[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places for Shopping in Scottsdale

Shopping in Scottsdale offers some of the best retail therapy in the Southwest. With its specialty couture and nationally-recognized retailers, Scottsdale offers something to suit every shopping need. 

One must-visit destination is Scottsdale Fashion Square, one of the region’s largest shopping malls. Here, shoppers will find Macy’s, Barney’s of New York, Armani, Louis Vuitton, and other exclusive shops. 

For a more unique, Southwestern experience, head to the Fifth Avenue Shops in downtown Scottsdale. Here, Gilbert Ortega and various galleries and boutiques provide a range of Arizona-centric gifts and souvenirs ranging from prickly pear jam to Native American jewelry. 

Old Town Scottsdale is another great destination for unique shopping experiences. Here, you can find various stores selling everything from funny t-shirts to authentic jewelry.

Finally, the Hilton Village near the Hilton Resort is a great place to shop and have lunch. The shopping village is filled with clothing boutiques, and you can also find a selection of award-winning, locally-owned cafes here.

The Best Places to Go Shopping in Scottsdale

1. Downtown Scottsdale

Downtown Scottsdale is a vibrant hub of culture and activity. It offers a plethora of galleries, retail outlets, and dining experiences that are sure to please. Not only that, but Downtown Scottsdale is also home to the city’s art scene. Contemporary and Western Art, Theatre 4301, and a wide array of outdoor sculptures can be found in the lush green lawns and sparkling fountains of Civic Center Mall.

The Arts District is a particularly noteworthy part of Downtown Scottsdale. It has many galleries featuring some of the best Western and Southwestern art. On the other hand, “Old Town” is where one can find quality Native American crafts and jewelry, such as hand-woven Navajo rugs and Zuni silver jewelry.

Downtown Scottsdale borders Chaparral Road to the north, Osborn Road to the south, Miller Road to the east, and 68th Street to the west. Within these boundaries, the area is divided into seven distinct districts.

2. SCOTTSDALE QUARTER

The Scottsdale Quarter is an urban, chic, and decidedly hip shopping center in north central Scottsdale. It features towering palm trees, water features, and over 370,000 square feet of retail space. Fashionistas and serious shoppers alike can enjoy upscale boutiques like Apple, Calvin Klein, Bath & Body Works, Express, Free People, Kendra Scott, Drybar, Calypso St. Barth, Pottery Barn, Urban Outfitters, Sephora, Elan Style, Dr. Martens, Swimspot, Verde Maison and West Elm.

The Scottsdale Quarter is also home to some of the hippest eateries in town, such as True Food Kitchen, Brio Tuscan Grille, TK’s Urban Tavern, Eddie V’s, Stingray Sushi, and Zinburger. If you’re looking to treat yourself, there’s also a spa – Dolce Salon & Spa – where you can relax and be pampered.

3. SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE

Scottsdale Fashion Square is Southwest’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. With over 225 retailers, it is the largest shopping destination in the Southwest. Shopping options include Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Boss Hugo Boss, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, MaxMara, Sephora, St. John Boutique and Tiffany & Co. In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy five restaurants and 18 specialty food selections.

Valet parking, taxi and limo services, and a roving concierge are available to assist shoppers. There is a Harkins 7-Plex Cinema, Johnny Rockets, Kona Grill, Z Tejas Grill, Yard House, and the Neiman Marcus Cafe for entertainment and dining.

Because of its sheer size and selection of upscale retailers, Scottsdale Fashion Square is recommended for its best shopping in Scottsdale. It is one of the largest and most upscale shopping malls in the Southwestern United States.

4. 5TH AVENUE SHOPS OF SCOTTSDALE

Fifth Avenue in downtown Scottsdale is a popular destination for tourists and locals. It features a wide variety of specialty boutiques, art galleries, jewelry shops, and over 35 restaurants within a short distance of the famous Bob Parks 5th Avenue Horse Fountain. This area is one of the busiest and most photographed spots around town, making it the perfect place for an evening stroll. 

For souvenir shopping, Kactus Jock specializes in Arizona-themed gifts and souvenirs. Stones Gifts and Collectibles are also great for unique and hard-to-find desert gifts. 

The 5th Avenue Shops of Scottsdale is one of downtown’s most popular shopping destinations and is recommended for some of the best shopping in Scottsdale. It offers an eclectic mix of locally owned boutiques and galleries.

5. SCOTTSDALE WATERFRONT

The Scottsdale Waterfront is a large, modern mixed-use development located on the outskirts of Old Town Scottsdale. It covers 1.1 million square feet and features retail, office, restaurant, and high-rise residential buildings. Some retail stores there include Urban Outfitters, High Point, David’s Bridal, Primp & Blow, Polished the Dental Spa, and Verizon Wireless.

