Whether you’re searching for upscale shopping malls, outlets or boutiques, Greater Phoenix is a shopaholic’s dream come true. We’ve gathered up the best shopping destinations in the Valley, so read on to see where you’ll be spending the weekend.
Shopping Districts
Melrose District
The one-mile stretch of independently owned boutiques and specialty shops loosely based around Seventh Avenue and Indian School Road in Central Phoenix might by the city’s best-kept vintage secret. The small, but thriving, Melrose Shopping District in Phoenix’s Seventh Avenue “gayborhood” features some of the city’s best vintage and antique shops, where you’re sure to find unique, one-of-a-kind furniture, clothing, books, music, and gifts. Between the mid-century modern furniture at Modern Manor to retro duds at Retro Ranch lies a diverse mix of eateries, diners, bars, and nightlife. If you happen to be there at the beginning of March, you can catch the Melrose on 7th Avenue Street Fair. The free fair takes place on 7th Ave from Indian School to Camelback and features over 200 booths of local artists and indie crafts, plus food trucks, live music, a Kid Zone, and a classic car show.
North Scottsdale Corridor
If you’re looking for premium stores like Anthropologie, Athleta, Crate & Barrel, Madewell, and Sur La Table, head to Kierland Commons. This stylish, outdoor shopping center is located in the North Scottsdale corridor and packed with plenty of shops to peruse.
Upscale
Arizona’s original luxury retail destination, Biltmore Fashion Park is centrally located in Phoenix with an outstanding collection of high-end names like Saks Fifth Avenue and Escada. The iconic open-air lifestyle center has been a desirable shopping destination for decades. Shops include Macy’s, Waterworks, Ralph Lauren, Hyde Park Jewelers, Lululemon, and more. The complex also boasts a nice collection of restaurants for hungry shoppers, like The Capital Grille, The Cheesecake Factory, Seasons 52, True Food Kitchen, Blanco Tacos + Tequila, and Zinburger.
In the heart of Downtown Scottsdale, surrounded by world-famous art galleries, restaurants, and resorts, is Arizona’s premier shopping destination, Scottsdale Fashion Square. Opened in 1961, the square’s three stories and nearly two million square feet are filled with the latest designer trends from iconic retailers like Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, Kate Spade New York, and even Tesla. The new luxury wing features a grand, two-story glass entrance, leading the way to exclusive-to-market retailers such as Prada, Gucci, Bulgari, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Cartier as well as new luxury labels like Saint Laurent and Trina Turk; it’s anchored by the classics, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Dillard’s.
Dining options here include Nordstrom Café, Kona Grill, Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill, and Ocean 44, with destination restaurants like Nobu, Toca Madera, Tocaya Organica, and Farmhouse coming soon. The Yard House remains a great place to get a half a yard of your favorite beer along with an onion ring tower and truffle fries. Catch a movie at The Harkins Camelview Theater multiplex, or take in some art at Wonderspaces. Show your out-of-town ID at Scottsdale Fashion Square’s Concierge for a complimentary Visitor Savings card.
Outlets
For those who like to stay trendy with a little more weight in their wallet, there’s the Tanger Outlet on Phoenix’s west side. Located next to the Westgate Entertainment District at the 101 and Glendale, the sprawling shopping complex boasts a vast selection of brand name, factory outlet stores. Tanger’s 80 shops include Calvin Klein, Coach, Gap Outlet, GUESS Factory Store, H&M, Levi’s Outlet, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger, J Crew and many more. Find quality, name-brand fashion, home decor, jewelry, and gifts at a bargain at this mega-outlet.
Upscale shopping meets bargain-hunting at the newest shopping destination in the Phoenix metro area, Phoenix Premium Outlets. The open-air shopping venue is home to dozens of high-end brand names including Armani, Elie Tahari, DKNY, and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, plus the usual suspects like Adidas, Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azria, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Charlotte Russe, Coach, Columbia Sportswear, Converse, Dress Barn, Gap, Michael Kors, Nike, Rawlings Sporting Goods, Tommy Bahama, and more. The outdoor outlet is landscaped with palm trees, desert flora, and water features and has a play area for the kids and food court for when you work up an appetite. This is a great place to shop if you have a long layover since it is conveniently located near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Chandler—unless of course, you want to kill time at the adjacent Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino.
Boutiques
From designer to vintage finds, shop local at Phoenix’s many boutiques. Frances features local goodies including jewelry, clothing, baby, beauty, home, and novelty items. They also host a popular independent craft fair the first Friday in December. Shop apparel, accessories, gifts, home decor, and AZ Love brand clothing at Bunky Boutique. The tiny shop is tucked inside neighboring Giant Coffee. Purple Lizard Boutique in Encanto Village Shopping Center features clothing, unique handmade items, found treasures, an eclectic mix of accessories, and art as well as indoor/outdoor home décor at its sister store, Purple Lizard Casa. Shop home goods at The Willows Fine Goods and Design and Southwest Gardener.
Family-Friendly Spots
With its rock-climbing wall, entertainment center, Dave & Buster’s, 18-screen movie theater, and interactive splash pad for the kids, Desert Ridge Marketplace in North Phoenix is the perfect place for families to enjoy a day of shopping in the sunshine. Occupying more than 1-million- square-feet of retail space, the 110-acre outdoor mall features fireplaces and unique water features. Shops include H&M, Marshall’s Home Goods, American Eagle Outfitters, Old Navy, Pier 1 Imports, Kohls, and Target. The large outdoor destination has several family-friendly restaurants peppered throughout the property, like BJ’s, California Pizza Kitchen, Chipotle, Coldstone, In-N-Out, Jimmy John’s, Macaroni Grill, and Yard House.
Located across the street from Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter offers “fun for the whole family” (read: kiddos) with a splash pad, American Girl Store, and liquid nitrogen ice cream from Creamistry. The massive, indoor outlet and entertainment mall Arizona Mills has kid-friendly attractions such as the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, the state’s largest IMAX, and a Rainforest Cafe.
Whether you’re looking for luxury or trying to be thrifty, you can’t go wrong in your shopping adventures in the Greater Phoenix area. It’s time to find your new Phoenix apartment on Zumper and catch the shopping bug.
Related content
