A. Schwab on Beale Street

A. Schwab is a five-story general store founded in 1876 on Beale Street, operating as a retail shop and small museum with period fixtures and novelty goods. Its eclectic inventory of souvenirs, novelty signs, and historic displays makes it a frequent reference in jokes about Beale Street kitsch and Memphis tourism. Locals often tease visitors for buying A. Schwab trinkets as quintessential Memphis souvenirs. The store's long history and visible presence on Beale Street keep it a recurring comedic touchpoint.