Shopping in Phoenix: Top Places to Shop All Around the Valley

Shopping in Phoenix is a favorite past time for both locals and visitors. You will find several popular indoor and outdoor malls, districts, and outlets. You will also find some great places to shop downtown, in Scottsdale, and the surrounding communities.

To help you find the best places to shop around the Valley, we've created a few lists of our favorites. This way, you can find the type of shopping you desire and then quickly find the best spots for you! 

In some cases, you will find a shopping center, mall, or district on more than one list. 

Click the links below to skip ahead to the type that interests you the most.

Best Shopping in Phoenix: Our 5 Top Overall Recommendations

1. Desert Ridge Marketplace: If you enjoy being in the outdoors, then this is going to be one of the top shopping in Phoenix options for you and your family. With over 40 stores for you to choose from, you will be able to choose from stores such as Hot Topic, Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, and much more. If you need to do some food shopping, they even have an Albertsons!

Something that Jill and I love is that there is a nice AMC theater and a Dave & Buster's. When you get hungry, you'll have choices such as IN-N-Out, California Pizza Kitchen, Panda Express, and so much more. They also have special events like live music. 21001 North Tatum Blvd.

2. Scottsdale Fashion Square: This is one of the top of the line shopping centers just northwest of Phoenix in Scottsdale. This massive mall includes Cartier, Dillard's, Neiman Marcus, and Versace just to name a few of their stores. With almost 2,000,000 square feet of shopping and dining, you will be sure to find something for everyone.

People love that there is an indoor/outdoor terrace movie theater, The Verite Lounge, since it is unlike anywhere else in the city. There are also several eating choices ranging from basics like Five Guys Burgers to the top restaurants such as Nobu. If you want a very special experience, check out their "Luxury Shopping Experience" which will give you wonderful choices. 7014 East Camelback Road

3. Biltmore Fashion Park: This is the perfect location where you will find everything ranging from medium to the top-of-the-line items. Some of these include Chico's and Evereve up to Saks Fifth Avenue and J. Crew.

There is a nice list of restaurants here too including Pomo Pizza, Frost a Gelato Shoppe, Obon Bisutoro, and Aram's and my personal favorite, Zinburger. There are also numerous events, both inside and out, including fashion shows, live music, and special pop-ups that change throughout the season. Make sure to inquire about their "Visitor Incentives" to get deals. 2502 East Camelback Road

4. Tempe Marketplace: This shopping mall has a more of a relaxed and easy going feel to it. It has many of the more essential items that you will need from stores such as DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse), H&M, Cost Plus World Market, and Best Buy. Something that we like is it is a bit of a one-stop shopping center since there are also stores like AT&T, Verizon and others to help solve some day in day out issues.

That being stated, there is still a lot to do here since they have over 100 stores and more than 300 events a year. They also have a Harkins' movie theater if you want to get out of the sun. It is located right beside the Salt River, which runs through Phoenix and Tempe at 2000 East Rio Salado Parkway.

5. Melrose District: If you are looking for more than just a mall and want to really feel like you are in the Valley of the Sun's culture, then this is where you will want to go shopping in Phoenix. There are loads of cool bars, restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, and so much more.

The district prides itself on being entirely inclusive, proudly LGBTQ-friendly, and a very eclectic and original style area of the city. Some of the fun places to check out include Copper Star Coffee, Charlie's Phoenix, Restaurant Progress, and if you are looking for some cool clothes, try the Retro Ranch. Located just 15 minutes north of downtown Phoenix Seventh Avenue between Indian School and Camelback roads.

Outlet Shopping in Phoenix

Tanger Outlets (Glendale): Primarily an outdoor outlet mall, you will find over 100 stores catering to your every need. These range from the Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory up to a few higher end options such as Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger. An added bonus of shopping at the Tanger Outlets is that if you find the merchandise you bought cheaper anywhere else, they'll refund you the price for up to 14 days.

