Shopping in Tucson is the perfect place to find unique and interesting items for every budget. Tucson is home to many unique, locally-made products you won’t find anywhere else. The Mercado San Agustin is one of the best places to go for these items. Located in the city’s historic westside, the market features vendors selling everything from Mexican sweet bread to Southwestern art. 

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange has been a Tucson favorite for those looking for books for decades. The dog-friendly store chain has three locations where customers can buy, sell, or trade books.

Those searching for high-end fashion should visit La Encantada or Foothills Mall. La Encantada is an upscale Spanish-style shopping district, while Foothills Mall offers chic boutiques and outlet stores.

Finally, Fourth Avenue Shopping District is a great place to visit between the University of Arizona and downtown Tucson. Here, shoppers can find local art, fashion, books, furniture, decor, and unique eateries.

 

The Best Places for Shopping in Tucson

 

1. TUCSON MALL

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Tucson Mall is the city’s leading retail destination and the largest shopping center in Southern Arizona. It has a wide selection of major department stores, including Macy’s, Dillard’s, JC Penney, and Sears. Many specialty stores include Forever 21, American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic, Gamers Warehouse, Foot Locker, REI, dELiA’s, and BevMo. For a unique shopping experience, visitors should visit the Tubac Olive Oil Company store for locally made olive oil and food products.

Tucson Mall also offers a variety of dining options. Guests can find The California Pizza Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, Mimi’s Cafe, Red Robin, Shane’s Rib Shack, and the Olive Garden. With a wide selection of stores, restaurants, and specialty items, Tucson Mall is a great destination for shopping and dining. It is recommended for the best shopping experience because of its eclectic shops and large food court.

 

2. FOOTHILLS MALL

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The Foothills Mall is located on Tucson’s far northwest side and offers a diverse selection of shops and department stores in an attractive setting. With more than 90 stores for window shopping, browsing, or bargain hunting, the mall has something for everyone. Popular outlet stores include Aeropostale, Bath & Body Works, Chic, The Children’s Place Outlet, Dress Barn and Dress Barn Outlet, Kirkland’s Home, Famous Footwear, Old Pueblo Chocolate Factory, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Zales the Diamond Store Outlet and Nike Factory Store.

In addition to the variety of stores and shops, the Foothills Mall also has a Barnes & Noble, AMC and IMAX movie theaters, and popular eateries like the Thunder Canyon Brewery.

The Foothills Mall is recommended for the best shopping in Tucson because it offers a great mix of upscale boutiques and retail outlets.

 

3. The Lost Barrio Shops

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The Lost Barrio Shops in Tucson, Arizona (228 S. Park Ave. 85719) offers a unique experience for shoppers looking for unique items from around the world. The quaint stores provide a treasure hunt feel as shoppers search for the perfect gift for a loved one or something special for themselves.

The shops are stocked with a variety of items, from quirky Mexicana to Mexican Colonial furnishings, statement pieces from India, architectural moldings, folk art, lighting fixtures, punched-tin decorative pieces, hand-painted tiles, and pottery. There are plenty of functional pieces and charming items to choose from.

A tip for those interested in visiting the Lost Barrio Shops: check their Facebook page for special sale hours. This will make finding the perfect item at a great price easier.

 

4. MERCADO SAN AGUSTIN

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Mercado San Agustin is a charming marketplace and outdoor shopping center in Tucson’s historic west side. It features a rustic courtyard with greenery, shaded seating, and dozens of locally-owned shops. Visitors can browse through southwestern furniture, handmade jewelry, fashion apparel, and a Mexican bakery. Also, cozy lunch and dinner spots make it a great destination for a day-long exploration. 

The market regularly hosts special events, such as live music, food festivals, arts and performance shows, and a regular farmer’s market. Mercado San Agustin is the perfect place to find a unique southwestern souvenir that you’ll only find in Tucson. This is why it is highly recommended for the best shopping in Tucson.

 

5. 4TH AVENUE

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Fourth Avenue in Tucson is a lively and colorful destination that offers over 100 different shops, including boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, and sundry shops. This makes it the perfect place to find funky fashion, unique decor and gift items, and a special souvenir of your trip. It is especially beloved by the city’s teeming college student population and is conveniently located between the University of Arizona and downtown Tucson.

In addition to great shopping, Fourth Avenue also features plenty of dining options, like cafes, restaurants, and bars. This makes it an ideal destination for both visitors and locals alike. It is no wonder that Fourth Avenue is recognized as one of the best shopping experiences in the area. It is full of local mom-and-pop shops that provide a unique Tucson shopping experience.

