1. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s isn’t just a grocery store—it’s a quirky, joyful experience, Lilit Marcus of CNN explains. The handwritten signs, Hawaiian-shirt-clad employees, and frozen Mandarin Orange Chicken all contribute to a shopping trip that feels more like a neighborhood fair than a weekly chore. People go there for essentials, yes, but also for that little dopamine hit from discovering something new. A lot of shoppers admit they leave feeling better than when they walked in.
What really sets Trader Joe’s apart is its cult-like following and unique product lineup. It’s also consistently rated among the most loved grocery chains in the U.S. There’s a sense of community around the brand, and customers love to share hauls and hidden gems online. That emotional connection is why it feels like a place to go when you need a little pick-me-up.
2. Michaels
Crafting has long been linked to mental health benefits, and Michaels is a candy store for the creative soul. Walking through aisles of yarn, paint, and glitter ignites a certain childlike joy. Whether you’re working on a scrapbook or just browsing, the environment encourages imagination. For many, it’s not about finishing a project—it’s about starting something with hope.
Michaels also leans into seasonal displays that feel like walking into Pinterest. It’s a go-to for holiday decorations and DIY inspiration, which adds a festive flair to regular days. The staff tends to be friendly and passionate, creating a welcoming vibe. That mix of creativity and calm makes it a perfect mental reset spot.
3. Whole Foods
Yes, it’s expensive—but for a lot of Americans, Whole Foods is aspirational therapy, according to Olivia B. Waxman of TIME Magazine. It’s the promise of health and wellness in the form of $10 smoothies and organic strawberries. Even just browsing the produce section can make you feel like you’re making better life choices. The clean, curated look of the stores adds to the mental refresh.
Whole Foods is also known for its hot bar, eco-conscious branding, and product transparency. People trust it to deliver on quality, and that trust reduces shopping stress. Whether you’re there for kombucha or a cheese sample, the experience feels intentional. For wellness-minded folks, it’s retail therapy with a green halo.
4. Barnes & Noble
Bookstores are famously therapeutic, and Barnes & Noble is the last great American chain where you can roam free with a coffee and no pressure, according to Ezra Klein of The New York Times. The smell of books, the quiet ambiance, and the chance to stumble on a story you didn’t know you needed—it’s pure comfort. Many shoppers go without any intention to buy, just to feel the calm that comes with being surrounded by stories. It’s the adult version of a cozy blanket fort.
Barnes & Noble’s resurgence in recent years has come from leaning into that experience. Many locations have cafes, reading nooks, and a growing selection of puzzles and journals. In a digital world, the tactile joy of flipping through pages matters more than ever. It’s no wonder people treat it like a literary spa.
5. Costco
Costco might not seem like a zen den, but for many Americans, it totally is, according to Gael F. Cooper of Money Talks News. There’s something deeply satisfying about the abundance—aisles of bulk goods, giant carts, and the mythical rotisserie chicken for under $5. The layout doesn’t change often, which gives it a comforting familiarity. And don’t underestimate the serotonin boost of a well-organized freezer aisle.
Costco is known for its generous return policy and customer-focused culture. Shoppers trust the brand to offer quality at a good value, which eases decision-making stress. Even just browsing the sample stations feels like a low-stakes adventure. It’s retail therapy on an epic, warehouse-sized scale.
6. IKEA
IKEA is chaos and calm all at once. You enter with a vague goal—maybe a lamp—and exit with 500 tealights and a sense of possibility. The maze-like layout encourages slow wandering, which oddly feels meditative. Plus, the minimalist Scandinavian vibe whispers, “You’ve got your life together,” even if you don’t.
People love the idea of reinvention that IKEA offers. It’s not just furniture—it’s the fantasy of a cleaner, simpler life. Add meatballs and that sense of global neutrality, and you’ve got a strangely relaxing destination. No one ever rushes through IKEA, and that’s part of the appeal.
7. Target
There’s something oddly soothing about a trip to Target. Maybe it’s the seasonal displays, maybe it’s the $5 candles, or maybe it’s just the sheer joy of wandering with a red cart and no list. For many Americans, Target is less about necessity and more about decompression. You walk in for toothpaste, and walk out with throw pillows, a new mug, and your soul slightly lighter.