Restaurants include several grab and go options such as Subway, Fired Pie, and Wetzel's Pretzel. 6800 North 95th Avenue, Glendale

Phoenix Premium Outlets (Chandler): Simply stated, this gorgeous outdoor shopping area will have everything you could ever imagine and more. There are over 50 stores for you to choose from ranging from options such as Levi's, Nike Factory Store, and Tumi. Others include the Armani Exchange, Coach, Hurley, Famous Footwear, and True Religion Outfit.

Their food selection is also grab and go options such as Charley's Philly Steaks, Famous Wok, and a few more. If you are with the little ones, there is a nice children's play area and a "derailed" choo-choo train for them to play on. The Phoenix Premium Outlets are about 20 minutes southeast of downtown Phoenix at 4976 Premium Outlets.

Outlets at Anthem (Anthem): Jill and I love going here when we want to go shopping in Phoenix since its pet friendly and we can bring our doggies! Some of the store include The Nike Factory Store, Michael Kors Outlet, Under Armour, and Vans Outlet. Food choices here include places such as Ruby's Express Burgers, Charley's Philly Steaks, and Outlets at Anthem. 

Something that all our friends and family love when they visit is this open-air mall has everything we need including covered parking, an outdoor and shaded children's play area and splash pool, and an air-conditioned food court with free Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs which is great when we just need a break from it all and want chill out. 4250 West Anthem Way

Arizona Mills (Tempe): Just about 15 minutes southeast of downtown Phoenix, you'll find one of the most amazing outlet malls anywhere in the USA. It has a large selection of store with more than 185, but it also has a LEGOLAND Discovery Center and a SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium! It's a great family-friendly spot!

As for the stores, it is hard to list 185 in one space, so it is basically all the stores you see listed in the outlet malls above and many more. They include places such as furniture stores, stores specifically for perfume, and more. There are loads of eating choices and even a Holiday Inn Express & Suites if you want to stay here during your whole vacation. Then again, maybe just a night to recover from all the fun and sun you'll have while you stay here. 5000 South Arizona Mills Circle in Tempe

Downtown Phoenix Shopping

CityScape: This is the perfect place to take some time, chill out, enjoy downtown, and just feel like you are on vacation. There are a few stores here, but you will mostly want to check out the restaurants. With over 15 of them, you will definitely find something that will fulfill your appetite. These range from classics like Jimmy John's sandwiches, Five Guys Burgers and Chipotle to locals such as Chico Malo, Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, and The Arrogant Butcher.

If you have the little ones with you, there are some ground level fountains that splash up for them to play in when it is hot here in the Valley of the Sun. It is also walking distance to most the sporting events and entertainment venues. 1 East Washington Street

Historic Grand Avenue: This historic shopping district offers a few blocks of small, local stories for a fun shopping in Phoenix experience. Here you will find a few galleries, a funky furniture store, and a couple of clothing shops. This area has not been fully developed, so you get a feel of what Phoenix was like decades ago. The best shopping is on Grant Avenue around W. Roosevelt Street. 

Galleries: One thing we love about downtown Phoenix is the number of galleries all around the district. You will find everything from high-end modern art to stores with pieces from local artists. You will find quite a few along E. Roosevelt Street between 3rd and 5th Streets. You will also find some cool options just south of Chase Field between 3rd and 7th Streets along E Grant Street.  

Other Downtown Phoenix Shopping Options: In addition to the places mentioned above, you will find small stores all around the downtown Phoenix area. They include stores for clothing, home décor, and more. You will also find a wonderful wine shop called the Hidden Track Bottle Shop. Make sure to check it out if you love wine!

Shopping in Scottsdale

Scottsdale is an easy 15-20 minute drive northeast of downtown Phoenix.

Scottsdale Fashion Square: Considered one of the top ultra-luxury malls in all of Phoenix, this is the place to go when you want only the best shopping in Phoenix. Stores here include A/X Armani Exchange, Gucci, Escada, and more. If you are looking to impress your loved ones, you will find wonderful gifts as places such as Breitling, Bulgari, Cartier, or Hyde Park Jewelers/Rolex. In total, you will find about 200 stores here.

