With more than a dozen distinct shopping areas, Houston is the style capital of the South. Our great city fulfills all shopping needs, from vintage to high-end designer. And when it comes to Christmas shopping, you should be able to find everything on your various lists easily.
Of course, we have all the “big box stores” like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Academy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ikea, Sam’s Club and Costco. We have a countless number of small boutiques, local-owned shops and smaller retailers. The Westheimer Curve in Montrose, Historic Heights and other spots in Houston have antiques, thrift and consignment stores and locally-inspired gifts.
Harwin Central Mart has designer look-a-likes in their no-frills shopping area. And we have malls… many malls! In addition to traditional malls, outdoor shopping centers (both high-end and a broader array of shoppers), we have the Houston Premium Outlets and Katy Mills Mall, which feature big-name outlet stores.
Depending on where you live in Houston, or perhaps based on what stores you prefer to shop at, you most likely already have a favorite shopping center. If you love to shop, are new to town or are just looking to expand your shopping predilections, here are some of our favorite spots.
- CityCentre: The former Town & Country Mall in West Houston features a small selection of stores, including Anthropologie, Elaine Turner, J. Crew, Kendra Scott, Lululemon, Paper Source, and Pomp and Circumstance.
- The Galleria: Shopaholics love this mecca, which contains 375+ stores, including the anchors of Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Macy’s. But families also come for the giant ice rink. The Galleria is known for high-end shopping at shops such as Chanel, Gucci and Versace Louis Vuitton. Henri Bendel is also a big favorite.
- Highland Village: If you prefer to walk outside as you shop, enjoy complimentary valet service just a short drive from The Galleria. Stores include Crate & Barrel, West Elm, Restoration Hardware. BHLDN, Anthropologie and Kiehl’s.
- Rice Village: This quaint cluster of shops features boutiques from local fashionistas like Alexandra Knight, Elaine Turner and Chloe Dao, in addition to everyday luxury from Half-Price Books, Victoria’s Secret and Banana Republic.
- River Oaks Shopping Center: Built in 1927 and updated in 2007, River Oaks was the first shopping center in the country to cater to cars. It now has 322,000 square feet of retail therapy, with 76 stores, in addition to 14 restaurants.
- Uptown Park: This hot spot features boutiques, restaurants, spas and bars. Buildings are being updated with cleaner, more modern storefronts, and benches, more outdoor seating, shade and fresh landscaping will make the space more appealing for shoppers.
- West Ave: The hippest of the hip shop at Houston’s first intown mixed-use complex. This chic urban village offers upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment. High-end tenants include Tootsies, Sam and Lilli, Q Custom Clothier, Rye 51, Azur West, Ivannia boutique and Ivory Bridal Atelier.