10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Detroit

Downtown Detroit’s main shopping strip, Woodward Avenue, was once the home of the largest department store in the USA – Hudson’s. Today, this main thoroughfare has transformed into a unique blend of big-brand stores and local boutiques.

International names like Nike, Under Armor, and Lululemon are some of the biggest draws of the strip. There are also some unique Detroit staples sprinkled in, such as The New Black, which offers stylish elevated streetwear, and Shinola, where you can find upscale watches at affordable prices. Take a break from shopping by heading across the street to House of Pure Vin for a glass of wine.

Eastern Market is a once low-key area a mile north of downtown that has become one of the busiest shopping districts in the city. Most popular for its bustling farmers market, the area is also home to a plethora of unique Detroit-centric stores.

You can’t go wrong with D-swag from Division Street Boutique, DETROIT HUSTLES HARDER, or the Detroit vs. Everybody store. All are situated right off of Russell Street. Head to Detroit Mercantile and peruse all kinds of home décor and hand-crafted goods if a unique gift is what you seek. Try to visit on a weekday as the locals invade Eastern Market on Saturdays and Sundays.

Corktown is an excellent place in Detroit for vintage, handcrafted goods. The large number of Irish immigrants flooding into the district in the 19^th century gave this historic area its name, but it’s being redefined as the most interesting place to shop in the city.

Bring a bohemian influence into your wardrobe at Eldorado General Store, or try Mama Coo’s Boutique for a huge selection of one-of-a-kind handmade goods. Take a break from shopping to stop by the Corktown Farmers Market – dedicated to providing chemical-free food products, with delectable sounding vendors such as What Up Dough. Corktown bustles daily and is centered on Trumbull Avenue.

Shinola has become synonymous with American fashion, selling beautiful hand-crafted goods to all corners of the world. From leather wares to jewelry and their world-renowned luxury timepieces, Shinola has become the Detroit destination for visitors and locals alike within just 10 years of existence.

The flagship store is in downtown on Woodward Avenue, but the real magic happens behinds the scenes at the leather and watch factories – where over 400 local artisans work on the timepieces.

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets offers some of the best deals in Detroit. Offering shoppers more than 180 retail and dining options, with over 50 shops that you won’t find anywhere else in the state. It’s just a short 30-minute drive north of downtown Detroit.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love browsing staples like Brass Pro Shops and Mountain Warehouse. Upscale retailers such as Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Shinola offer trendy options at rock-bottom prices. Plan to spend a whole day shopping as the 1,000-seat food court and onsite movie theaters are attraction compliments to keep you going.

The boutique-haven of Midtown is just north of downtown Detroit, along Woodward Avenue. Home to a medley of chic women’s clothing retailers, art galleries, and record shops.

Head to The Black Dress Company for fun custom-made women's clothing. Shop eclectic styles in homey digs at Flo Boutique, or take a stroll down West Canfield St where you’ll find unique Detroit-centric gift shops such as City Bird and Nest Housewares. Don’t leave without checking out Jack White’s Third Man Records, where you can actually see record pressing in action.

Fairlane Town Center is your quintessential American shopping mall, with over 125 stores and restaurants. Conveniently located off I-94, across the street from the Henry Ford Experience, you will find just about everything on your shopping list here.

Prominent department stores such as Macy's and JCPenney are the cornerstones of the mall. Forever 21, Hollister and Claires attract throngs of millennials looking to upgrade their wardrobe at affordable prices. You can even buy high-end jewelry for that special someone at M J Diamonds. The mall closes in the early evening but you can stick around for a surround-sound movie at the onsite AMC theater.

Head 20-minutes west of downtown along I-696, and you’ll wind up at Novi’s spacious Twelve Oaks Mall. This is where classic American mall meets upscale vibes, from the mall-front valet service to the plush leather seats lining the walkways.

Grab some pretzel bites for the kids (and yourself) from Auntie Anne’s before shopping for shoes at Journeys, Foot Locker and The Walking Company. Peruse in-season trendy apparel at Lord + Taylor, followed with a bite of lunch at Nordstrom's Ebar Artisan Café. A stroll through the Oakland's Hills Memorial Gardens across the street is a great way to wind down after a day of shopping.