Some of the top restaurants here include Neiman Marcus Café, Nobu, or the absolutely incredible Ocean 44. They have a full-service movie theater and special concierge and shopping packages. You will love this outdoor mall and will want to come back again and again.

Scottsdale Quarter: Like many of the shopping areas around Scottsdale, and Phoenix, the quarter has the classics such as Sephora, Forever 21, the Gap, Express and others. However, it has a lot of stores that many others don't too. Aram and I love shopping here so we can stop by places such as Albion, Pandora, Rachel's Best Soaps, and KITTENISH (seriously, isn't that the cutest name ever?). 

Just like with their eclectic shops, the restaurants here tend to be more local. These include Mixt, Eddie V's Prime Seafood, Culinary Dropout, and more. They often have Saturday night free concerts, and other fun events, so check the schedule and see what is on tap! 15059 North Scottsdale Road

Old Town Scottsdale: This is a favorite for people that love shopping in Phoenix since it is more like a community than it is a shopping center. When you step into this sprawling district, you'll think you've walked back into the Old West. With stucco & classic western style wood buildings, fun bars and restaurants, jewelry stores with pieces from the past as well as the present, you'll love it immediately.

We love bringing people as it's a historic district but nearby Scottsdale's modern districts as well. You can really feel what it must have been like to live here when cowboys were walking around with their six-shooters and the bars were full of cattle rustlers. It really is a must stop when you want to shop, or just even visit, one of the most fun locations in Phoenix. Downtown Scottsdale

Kierland Commons: Although not as big as some of the main Phoenix shopping areas and malls, Kierland has a nice selection of quality clothes and more. Some of their stores include medium priced ones such as Talbots, Victoria's Secret, and Michael Kors. There are also more exclusive stores such as Coach, Lucky, Michael Kors, among them.

We both like that it is a bit less hectic than some of the bigger places and they have different food selections than other malls. These include ones such as North Italia, Postino Winecafe, Tocaya Modern Mexican, and about 10 other tasty restaurants to satisfy your appetite no matter what you are craving. 15205 North Kierland Blvd

Indoor Shopping Malls in Phoenix

Chandler Fashion Center: This is a great mall to go to when it is just too hot outside, and you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Even though it is just about 20 minutes southeast of downtown Phoenix, it is much more relaxed and easier going here. All the stores are nicely lined up, and the mall is set up in the shape of a large "X" which means you can just travel down one arm at a time and not get lost.

Some of the stores here include both Macy's and Dillard's, but smaller ones too such as Eddie Bauer, Shoe Palace, and Forever 21. You will also find higher end ones such as LuLuLemon Atheltica, Michael Kors, and Coach. You can be sure to find something that will fit your needs.

Some of the restaurants here are Benihana, Famous Dave's, Five Guys Burgers, and a lot of other fun choices. The Chandler Fashion Center is about a 25-minute drive southeast of Phoenix at 3111 West Chandler Blvd.

Arizona Mills (Tempe): This is honestly the coolest of the cool places to go shopping in Phoenix when you want to both shop and go to a magical wonderland at the same time! Not only does this mall have over 185 stores, but it also has the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, a Rainforest Café, a Harkin's Theater, and the LARGEST IMAX in all of the Arizona!

Now, if that wasn't enough to make you want to visit, here's some of the shopping information for you: Their stores include options such as the Nike Clearance Store, Forever 21, and the Champs Sports. You will also find the Arizona Diamond Center, Aeropostale, and Open Mind Emporium. There are just too many to mention here!

There are loads of restaurants, from the most casual to the nicest, so you will have your pick no matter what your mood. Arizona Mills is about a 20-minute drive southeast of Phoenix at 5000 South Arizona Circle.

Scottsdale Fashion Square: This is one of the more exclusive indoor malls. Here you will find plenty of stores to entice you such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, Versace, and Cartier. 

There is also a nice selection of restaurants too. Some of these include The Crepe Club, Kona Grill, and Pita Jungle. Now, if you do want to have the best of the best, then check out some of the higher end options such as Zinque, Nobu, or the incredible Ocean 44.

