Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Denver
The city of Denver used to be a frontier mining camp and was named after James Denver, the Kansas Territorial Governor. What began as a small town has now evolved into a big city full of beautiful neighborhoods and with a great view of the picturesque mountains. Its location near the Rocky Mountains has given it the nickname of the Mile High City since it is located exactly one mile above sea level.
There is much to do here for everyone whether you like to visit art galleries, relax at Colorado Springs or see the street performers downtown. If you are on vacation in the city there are also plenty of places for you to do some window shopping at the independent boutiques found in every charming neighborhood. Before you leave your retail resort to discover all of the stores on the city block, drop your most recent purchases with bag storage in Denver and keep shopping!
Popular Shopping Malls and Outlets in Denver
Cherry Creek Shopping Center in East Avenue
Denver's Cherry Creek Mall is one of the older shopping centers in the city but still a great place to visit. Aside from some of the usual chain stores, here you will find local entrepreneurs and unique kiosks selling some distinctive clothes and trinkets.
H&M, Forever 21, Macy's, Alex & Ani, Tiffany & Co. and Burberry have stores here, as well as electronics shops like Apple. If you wanted to do some luxury shopping go to Louis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus or Yurman for high end jewelry and attire. Keep in mind you will have to pay for parking onsite.
Denver Pavilions in Downtown Denver
The Denver Pavilions are located in the 16th Street Mall in the downtown area of the city and are easy to reach by bus, light rail or by using a free shuttle. You can find more than 40 shops here as well as places for activities and entertainment like a bowling alley and movie theater. This is the place to go for Denver-related souvenirs in the I Heart Denver Store.
You can also browse your usual big chain shops like Victoria's Secret, Forever 21, Hot Topic, Banana Republic or Pink. Lots of events happen here regularly throughout the summer and there is even a carousel put up during the holidays.
Flatiron Crossing in Broomfield
You will find Flatiron Crossing inside the Broomfield shopping and entertainment district. You can do some great shopping here in the anchor stores like Dillard's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Nordstrom or Macy's. In total there are about 200 stores, restaurants and other places for you to discover.
If you want to watch a movie you can go to the theater or grab a drink at the Beer Garden. The mall also has free Wi-Fi and electric scooters for those who have mobility problems. The whole establishment is environmentally conscious and runs off solar energy as much as possible.
Stanley Marketplace near Stapleton
This marketplace makes the list of best shopping areas but also has other uses like a workout area, dining sector and community gathering space. This place has more than 50 independently owned Colorado businesses and with no big brands, it is a great place to see what the local city has to offer.
Aside from stores selling the best of tomorrow's trends you can shop for environmentally friendly products at the Zero Market. Stop to eat at one of the local cafes and restaurants, participate in a cooking class or learn and get creative at the MindCraft Makerspace.
Park Meadows in Lone Tree
At Park Meadows, you will not only find shopping but also an impressive collection of artwork from local artists. This beautiful building serves as a retail resort and has more than 200 places for you to do some shopping or eat. Everyone can find something that they like here, even kids will enjoy shopping at the Disney Store or American Girl shop.
Apple, Tesla and Microsoft have anything tech-related that you need and other shops like Victoria's Secret, Nordstrom, Dillard's or Crate and Barrel are where you should go for clothes or accessories. Stores like Arhaus Furniture can help you find the perfect home decor. If you have kids, make sure to be there for seasonal visits from Santa and the Easter bunny.
Designer Stores in Denver
I Heart Denver Store
If you are searching for souvenirs or gifts that can only be found in Denver visit this shop. More than 200 different artists, designers and artisans from inside the city sell products that would make great keepsakes to take with you back home.
You can find this store at 500 16th Street and they are open from 10 am to 7 pm between Monday and Saturday, or from 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays.
The Wizard's Chest
This is the perfect shop for children or adults who are still kids at heart. Here you can find a huge selection of toys and costumes perfect for creative fun. The shop hosts regular events that encourage people to meet up and play, like Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, chess clubs and Magic the Gathering tournaments.
You can have a great time here looking for your next card game, dice game, board game, party game or strategy game. You can also find toys for indoor and outdoor play suited to older children or toddlers.
Soul Haus
This unique independently owned boutique first opened in 1999 and sells some cute clothes, trinkets, accessories and hygiene products like locally sourced soaps. Treat yourself to something nice like a handmade necklace, bottle of scented perfume or creative poster.
Their inventory changes often with new products being brought in to suit every season. If you don't know what to get someone for a birthday or holiday, chances are that they will have something perfect for you.
Hope Tank
The Hope Tank is a gift shop that began in 2012 by selling handmade products from around the world. The beautiful thing about this store is that every artist partners with the shop and non-profit organizations to dedicate some of their proceeds towards charities.
