Surveys indicate that shopping is the top activity for visitors to Scottsdale, Arizona. Located near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix and Tempe, Scottsdale entices shoppers with countless retail shops, boutique specialty stores, shopping centers and designer showrooms.
Old Town Scottsdale
Shoppers will find handmade cowboy boots and Western clothing at Saba's Western Store in downtown Scottsdale. Gilbert Ortega Gallery of Indian Art and Atkinson's Indian Trading Post sell turquoise jewelry, concha belts, pottery, baskets and kachinas made by Native American artists.
To buy Southwestern-style home accessories, handmade leather goods and jewelry, shoppers visit Shades of the West. River Trading Post and Pueblo Arts sell brilliant Native American handcrafted pottery. For liquid refreshments, shoppers can visit the Rusty Spur Saloon, where John Wayne and Pony Express riders quenched their thirst.
Scottsdale Arts District
Also downtown, within four city blocks, the Scottsdale Arts District showcases galleries with Western and Native American art. Charles Parkhurst Rare Books & Autographs sells collectibles.
The nearby Marshall Way Arts District features modern art galleries. Jewelry by Gauthier sells artistic rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Fifth Avenue Arts District has more than 80 shops. Shoppers can easily walk between stores or ride the free downtown trolley.
Scottsdale Waterfront
Stores, like Urban Outfitters and Estilo Boutique, line the Arizona Canal in downtown Scottsdale. Across the pedestrian bridge, The Mix at SouthBridge has four buildings, each with themed stores.
Nest sells gardening supplies, bed and table linens and furniture. Play features baby clothing, toys, a bike rental shop and a ceramic studio for kids. Cherish & Treasure showcases clothing for dogs and fashion accessories.
Scottsdale Fashion Week
Scottsdale Fashion Week is held on the first week of November, every year, on the Scottsdale Waterfront. Fashion shows take place on runways under a tent and outdoors on the Marshall Way Bridge over the Arizona Canal.
A Wearable ArtWalk converts Marshall Way into a fashion art gallery. Music and elegant shops, in the Luxury Lifestyle Pavilion, highlight the three-evening event.
Scottsdale AZ retail stores
The Shops at Gainey Village include Bella Dimora, for bedroom, bathroom and kitchen items, and Belly Boutique, which sells designer maternity wear.
Besides restaurants, Hilton Village features Mackie's Parlour, a pet store, as well as Essentials and More, which sells fragrant soaps, lotions and bath oils.
The Boulders Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Collection, formerly The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa, has an outdoor mall called el Pedregal Shops, with 30 high-end shops, as well as dining and entertainment.
Westcor Shopping Centers
Arrowhead Towne Center, Biltmore Fashion Park, The Borgata, Chandler Fashion Center, Flagstaff Mall, La Encantada, Kierland Commons, Prescott Gateway and Scottsdale Fashion Square comprise Westcor Shopping Centers.
Kierland Commons combines restaurants, accommodations and offices with an outdoor shopping center. Scottsdale shoppers will find fashions by Jennifer Croll and Agata among the 70 upscale shops. Shoppers staylng at the nearby Westin Kierland receive special shopping deals at Kierland Commons.
Pink Paradise, Twig and Twill Boutique and Two Plates Full are three of the 40 specialty shops at The Borgata of Scottsdale. The European-style shopping mall also has outdoor dining and a courtyard.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
With more than 225 stores, Scottsdale Fashion Square is the biggest shopping center in the US Southwest. Besides restaurants and entertainment, it boasts stores like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Juicy Couture, Burberry, Boss Hugo Boss and Salvatore Ferragamo.
A $130 million renovation added upscale shops like Jimmy Choo, Bulgari, Cartier and Armani Exchange, as well as the department store, Barney's New York.
Shopping tours
SPREE! The Art of Shopping provides customized and small group themed shopping tours in Rolls-Royces, limos or luxury vans. With access to more than 300 unique boutiques and specialty shops, professional shoppers help participants save money and time.
“Does anyone like to drink Champagne when they shop?” asks Spree founder, Nancy Shina. Participants can take three- to four-hour shopping tours for less than the cost of a golf game or a spa treatment, according to Shina.
Spree shopping tours include Sex & the City, which features shoe boutiques, elegant jewelry shops and lingerie from France, with gourmet chocolates for refreshments. Another tour focuses on shopping for discounted designer fashions.
There are Spree tours for home accessories, studio shopping trips for art and jewelry and even a shopping tour for men, who want to buy wine and cigars, as well as clothing.
For Christmas shopping in Scottsdale, Spree has a Red Carpet Holiday Shopping package. Participants can buy Christmas decorations and gifts. Spree wraps the gifts and delivers or ships them.
A special Westcor VIP shopping tour goes to Westcor shopping centers like Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Fashion Square. Shoppers receive a VIP welcome along with a gift bag.