 

6. Mac’s Indian Jewelry

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The McPherson family has become renowned for the exquisite traditional pieces of American Indian jewelry that they showcase. Located on 2400 E. Grant Rd. 85719, Mac’s Indian Jewelry is a mainstay of the Tucson jewelry scene. Here customers are surrounded by stunning collections of vintage and contemporary jewelry made by tribes in the region. From dramatic squash blossom necklaces and turquoise silver cuffs to beautifully detailed buckles and bolo ties, there is something for everyone to try on.

The helpful staff at Mac’s Indian Jewelry provides friendly information and VIP treatment. In addition to the jewelry, there is an extensive collection of kachinas, pottery, fetishes, baskets, and other decorative Southwestern items that lovingly reflect the native world surrounding Tucson.

 

7. LOST BARRIO

The Lost Barrio is a small but vibrant shopping district tucked away in a nondescript warehouse district south of the University of Arizona. It features 13 locally owned stores that offer a wide range of items, from furniture to jewelry and vintage clothing. Imports from Mexico and other countries are also available, as well as locally produced pieces. Tooley’s, a small café, can also be found in the district, providing a healthy breakfast and lunch menu.

The Lost Barrio is the perfect alternative for those who want to avoid chain stores. It’s well worth a stop if you’re in the downtown Tucson area. It’s been recommended for Best Shopping because of its unique home decor and imported furniture selection.

 

8. OLD TOWN ARTISANS

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Old Town Artisans is an 1850s adobe building in downtown Tucson and is well worth a visit for those looking for unique gift ideas. Inside consists of several rooms that showcase a wide variety of items from many regions around the world, including the southwestern US, Latin America, and Mexico. These items include local and regional art, jewelry, Navajo rugs, clothing, ceramics, and metalwork.

After shopping, visitors can relax in the shade of an ancient mesquite tree and enjoy a cool drink from the Southwestern cantina. Old Town Artisans is also home to La Cocina, a popular Mexican and American restaurant. 

Old Town Artisans is highly recommended for a great shopping experience with authentic Southwest goods in a historic downtown adobe building.

 

9. The Gardens Gift Shop at Tucson Botanical Gardens

The Tucson Botanical Gardens (2150 North Alvernon Way, 85712) is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Tucson that strives to be recognized and respected as America’s best small public garden. The Gardens Gift Shops proudly support local artisans and businesses, carrying many products made in Tucson and the USA. 

Gift Shops offer a wide array of garden items, unique clothes and accessories, kitchen goodies, books, fun and educational toys, and fragrance and body care products. Shopping here gives you the opportunity to give a gift twice: supporting the mission and programs of the Tucson Botanical Gardens while providing something special for yourself, a friend, or a family member.

 

10. LA ENCANTADA

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La Encantada is a premier shopping and dining destination in Tucson, Arizona. Its Spanish-style architecture, manicured courtyards, and sweeping staircases create a luxurious atmosphere for shoppers. There are a variety of upscale stores, including Anthropologie, Cole Haan, J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, Bluemercury, St. John, Lucy, and Louis Vuitton.

Beyond shopping, La Encantada also hosts live music and other events. Every week, there is a “Meet Me at La Encantada” event for people of all ages and abilities. This includes walks, runs, and strength conditioning activities.

La Encantada is also a popular dining destination, whether you’re an avid shopper or not. With its inviting atmosphere and a wide variety of shopping and dining options, La Encantada is no doubt one of the best shopping districts in Tucson.

 

11. BUFFALO TRADING POST

Buffalo Trading Post is a sophisticated buy-sell-trade clothing boutique at the Cat Mountain Station in far west Tucson. It is the “older sibling” to the popular Buffalo Exchange. The store specializes in stylish clothing and accessories for women, including brands like Coldwater Creek and Chicos. It also offers a selection of fashionable cowboy wear such as jeans, boots, hats, and more. Men can find vintage Hawaiian shirts and Western wear. The store carries Mexican imports, cute outdoor furniture, and mid-century housewares for shoppers looking for something special. 

The Buffalo Trading Post is recommended as one of the best shopping in Tucson because it offers unique vintage clothing and interesting Mexican imports. It is conveniently located near the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson Studios.

 

12. PARK PLACE MALL

Park Place Mall is a two-story mall located in midtown Tucson. It offers over 100 stores and services to choose from, such as Macy’s, Dillard’s, Sears, Abercrombie & Fitch, Charlotte Russe, Chico’s, Toy Planet, Coldwater Creek, Z Gallerie, Foot Locker, Victoria’s Secret, Total Wine & More, Guess, H&M, Old Navy, Spencer’s, Things Remembered, Van’s and Zale’s Jewelers. On top of that, the mall also houses a Century 20 movie theater, a children’s play area, and a large food court.

Additionally, several popular restaurants are located on the mall’s exterior. These include Applebee’s Neighborhood Grille, Chipotle, Red Lobster, and Cold Stone Creamery. All of these amenities make Park Place Mall a great destination for shopping when you’re in midtown Tucson.