vendors dole out drinks, exclusive products and other goodies. 

“East 6th Street is such a vibrant, local part of Austin, and it’s been amazing to celebrate with the other small businesses,” Kemper says. 

How to Shop Small World Goods If You Don’t Live in Austin 

Don’t live in Austin? You can still shop Small World Goods online at SmallWorldGoods.com. The shop’s digital counterpart ships to destinations around the world and offers free domestic shipping on orders over $75. The site has thoughtful gift guides in categories like “Quirky Minds” and “Self Care Lovers,” curated by Kemper herself. 

Of course, the best way to experience Small World Goods is to visit in person. If you are planning a trip to Austin, don’t forget to stop by the shop and say hello to Kemper. Need restaurant or activity recommendations? Kemper has got you covered: 

“My favorite Austin restaurant is Suerte, just down East 6th,” Kemper says. “They get the most gorgeous textures in their masa dishes, and I always save room for their house-made Choco-Taco dessert.” 

She suggests walking off your Choco-Tacos at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center.

“I like to spend the day there, relaxing and walking through the different ecosystems they’ve created,” she says. 

Looking Ahead

Kemper has traveled far and worked hard to build Small World Goods, but challenges remain. President Trump’s sweeping tariffs mean local companies face higher expenses for imported products.

“It’s a pretty terrifying situation for small businesses, especially ones like mine that work with small batch makers overseas,” Kemper says. “A large part of my business is keeping prices ethical for shoppers as well, so the last thing I want to do is raise prices.” 

Now more than ever, it’s important to think globally, shop locally. Small World Goods, with its independent ownership and globally sourced inventory, is a perfect place to start. 

Visit Small World Goods’ brick & mortar shop at 1630 E 6th St Unit 101, Austin, TX 78702. Shop online at Small World Goods and follow the store on Instagram and Facebook. 

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