You also can choose to try out the Harkin's Theater's bar and lounge with indoor and outdoor seating to watch a movie. There really isn't anything else like it. Scottsdale Fashion Square is about a 15-minute drive northeast of downtown Phoenix at 7014 East Camelback.

Other Great Shopping Options Around Phoenix

Uptown Plaza: More than just a plaza, this is a cool shopping area and community. You can easily walk around it, since it is relatively close and compact, and have all kinds of things to do and places to eat. Unlike many shopping areas, these are small locally owned stores, such as Francesca's clothing store, Muse Apparel, Local Nomad, and others.

Aram and I like that the restaurants are also mostly local and original. Unlike the chain sandwich shops, try out Zookz. For some delicious pizza, check out Lou Malnati's. If you want to kick back a brew or two, then Huss Brewing is for you. Finally, when you want some desert, you'll have to have a check out the Shake Shack.

The best part is this isn't even close to what you can find there, so spend some time checking out the local people and stores. Most stores are located within a 5-block radius at the intersection of Camelback Road and North Central Avenue.

Brass Armadillo Antique Mall: This is one of the weirdest, wildest, and kookiest malls we've ever been to when shopping in Phoenix. And that is meant as a 100% compliment! There are loads of different vendors here and they all have different types of goods. To repeat: It is probably one of the strangest "malls" Aram and I have ever visited in our lives.

Let me give you just a short idea of what we bought last time: Some old records (yes, we have a record player and we have our smartphones!), a cool lamp that had an awesome 1920's style shade on it, and some old wicker woven chairs for our deck.

Honestly, even if you don't intend to buy anything, just go and check out all the vendors' little cubicles...and trust us, you will end up buying something. You can even request a "Personal Shopper" if you have a specific item in mind. The Brass Armadillo Antique Mall is about a 20-minute drive north of downtown Phoenix at 13277 West McDowell Road

Arrowhead Towne Center: This mall is the perfect place for someone who is on a budget or someone that just doesn't want to spend too much. At the more inexpensive end, you have stores such as J.C. Penny, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Vans "Off the Wall." Other stores here include shops such as Macy's, Dillard's and Coach.

The restaurants are more reasonably priced as well. Some of them include Fired Pie, The Great Steak & Potato Company, and Chompie's, along with a few other quick bite choices.

So, if you want to go shopping, and not break the bank, but still have a good selection and a good time, this is probably a great location for you when you go shopping in Phoenix. Arrowhead Towne Center is about a 30-minute drive north of downtown Phoenix at 7700 West Arrowhead Towne Center

Shops at Norterra: This outdoor shopping area has a great combination of pretty much everything you could imagine or need while on your vacation in the Valley of the Sun. There is a nice range of options, including a Harkin's Theater, Best Buy, Sephora, and even a Massage Envy is you want a little "me" time.

There are also fun restaurants like the Tikka Shack Indian Grub Restaurant, State 48 Rock House Brewery, and a Café Zupas. So, along with the expected, you get some of the unexpected!

Something that we always check is the specials on their website. They are constantly changing them, and they are usually very good deals, and worth your time. Depending on when you go, you'll also want to check to see what events are happening that night. Some of the stores have live music and other fun things for you or your kid to do while you are here. The shops at Norterra are about a 25-minute drive north of Phoenix at 2450 West Happy Valley Road.

Westgate Entertainment District: Westgate is not kidding when it describes itself as an "Entertainment District" as you'll think you might have taken a wrong turn and showed up at Las Vegas instead of the Valley of the Sun! There are loads of places to eat, lots of things to do, and it is pretty much the perfect spot for anything since it is in the heart of Glendale.

There are a few specialty shops. However, the best part about it is that you can spend a fun evening here at places such as Dave & Busters, see a show at Stir Crazy Comedy Club, grab some yummy food at restaurants like Hot N Juicy Crawfish or the Yard House Brewery. Even if you don't want to do anything, it is still a great place to people watch.

Make sure to check out the schedule for the "WaterDance Plaza" to see a great water and fountain light show every day. Westgate Entertainment Center is in downtown Glendale at 6751 North Sunset Blvd.

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