[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places for Shopping in Memphis

Shopping in Memphis is the perfect place to find unique and interesting items for every budget. Memphis, Tennessee, is known for its rich history and rock ’n’ roll music and its diverse shopping scene. Located east of downtown, there are several big-name malls that offer a wide selection of high-end designer and mainstream retail items.

For those looking for something more unique, the vibrant Collierville Square and Broad Avenue areas are the perfect places to go. These areas are home to many locally owned stores, so shoppers can find one-of-a-kind items. 

Our guide to the best places to go shopping in Memphis showcases the city’s diverse shopping opportunities and allows you to find the perfect item, no matter what you’re looking for.

The Best Places for Shopping in Memphis

1. Overton Square

Overton Square is an iconic plaza located in the heart of Memphis. It is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. From sports brands to boutiques and beauty salons, the square offers a plethora of shopping options. For those looking to satisfy their hunger, there are plenty of cafés and eateries serving fresh pastries, tapas, and more.

In addition to the shopping opportunities, Overton Square also boasts two theatres. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment in the outdoor areas, such as music concerts and art exhibitions.

2. LAURELWOOD SHOPPING CENTER

The Laurelwood Shopping Center in East Memphis offers an upscale shopping experience with several high-end clothiers, including Joseph for women and James Davis for men. Some popular chain stores, such as Talbot’s and J. Jill’s. Le Fleur, a fabulous florist and gift store, makes shopping for gifts and flowers easy. Saachi is a must-shop for teens, and Booksellers, an independently owned bookshop, is a great spot to browse books and gifts. Booksellers also has a bistro that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. King, a local jeweler and fur store, has something for everyone, from affordable to over-the-top options. 

Laurelwood Shopping Center is the perfect place to find something for everyone, offering high-end designer items or common denominator clothing.

3. Broad Avenue

Broad Avenue is the perfect place for those looking for the latest fashion, designer clothes, and accessories. Bead Couture is ideal for finding sweet ornaments, while 20twelve is the place for the latest fashion. Mbabazi House of Style is a fair-trade store with an amazing selection of African-style clothing.

Broad Avenue is also a thriving art district. It is home to many art galleries and music studios, such as Arrow Creative, Memphis Guitar Spa, and Bingham & Broad, which has an impressive collection of artsy memorabilia. If you need refreshment while browsing, there is a great selection of bars and diners.

4. REGALIA AT RIDGEWAY CENTER

Regalia is an upscale shopping experience located in East Memphis. Anchored by the renowned Oak Hall, the outdoor mall offers an array of intriguing boutiques and specialty stores that sell everything from gifts to clothing to home accessories. Notable stores include the preppy Vineyard Vines and a wine store with an exceptional selection. 

In addition, the mall features a handful of restaurants, such as the New Orleans-themed Owen Brennan’s and steakhouse Ruth’s Chris, which has one of the best see-and-be-seen bars in town. Regalia is particularly recommended for Shopping Centers because of its convenience for gift shopping.

5. Wolfchase Galleria

Wolfchase Galleria is one of the largest shopping centers in Memphis, boasting more than 120 stores. Located 18 miles northeast of downtown Memphis, this two-level mall has something for everyone. It’s the perfect place to go shopping, as it offers a wide selection of well-known chains such as Foot Locker, Vans, and H&M. You can also catch the latest movies at the cinema, get a makeover at the beauty salon, or just take a stroll.

In addition, Wolfchase Galleria has 23 food and drink outlets, so you can grab a bite or a quick snack. Kids can also have a blast in the children’s play area. Ultimately, Wolfchase Galleria is the perfect spot for a fun day out with the entire family.

6. Oak Court Mall

Oak Court Mall is a two-story commercial center next to the Memphis Botanic Garden and opposite Laurelwood Shopping Center. It is an ideal destination for those looking to update their wardrobe, with a variety of stores for both children and adults.

The mall’s food court features a selection of eateries, including steakhouses, a Chinese restaurant, and a seafood stall. One of its main attractions is the eight-dimensional cinema, offering a unique movie-going experience.

For those with a bigger budget, Oak Court Mall also boasts a number of luxurious spa shops and jewelers.

7. Poplar Plaza

Poplar Plaza is a modestly sized shopping space located just 6.2 miles west of downtown Memphis. It is the perfect destination for those looking for good deals without having to spend too much. The arcade offers budget-friendly options such as the Dollar Tree – a $1 store – and a low-budget apparel store next door.

To satisfy your hunger, the plaza features a variety of eateries, such as Another Broken Egg Café, McAlister’s Deli, and Cicis Pizza. In addition to the shops, Poplar Plaza also provides services like a telecom shop, a supermarket, and a clinic.

8. SHOPS OF SADDLE CREEK

Saddle Creek is a shopping complex with three separate sections offering a variety of stores. Name-brand stores like Apple, Williams-Sonoma, Anthropologie, J. Jill, and Coach are all featured, as well as locally-owned boutiques and restaurants. The center recently underwent a renovation of its south side, adding more upscale retailers. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of restaurants and sweet shops while shopping. 

