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Shopping in Texas is as big and exciting as its scenic vistas and rich cultural history. No matter what type of shopping experience travelers are seeking, they are sure to find it in the state's premier shopping malls, historic small towns or hip urban shopping districts. From high-end couture to outlet centers to antique treasures, Texas has it all.

Texas-Sized Outlet Malls

No matter what part of Houston travelers venture to, they will be within distance of many shopping destinations. The city is home to the Houston Galleria, which has established itself as the city’s number one shopping and tourist destination, with more than 24 million annual visitors to its more than 375 fine designer, couture and retail stores. Be sure to also check out the outlet shopping center—Houston Premium Outlets offers shoppers a wide variety of designer fashions and impressive bargains at over 145 stores. 

Just west of Houston is the Katy Mills Mall, an outlet mall which hosts a variety of more than 200 specialty stores on over 1.3 square miles of land. Travel 30 minutes north of Houston to visit The Woodlands Town Center which includes The Woodlands Mall, The Woodlands Waterway and Market Street. All three shopping areas are located on 1,000 acres and are home to renowned brands, local and luxury boutiques, and high-class fashion. Just minutes from The Woodlands are the Outlets at Conroe. This convenient, open-air shopping center offers extraordinary savings and exceptional quality.

In Austin, the avid mall shopper has many selections that will leave them happy including Barton Creek Mall, The Arboretum and the most high-end of them all, The Domain, located in the Northwest area of the city. Just 20 minutes north of Austin, the Round Rock Premium Outlets feature 125 stores and premier brands. For even more incredible deals, drive south to San Marcos, an outlet shopper’s paradise. Two outlet malls, the San Marcos Premium Outlets and the Tanger Outlet Center, sit adjacent to each other and bring in eleven million visitors annually to browse the more than 260 shops located here.

Dallas, known for its world-class shopping and home to more shopping centers per capita than any other city in the country, features the original Neiman Marcus and two premier shopping centers – NorthPark Center and the Dallas Galleria. For the adventurous shopper looking for an experience outside of a mall, head to Uptown where shoppers can take a vintage trolley up and down McKinney Avenue, where specialty shops and furniture stores are aplenty. Drive a short way to the suburbs for shopping galore in places like Plano and Frisco where retail centers deliver great value, selection and deals. Located between the two cities are the Allen Premium Outlets offering impressive savings and an exciting collection of over 100 stores of the world’s finest designers and name brands. 

San Antonio has two shopping malls that will not disappoint – Northstar Mall and The Shops at La Cantera. Not only is Northstar Mall conveniently located next to the airport and internationally acclaimed for its one-of-a-kind and brand name stores, but here visitors will be able to observe the world’s tallest cowboy boots, standing 40 feet tall and 20 feet long outside of Saks Fifth Avenue! The Shops at La Cantera offer upscale shopping in a unique outdoor atmosphere. 

Unique Texas Finds

Austin is known for its pockets of unique neighborhoods, each offering a different kind of shopping experience that will leave some laden with wonderful discoveries. Austin’s up-and-coming hip areas of South Congress Avenue and South Lamar offer small-label designer clothing boutiques, folk art, vintage goods, western wear and antiques. While enjoying downtown Austin, shoppers can explore the Second Street District, finding trendy boutiques, salons, and one-of-a-kind restaurants.

San Antonio boasts other great opportunities for the eager shopper. Nowhere else in the state will you find a downtown mall with a natural river running through it. Located on the banks of the Riverwalk, Rivercenter Mall is known for its unique style in addition to its undeniable Riverwalk spirit. As accessible as the mall is to downtown, so are the other assorted retailers along the Alamo Plaza. From Texas souvenirs to fine jewelry, travelers will be able to find the perfect something for themselves or for someone else. To get an authentic and cultural experience wander over to San Antonio’s unique Market Square known as El Mercado, the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico, and discover bright, bold and beautiful Mexican culture.

Fort Worth embraces its cowboy heritage with the shops at The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, where western wear is expertly crafted. Visitors can find a pair of authentic custom boots at M.L. Leddy’s, one of the city’s oldest western wear shops. To complete the western look, have a traditional cowboy hat custom-fitted at one of the many other western wear stores in the downtown historic district including Finchers White Front. 

With many miles of road to cover, the ultimate shopper will find exactly what they are looking for in Texas, from traditional western wear to couture shopping centers. Previous visitors would suggest bringing an extra suitcase… or just picking up a new one at one of the many Texas shopping venues.