The Scottsdale Waterfront also has a variety of restaurants, such as Zoes Kitchen, P.F. Chang’s, Culinary Dropout, Olive & Ivy, Wildfish, and Sauce. Moreover, it has pedestrian-only areas and a bridge that connects it to the nearby Fifth Avenue and Southbridge districts.

In addition, the Waterfront district offers access to tranquil walking paths, making it a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Old Town Scottsdale.

6. KIERLAND COMMONS

Kierland Commons is an upscale shopping destination located in North Scottsdale. The atmosphere is urban and urbane, with dynamic, palm-lit streets, splashing fountains, and lively bars and restaurants. There is an eclectic mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including Crate and Barrel, J. Crew, Sur La Table, and Barnes and Noble.

For a personalized experience, shoppers can visit the Kierland Commons Concierge between Tommy Bahama and Etch Salon on the northwest side of the shopping center. Here, visitors can take advantage of several services, such as personal shopping, making dinner reservations, printing boarding passes, providing directions, and offering complimentary strollers on the property.

7. EL PEDREGAL FESTIVAL MARKETPLACE

El Pedregal is an amazing shopping experience in the Southwest. Located beneath a stunning natural rock formation against a gorgeous desert backdrop, it features two levels with 35 stores and restaurants that encircle a courtyard and amphitheater. Here, visitors can find all sorts of gifts, art, and clothing with the distinct flavor of the Southwest. Boutiques and shops offer upscale apparel, accessories, hand-crafted leather goods, and local art.

Adding an element of high culture to a day of commercialism is the Heard Museum North, a satellite of the Native American crafts museum in Phoenix. To make the experience even better, El Pedregal offers free concerts on summer Thursday nights. Whether shopping for something special or just looking to soak in the atmosphere, El Pedregal has something for everyone.

8. SCOTTSDALE PAVILIONS

The Pavilions at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale is the newest shopping destination in the Salt River Indian Reservation on the east side of town. It is a sprawling plaza with a wide variety of stores and restaurants. Among the retailers, you can find Hobby Lobby, Petco, Goodwill, Guitar Center, Sprint Wireless, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, Chipotle, and Mountainside Fitness Center, the largest locally-owned health club in Arizona. The Pavilions also houses a brand-new Burlington Coat Factory, 99 Cents Store, and Conn’s Home Plus.

In addition to shopping and dining, the Pavilions is adding entertainment features. Adrenaline junkies will be drawn to the Octane Speedway, a new indoor and outdoor racing track. This destination offers something for everyone and is sure to be a popular spot on the east side of Scottsdale.

9. The Promenade Scottsdale

The Promenade Scottsdale is a premier shopping mall between Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and Scottsdale Road. With over 60 stores, restaurants, and boutiques, this outdoor mall offers a great mix of chic shops and famous chain retailers. Among the stores are Nordstrom Rack, Michaels, Ulta, and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH.

The Promenade Scottsdale has chain restaurants for all price ranges for those looking for a bite to eat. Maggiano’s Little Italy and The Capital Grille are two more upscale options, while In-N-Out Burger and Blaze Pizza are more casual.

Finally, if you happen to be leaving the mall, don’t forget to check out The Spire, a monument designed by Frank Lloyd Wright himself.

10. Old Town Farmer’s Market

The Old Town Farmer’s Market in Scottsdale is open every Saturday from October to May. It is conveniently located near the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. This open-air market is great for supporting local vendors and offers a variety of goods. Over 100 local growers and specialty food producers sell fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, flowers, bread, and homemade jams.

The Farmer’s Market is a great family-friendly outing where you’ll even see people bringing their pets. To get the best selection of produce and other goods, it is recommended to arrive early, as the market tends to get busy closer to midday.

Shopping in Scottsdale FAQ

Is Scottsdale good for shopping?

Scottsdale is an excellent destination for shopping. It offers a plethora of shops and malls throughout the city. Old Town Scottsdale is an iconic part of the city and home to the true essence of the American West. Here, you can find unique and handmade jewelry and art. Additionally, 5th Avenue and the Arts District are two other areas in Scottsdale that provide a plethora of shopping opportunities.

What shops are in Old Town Scottsdale?

In Old Town Scottsdale, there are a variety of shops, including Sphinx Date Ranch, Fashion by Robert Black, Old Town Candy and Toys, Super Chunk Sweets & Treats, Old Town Scottsdale Farmer’s Market, Bischoff’s Shades of the West, Poisoned Pen, and Scottsdale Fashion Square. These are among the ten best places to shop in Old Town Scottsdale.

What is Scottsdale best known for?

Scottsdale is known for its abundance of restaurants, retail shops, art galleries, and McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the largest urban wilderness area in the United States. It has over 60 miles of trails and beautiful desert terrain to explore.

What is the largest shopping mall in Scottsdale AZ?

The Scottsdale Fashion Square is the largest shopping mall in Scottsdale, Arizona. It covers an area of approximately 2 million square feet (190,000 m2) and is one of the top 30 largest malls in the United States.