Say Hey

Distinctive Heydude brand opens new shoe store on South Congress

The Austin store will have the brand's largest selection available.

Casual footwear brand Heydude is opening a new store in Austin, marking its arrival with a big celebration May 8 and 9. The store is located at 1708 S. Congress Ave., the former address of Limbo Jewelry, Triple Z Threadz, and Dope Daughters, which all closed at the end of 2025.

A press release dubs this the brand's "first-ever Icon store," carrying the brand's largest selection of products. Spanning 3,300 square feet, it'll carry footwear and other branded accessories. And true to trends on South Congress, the new store contains a stage for musical performances.

Heydude shoes, sold in men's, women's, and kids' styles, are generally chunky and sewn in a loafer-like shape, even if they have more in common with a casual sneaker. Comfort is a priority, and while the signature styles have been polarizing, there are some fun novelty styles and lower-profile choices. In addition to sneakers, shoppers will find sandals, boots, and other styles.

Guests who stop by during the opening weekend festivities will get to try complimentary bites from LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, beverages from Garage Beer, and Liquid Death, and listen to live music by locals JD Clark and Croy (Croy and the Boys). There will also be discounts available in-store for shoppers with a student ID.

Store hours at Heydude according to Google Maps are Mondays through Saturdays from 10 am to 8 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm.

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Mad Plans

Popular Austin skin care brand Mad Hippie opening hometown flagship

Rendering courtesy of Mad Hippie

A rendering shows the modern design in store for the 3,600-square-foot space.

The local-born skin care brand Mad Hippie is opening its first flagship store in Austin. The new store at 700 S. Lamar Blvd. is due to open May 28.

Mad Hippie is moving into a 3,600-square-foot space that combines traditional retail with flexible event areas. A courtyard housing a 300-year-old live oak tree brings a natural feel to the space designed by local architecture firm Studio Luck. Shoppers will also hear vinyl records, sip tea, relax in a lounge, and try products with guidance from staff. More events like yoga sessions and pop-up flower markets will happen on a rotating basis.

In the middle of the store, guests can sit down at the terrazzo facial bar, where estheticians and staff will teach them about oil cleansing, give mini-facials, and help them test products.

Husband and wife Dana Stewart and Sam Stewart started Mad Hippie in 2009 with the goal of using "clean, effective ingredients without harmful additives," according to a press release.

Its most popular product is its Vitamin C Serum, but it also makes cleansers, mineral sunscreens, cheek and lip tints, and more. None of its products are tested on animals. The flagship will also sell refills and containers (including for the Vitamin C Serum) and a rotating selection of products from other local and small businesses, like loungewear and ceramics.

Mad Hippie product lineup Most Mad Hippie products are for function over cosmetics.Photo courtesy of Mad Hippie

“For us, this is about more than just retail,” said co-founder Dana Stewart in the release. “We wanted to create a welcoming community space where people can gather, discover new rituals, and experience wellness in a way that feels approachable and inspiring.”

Mad Hippie will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 am to 7 pm, and Sundays from noon to 5 pm.

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