The complex can become very crowded during the Germantown Festival and on tax-free weekends, making finding parking quite challenging. However, most stores are open on Sundays, the best time to shop to avoid crowds. 

Overall, Saddle Creek is recommended for shopping centers because it perfectly balances big-mall names with small mall conveniences such as outside-the-store-door parking.

9. COOPER-YOUNG DISTRICT

The Cooper-Young district in Memphis was once one of the most affluent residential areas in the city during the late 1800s and early 1900s. However, during much of the 20th century, the homes in the area began to fall into disrepair.

Fortunately, the district is now making a huge comeback and has become one of Memphis’s trendiest entertainment and shopping districts. It is especially favored by creative types who can find a range of fun and funky options, from coffee houses to innovative casual restaurants and local shops.

The area is also known for its ornate Victorian architecture, much of which has been restored. It is worth a visit for this alone. However, parking can be difficult to find on evenings and weekends.

The Cooper-Young district is highly recommended for shopping centers because it is very representative of Memphis, with vintage record and bookstores, artisan galleries and workshops, and a real melting pot of people.

10. VILLAGE OF CHICKASAW OAKS

Chickasaw Oaks is a unique Midtown mall located in an indoor village setting. It consists of various interior design shops, art galleries, casual restaurants, and a few retail stores. These include Mrs. Post, an exquisite stationery and gift store, the high-end boutique Kittie Kyle, and the design shop Lisa Mallory Interiors. Shoppers can stroll through the brick ‘street’ of retail stores and find a few boutiques and the chain store Pier 1. There are two restaurants in the mall, Just for Lunch and La Baguette, where visitors can enjoy breakfast and lunch.

Chickasaw Oaks is the perfect spot for shopping in Memphis. It is rarely crowded, and the boutiques offer clothing and items you won’t find everywhere else. So if you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, Chickasaw Oaks is the place to visit.

11. COLLIERVILLE SQUARE

Collierville Square is a charming, historic town square about 30 minutes east of downtown Memphis. The Square is home to quaint shops, small local restaurants, and the bells of the town’s churches. Dunn & Hewett, the boot barn, is a notable store that draws downtown Memphians to the eastern burb. Antique and gift stores offer pleasant browsing opportunities. The Square also hosts the town’s biggest annual events in the gazebo and park at the center. Sunset on the Square is a summer concert series, while Christmas in Collierville is an old-fashioned weekend of carols and holiday festivities.

Collierville Square is the perfect destination for those looking for a pleasant day of shopping and dining. The quaint shops, small local restaurants, and charming atmosphere make it a great afternoon.

12. SOUTH MAIN HISTORIC ARTS DISTRICT

South Main is an artsy district in Memphis that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Locals describe it as “a bite of the Big Apple with a dash of Southern hospitality.” Its loft-style living, and locally-owned shops are a big draw for visitors. Popular stores in the area include Saachi, a t-shirt store and salon, Hoot & Louise, which specializes in crafted fashions and accessories, and D’Edge, the city’s coolest folk art gallery.

The area also features some of Memphis’ most well-known restaurants and bars, such as The Arcade, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, and Ernestine & Hazel’s. South Main is an ideal destination for shopping centers; its creative and gritty vibe makes it a unique and exciting place to visit.

13. MEMPHIS ANTIQUE AND DESIGN DISTRICT

The Memphis Antique and Design District offers a unique shopping experience in the Cooper-Young neighborhood of Memphis. Visitors can find a variety of vendors offering one-of-a-kind antiques and investment-quality art from local and other distant artists. The district is known for being one of the city’s best places to browse and shop. 

One of the district’s most popular stores is Palladio, known for being one of the finest antique stores in the area. Flashback is also a popular destination, offering vintage clothing and decor items. Gary’s Antiques is a great spot for treasure hunters, as you never know what you’ll find. 

Urban Outfitters is also located in the district, which has been a hit with teenagers and their mothers. In addition, there are some smaller boutique-type clothing stores, such as Wish, which offer fashionable items for young ladies.

14. CARRIAGE CROSSING

This upscale outdoor lifestyle center is a great place for shopping and entertainment. It has all the popular stores like Macy’s, Dillards, Hollister, Victoria’s Secret, and specialty retailer Sephora. There are also a variety of lesser-known chains. It offers a pleasant atmosphere to walk around and browse, and there’s even a giant Barnes & Noble for book lovers. Kids will enjoy the selection of children’s stores, including a Build-a-Bear. There are more interesting restaurant options for adults than the usual food court, and some even have full bars. 

Throughout the year, this mall also hosts a variety of special events, such as Friday night concerts, movie nights on the green, and family-friendly activities. It’s a great place to shop and hang out, with its expansive department stores, easy parking, and entertainment options.