Target has built its reputation on blending affordability with a boutique vibe, making it feel like a reward instead of a chore. It’s also been praised for its clean store layouts and curated designer collaborations. From college kids to suburban parents, there’s a comfort in knowing exactly what to expect inside. In a chaotic world, that predictability is therapy.
8. Sephora
Sephora is more than makeup—it’s self-expression in a bottle. Stepping into the black-and-white store feels like entering a high-gloss wonderland where you can sample new identities. Whether it’s testing lipstick shades or getting skincare advice from staff, there’s something empowering about taking control of your look. Many people use it as a mini escape, even if they don’t buy anything.
It helps that Sephora invests heavily in customer service and inclusivity. From Fenty’s groundbreaking shade range to free mini makeovers, the brand invites everyone to feel seen. For folks dealing with stress or low self-esteem, a little beauty therapy can go a long way. The mirror doesn’t just reflect your face—it reflects a new mood.
9. Apple Store
There’s a sterile beauty to the Apple Store that oddly soothes the brain. The minimalist design, soft lighting, and orderly product displays create a sense of control. Even if you’re not planning to buy, testing gadgets can be oddly calming. It feels like stepping into the future, and for some, that’s a relief from the messy present.
Apple Stores are also staffed with highly trained, friendly people. The Genius Bar offers support without judgment, which builds loyalty and trust. For tech enthusiasts or anxious customers, that mix of sleek design and human help feels safe. It’s more than tech—it’s a temple of calm and clarity.
10. Anthropologie
Walking into Anthropologie is like being hugged by an artsy aunt with great taste. From the eclectic home goods to the dreamy boho dresses, everything is styled to feel intentional and a little whimsical. People often visit just to soak in the aesthetic. It’s not about practicality—it’s about inspiration.
Anthropologie is known for its sensory appeal: textured walls, curated playlists, and rich fragrances. The visual storytelling makes it feel more like a gallery than a store. That escape from reality, especially in urban settings, is a mood-lifter. It’s less about the stuff, more about the vibe.
11. CVS or Walgreens (late at night)
This one’s a little weird, but real—late-night pharmacy runs hit different. There’s a certain stillness in a 24-hour CVS or Walgreens that can feel comforting, especially when everything else is closed. You don’t even need to buy anything; just wandering the fluorescent-lit aisles feels oddly grounding. People say it’s like a mini reset button at 11 p.m.
These chains offer familiarity and utility all in one. Whether you’re grabbing a snack, a face mask, or just killing time, the experience is always the same. That predictability feels safe, especially during emotional ups and downs. Sometimes, therapy looks like impulse-buying cough drops and a scented candle.
12. REI
REI isn’t just for hardcore hikers—it’s for anyone dreaming of fresh air and freedom. Even if you never pitch a tent, just browsing the gear can stir something hopeful inside. The store evokes adventure, potential, and maybe even a better version of yourself. That emotional lift is why people linger.
REI also promotes environmental stewardship and cooperative ownership, which adds feel-good vibes. Shoppers are encouraged to test gear, ask questions, and explore without pressure. The mix of community and escapism hits a sweet spot for those feeling stuck indoors. It’s therapy by way of Gore-Tex and trail mix.
13. TJ Maxx / Marshalls
The thrill of the hunt is real at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. These stores are a treasure chest of discounted designer goods, and finding a gem can feel like winning. It’s not just shopping—it’s sport, it’s luck, it’s retail roulette. And for many, that unpredictability is half the fun.
You never know what you’ll find, which turns a mundane errand into a mini-adventure. Both brands are built on “surprise and delight,” and it works. The discounted prices make it guilt-free therapy, or at least more justifiable. When life is messy, these stores let you organize your emotions via cute kitchenware.
14. PetSmart
Sometimes the best therapy has four legs and a wagging tail. PetSmart is where people go not just to buy pet supplies, but to be around joy. Watching puppies get groomed or seeing cats nap in adoption cages can lift anyone’s mood. Many people go just to browse or say hi to the animals.
PetSmart also hosts adoption events and pet training classes, making it feel like a hub for animal lovers. That sense of community adds warmth to the shopping experience. Even if you leave empty-handed, your heart’s a little fuller. For animal lovers, it’s tail-wagging therapy—no appointment necessary.
