Shopping Extravaganza: Houston's Best Retail Therapy

If you're a shopaholic or just like to shop, Houston is your shopping paradise. From upscale boutiques to sprawling malls and captivating local markets, this city offers a veritable trove of shopping experiences, custom-made, according to every style, taste, and budget.  Whether you want high-class, designer-curated pieces, special vintage finds, or the most fashionable staples in town, Houston's diverse shopping scene guarantees delight and surprise. So grab your credit card with an open balance, put on your most comfortable shoes, and let's dive into the best retail therapy in Houston!
 

The Galleria

The Galleria is a fine shopping destination in Houston that delivers 2.4 million square feet of joy to a shopper. And loaded with almost 400 stores, get ready to have a blast with high-class fashion. But that isn't all big-ups at The Galleria. It houses small boutiques and other department stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Well, beyond all that fashion, The Galleria hosts a lineup of good meals, right from fine dining to good old casuals. And if you've just about had enough of shopping, you can easily take a minute, kick back in their several comfortable seating areas, or lavish the art installations spread throughout the mall.

Highland Village

For boutique shopping, Highland Village is an outdoor, boutique-style shopping village home to high-end, eclectic boutiques mixed in with other several specialty retail stores in a scenic location. Peruse fashion-forward stores such as Anthropologie and Free People, or unique home-decor outposts like West Elm and Pottery Barn.

Some other great dining spots up at Highland Village, you can take a break from shopping and refuel as you go. Whether it's sipping a gourmet burger at The Counter or a refreshing salad at The Grove, there is much to be had in terms of tasty choices.
 

River Oaks District
 

If you are nearing high-class shopping with a luxurious sprinkle, then River Oaks District is the destination. This upscale shopping center is home to everything: lifestyle stores and designer boutiques, from Cartier, Dior, and Versace to chic home furnishings from CB2 and gourmet treats from The Tasting Room.

This is more than just a shopping district—River Oaks District is a hub for dining and entertainment. Chop it up at some of the favored big-ticket dining spots within the Pavilion with Plaza, including places like Le Colonial or The Grove, or take in a movie at the luxurious iPic Theaters.

The Heights

Shoe-leather virtuoso? The one place any seeker of vintage and treasures strange definitely should not miss is The Heights. An eclectic neighborhood, The Heights is composed of numerous antique dealers, vintage shops, and all manner of odd sites and great shops offering a varied shopping experience.

Home to shops like The Raven Grill, which carries vintage clothes and accessories, and Old West Collectibles, home to antiques and collectibles, its summation is at The Heights. Also in The Heights are several local markets and commercially referred craft fairs offering even more handmade wonders and a cornucopia of other stuff.

CityCentre

CityCentre offers a modern shopping experience that`s replete with chic stores, dining, and more. The open-air shopping center offers a range of retailers from high-end names like Hugo Boss and Ted Baker to crowd-pleasers Lululemon and Kendra Scott. There is plenty to do at CityCentre—live action, dining, and bars as well as entertainment that will appeal to all. Dine at any number of the fabulous dining joints in the area, relax, and experience a live on-stage performance at an outdoor amphitheater, or simply walk along the beautifully landscaped grounds.

Katy Mills

For brilliant prices on popular brands of your choice, hit Katy Mills. A gigantic mall outlet—huge in numbers yet grand in quality—has top brands one could dream of: Nike, Coach, Michael Kors, and more. With over 175 stores to choose from, you are bound to find something you will love at a price that will leave you grinning.

The hotel is also located in Katy Mills; besides shopping, one can also enjoy a wide selection of eateries and entertainment spots. There is also a cinema and an indoor playground for the kids. It is a one-stop shop for a whole day of shopping and fun.

Memorial City Mall

The reason Memorial City Mall is among the gooey family shopping centers is that it provides something for everyone: the very best of retail stores, dining, and entertainment—a perfect expression for a day's outing with the family. With a great balance of retail stores, dining, and entertainment, shop at some of the most popular store names like Macy's and Dillard's or dive into specialty shops like The Container Store and Williams-Sonoma.

It also has a big food court space with various dining options and an entertainment region where children may enjoy a merry-go-round, interactive play areas, and elements. Spending a day shopping, eating, and having fun with the whole family.
 

Westheimer Road

For those who seek eclectic shopping, walk the streets of Westheimer Road. Everything from fancy designer boutiques to odd specialty shops and a bit of anything else can be found on the bustling thoroughfare.

Look around at unique shops such as The Men's Wearhouse for fashionable men's clothing or at The Montrose Market for a mix of unique discoveries. Alternative special shops around Westheimer Road include a selection of dining establishments so you can re-energize with a good meal in between shopping escapades.

Houston Farmers Market

Houston Farmers Market is ever the place to be for fresh produce and local goods lovers. The many other vibrant places include fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, beautiful artisanal works—and special finds such as handmade crafts and vintage treasures.

Stroll at your own pace down market stalls and grab some fresh, locally grown produce or myriad handmade crafts—an outstanding way to really get a flavor of the local offer in Houston; pride yourself in taking home some very unique souvenirs from it.
 

The Shops at Houston Center
 

Situated in downtown Houston, The Shops at Houston Center make shopping chic while enjoying an uptown address. From high-end boutiques to popular chains, explore a variety of stores with the surrounding, modern, urban atmosphere in the shopping center. Dining is well represented at The Shops at Houston Center as well, try to find meals, or on-the-go options to make, eating as easy or wind as satisfying as shopping. Being so central and well designed in having everything to get anywhere shopping, it is truly downtown; it is just that perfect location to shop until you cannot anymore.