I lived there for 3 yrs along time ago and don't remember any shops. The good thing is that is right there by San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose. There was a extremly large flea market in San Jose (I think) about 30 min from Alameda that was great. You can find everything there and it takes you all day to get thru it; and the food. I still miss the jalepeno french fries. Yummy