Houston Shopping

Houstonians are experts at many things: navigating traffic, making the perfect margarita, and knowing where to shop in style. There is no shortage of centers, malls, and boutiques dotting the shopping scene, and that's good news for visitors looking for something extra special.

There is, of course, the Galleria. The fifth largest shopping complex in the country, the Galleria plays host to some of the most influential names in fashion. One doesn't just pop into the Galleria is sweatpants either. This is one mall where being seen is as important as what you're buying.

Not all of the shopping in Houston has an air of comfortable sophistication. A multicultural section of Houston has given birth to Harwin, a series of strip centers selling designer-inspired handbags as well as authentic jewelry, perfumes, and home accessories, all at bargain prices.

Insider's Guide: The Best of Shopping in Houston

Hands down, the Galleria (5085 Westheimer Rd) is where shopping begins. A recent expansion welcomed Nordstrom and an entire new wing to the mall. If your vacation money is burning a hole in your Louis Vuitton, then make your way to the "Million Dollar Mile," a succession of stores in Galleria I that boasts high-end names such as Christian Dior, Tiffany and Co., Jimmy Choo, Carolina Herrera, Armani, Luca Luca, and many other top dollar stores. Ongoing expansion at the Galleria is bringing new restaurants and other entertainment options to the mall, which is also home to more moderate chain retailers.

The Galleria
©2006 Greater Houston Convention and Visitor's Bureau
For high-end shopping, look no further than the Galleria.

Europe in the Lone Star state is what shoppers can explore at Uptown Park (1001 Uptown Park Blvd), a shopping center that's modeled after European villages and actually encourages strolling from shop to restaurant to bar. Its retail shops include Merrill and Watson, Runway Fashion Boutique, and Todd's Place.

A visit to Katy, a town about 25 miles west of Houston, reveals the shopping glory that is Katy Mills Mall (on Interstate 10), an upscale center measuring 1.3 million square feet and filled with outlet stores such as Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Off 5th, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Cole Haan, and many other clothing, accessory, and home stores.

The River Oaks Shopping Center (1966 W Gray St) is a multiblock center loaded with cozy boutiques, the historic River Oaks Movie Theatre, upscale resale shops, restaurants, and coffee shops.

The Rice University area is another slice of Houston charm, where national retailers mix with hip boutiques and mom-and-pop-owned shops. The Variety Fair 5 &10 (2415 Rice Blvd) is a mix of old and new, kitschy, and useful items that amaze and amuse. The Bead Shop (2476 Times Rd) is a wonderland of beads, gems, and other jewelry-making baubles that range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.

Shopping sleuths and diehard bargain-hunters don't miss the treasures at Trader's Village (7979 N Eldridge Rd). Vendors at the massive flea market stock jewelry, tools, dishes, clothing, and countless other items at the weekend event.

Once your shopping bags are full, you can begin thinking about the night's entertainment. Find out about the hottest nightspots in Houston on the next page.