5 Great Dallas Shopping Spots

Dallas shoppers can find chic runway styles, deals on high-end brands and, of course, fine western wear, at retailers around town, but there are also quaint hidden gems and specialty shops stocked with goods you won’t find anywhere else.

From top designers to trendy boutiques, Dallas has an array of shopping centers to help you revamp your wardrobe or find the perfect gift. Here are five top shopping centers in the Dallas area handpicked by local experts.

Highland Park Village

Often called the “Rodeo Drive” of Dallas is the ritzy Highland Park Village. Located about 5 miles north of downtown Dallas, Highland Park Village was one of the first shopping centers in the country and received National Historic Landmark status in 2000. Its brick sidewalks lead to luxury stores such as Chanel, Dior, Hermes and Stella McCartney.

“It’s definitely more high-end stores, but that area is also gorgeous to walk around,” says Susan Tilley, concierge at The Westin Galleria Dallas.

Also under the Spanish-inspired red tile roofs of Highland Park Village are specialty stores where shoppers can pick up a range of gifts and goods, such as fine cheeses or luxurious soaps. For a break from buying, see a movie at the Village Theatre or stop in one of the village’s cafes or restaurants.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Dallas-Fort Worth.]

Eloy Rey Calvo, concierge at The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton, says, “It’s a must-see if you are looking for glitz and glam and great people watching.”

NorthPark Center

Dallas’ most famous mall is NorthPark Center, which says it annually draws more than 26 million people through its doors. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, NorthPark also boasts high-end stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Valentino and Versace, but mall hallmarks such as American Eagle Outfitters, Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works are also some of the more than 230 stores at the North Dallas mall.

Shoppers will also find smaller stores, such as newcomer Sugarfina, a gourmet candy store that sells Champagne-flavored gummy bears imported from Germany, and Pinto Ranch Fine Western Wear, which offers handmade full-quill ostrich boots.

“NorthPark Center offers an unparalleled luxury shopping experience … and a clientele that spans both the United States and the world,” says Kris Wood, concierge at the Omni Dallas Hotel.

The sleek, modern mall is two stories and forms a circle around a central garden of oak trees. Also unique to the mall is an art collection that features works by Andy Warhol, Jim Dine and Beverly Pepper.

Bishop Arts District

If you’re looking to try something other than the chain stores, head to the Bishop Arts District in North Oak Cliff, south of downtown Dallas. Trendy and eclectic, the Bishop Arts District is home to a colorful mix of shops and boutiques that feature the work of local artists.

[Read: The Best Things to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth.]

“The Bishop Arts District has tons of great boutiques that are opening up with handmade clothing, jewelry and things that you would normally find on [the crafty online marketplace] Etsy, but if you want to go out and meet the makers, the Bishop Arts District is a great place to do that,” says Andrew Milke, concierge at The Adolphus.

Pick up vinyl records and coffee at The Wild Detectives. Buy a porcelain jewelry holder shaped like a jackalope (a mythical rabbit-antelope hybrid creature) as a gift for your best friend. Grab a pack of Cowboy Bath dog wipes at Green Pet Supply for your furry friend. From local art to vintage clothing to unique gifts, the Bishop Arts District is a must for visitors looking for a fun and funky shopping experience.

Allen Premium Outlets

When the weather is nice and you’re looking for a great deal, drive about 30 miles north of Dallas to Allen Premium Outlets. The outdoor mall has more than 100 stores, including Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Under Armour and Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store. In the center of the outlet mall is Neiman Marcus Last Call, and outlet owners Simon Property Group plan to add more retailers nearby.

If you’re a bargain hunter, but want the top brands, Allen Premium Outlets is worth the trip, says Kevin Alderman, chief concierge at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. “The best outlet shopping is the Allen Premium Outlet shopping center,” he says. “They offer name brands in a very clean and pleasant setting.”

West Village

A blend of both boutique shopping and trendy brands, West Village is located in Upton, what Wood calls Dallas’ “most dynamic neighborhood.”

[See: Photos of Dallas-Fort Worth.]

“West Village is often referred to as ‘Uptown’s downtown,'” Wood says. “It’s Dallas’ most walkable shopping, dining, residential and entertainment district.”

Shady trees line the sidewalks along West Village, where many restaurants have placed bistro tables and chairs for outdoor dining. Stores at West Village include well-known brands such as Banana Republic, Gap and Kendra Scott, but there are also women’s boutique shops, such as Y&I, Pitaya and activewear brand Lorna Jane. For men, Rye 51 offers men’s clothing and accessories, and for children, there’s Sweet As Sugar.

Frank Everet, W Insider for the W Dallas – Victory, says, “West Village is an outdoor shopping and dining experience that offers stores for every single age group.”

When you need a break from shopping, have the computer touch-screen system at Cork Wine Bar pour you a glass of wine or enjoy a brick-oven thin-crust pizza from Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. West Village also has a movie theater, The Magnolia, which screens a range of film genres but showcases independent films.

To experience more of what Dallas has to offer, check out the U.S. News Travel guide.