Their products include cards, creative Christmas ornaments, candles, kids' toys, jewelry and more. You can find a great gift for others or yourself here and feel good at the same time knowing that your purchase will help someone.
Hailee Grace
Hailee Grace is found exclusively in Denver and is a contemporary women's boutique. You will find a collection of chic and effortless clothing or accessories to help women feel more confident in themselves.
Shirts, bottoms, jackets, jumpsuits, dresses, swimwear and outerwear can be found here as well as accessories like sunglasses, hair clips, shoes and jewelry. It is a nice place to buy yourself a new outfit or find an affordable gift for your favorite fashionista. They are open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and on Sundays between 12 pm and 5 pm.
Twist & Shout
This shop was bought on a whim by two English teachers in 1988. They have since become a power couple and have expanded their shop into an 11,000 square foot music and record store found in the heart of Denver.
Aside from antique vinyl records and CDs, this store sells books, DVDs and Blue-Ray discs if you are looking to buy your favorite album or movie. Some of their inventory can't be found anywhere else and if you're lucky, you will visit during a live performance and signing from a local band. They also offer appraisals and are willing to buy or trade merchandise from their customers.
Cry Baby Ranch
Cry Baby Ranch has an impressive collection of western-themed boots, hats, jackets, jewelry, clothes, belts and gifts for men, women and children. They have been showcasing local artisans for the past 30 years and most of their merchandise is handmade.
Aside from clothing, you can find ornaments for your home like decorative cast iron horseshoes, bowls, glasses and posters. Other products include handmade and organic soaps, children's novels, pajamas, socks and bandanas.
Popular Shopping Areas in Denver
Southlands in the Southeast Metro Area
Southlands is one of the biggest shopping districts in Denver with nearly 180 restaurants, boutique shops, salons, clothing and home décor stores. In the center of the area is a four-block Main Street that often hosts community events and celebrations including farmers' markets that last all summer long.
Aside from shopping, this area has facilities like a movie theater, health club, masseuse and a public skating rink in the winter. This is a nice spot to do some people watching and outdoor browsing.
The Streets at SouthGlenn
In 2006 after the SouthGlenn Mall was closed down local vendors, performers, theaters and restaurants set up in the streets of the surrounding area. If you look around you will find independent businesses, boutiques and service providers.
Your big brand shops to visit here include Old Navy, Ross, Best Buy, Marshalls, Macy's, Sears, H&M and Staples. If you want somewhere quiet to relax or read you can stop by the SouthGlenn Public Library that is located in the same area.
Larimer Square in Downtown Denver
This shopping district is found in the heart of the city and in one of the neighborhoods with the most impressive history. In Larimer Square, you can explore the exclusive shops and independently owned boutiques selling handcrafted items. You can find both women's and men's clothing, shoes, jewelry, art, accessories and home furnishings. Local shops include Eve, Cry Baby Ranch, Scarpaletto, Hailee Grace and Element.
You can easily spend a couple of hours walking down Larimer Street and window shopping in the 23 stores or 20 cafes and restaurants, all while enjoying the city's 50 years of history. In the same area, there are bars, salons and a barbershop. Sometimes events like sidewalk sales and food festivals are put on here.
Cherry Creek North Shopping District off First Avenue
The whole area of Cherry Creek North is a wonderful place to stay and is dedicated to shopping, dining and entertainment for locals and tourists. You can spend time in this 16-block area of over 600 outdoor shops, high-end offices and business buildings.
Some of the stores here include Eileen Fisher, Design Within Reach, Chico's, St. John Boutique, Paper Source, Vineyard Wine Shop and Le Creuset Boutique. Products from local artisans can make great gifts, so be sure to check out Show of Hands or Reverie Living.
Northfield Stapleton in the East Side
This center offers open-air shopping in a beautiful redeveloped part of the city. Its location next to Dick's Sporting Goods Park and the connected soccer stadium and field makes it the optimal shopping location for sports lovers. There are more than 80 different places selling specialty items, food or services in Northfield Stapleton.
Events like car shows and wine tastings happen often, which is a great way to spend a night or engage with the community. Walking around you will see stores like Bass Pro Shop, Old Navy, Hot Topic, Gameworks and JC Penny.
Discovering Local Shops in Denver
From Castle Rock to Cherry Creek, there are lots of local Denver areas that offer a great shopping experience. You can search the city for unique antique shops or find a new outfit at the Denver premium outlets, no matter what you are looking for you can find almost anything if you go to the right place.
If you make it through the entirety of this shopping guide there are still so many other places to discover like the South Broadway Shopping District, Antique Row, or the Highlands neighborhood. While you are shopping around the city make sure to check out the museums, restaurants, festivals and other activities available in the beautiful city of Denver.