10 Best Shopping in St. Louis

Saint Louis Galleria has over 165 shops and restaurants spread across 3 levels. Its anchor stores are Nordstrom, Macy’s and Dillard’s, with popular fashion and lifestyle retailers around them including Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, LUSH, and Disney Store.

Like most shopping malls, Saint Louis Galleria has a 6-screen movie theater showing the latest movies. Dining-wise, you’ll find a food court, along with standalone restaurants such as California Pizza Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, Nordstrom Café Bistro, and Saint Louis Bread Company. Note that on weekends, kids below 18 years old must leave the mall before 3 pm unless accompanied by an adult.

The Soulard Farmer’s Market is the oldest operating market in St. Louis, serving the local community since 1779. This thriving open-air market has over 140 vendors selling fresh produce, meat, seafood, flowers, and spices. It’s open 4 days a week, though we recommend visiting on a Saturday to truly experience the market in full flow.

Stroll through the stalls at Soulard Farmer’s Market and you can emerge 15 minutes later with a full picnic from around 6 countries. For the adventurous eaters, Juan More Tamale’s seasonal special is a must, while those in need of a spice kick should head to Norton’s Cajun Corner. Pekara Bread offers a valid excuse to indulge in homemade pastries.

Central West End is a 5-block stretch with a vibrant arts scene and upscale shopping in St. Louis. Maryland Plaza has several trendy boutiques (including the Design Within Reach flagship), an IKEA, and antique stores. Euclid Avenue’s pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with specialty gift stores, beauty salons and spas, bookstores, and restaurants with alfresco seating.

Sidewalk cafés and international restaurants are within walking distance of the expansive Forest Park, Saint Louis Zoo, and the Saint Louis Art Museum. After a day of shopping in Central West End, catch a show at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Sheldon Concert Hall.

The Delmar Loop is an eclectic district that’s known for its wide range of fashion boutiques, eateries, cafés, galleries, and live music venues. Located in the Parkview neighbourhood, it has a distinct, student-led quirkiness thanks to its proximity to Washington University.

The best way to explore the Loop – as locals call it – is on foot, but there’s a trolley connecting the strip to Forest Park if you prefer a leisurely way to get around. Stroll the St. Louis Walk of Fame and pay homage to some of the city’s most notable people, such as Chuck Berry and Yogi Berra. Old-school music fans will be treated to St. Louis’ best vinyl record stores – Vintage Vinyl is one of the last remaining stores of its kind.

Clayton is a rather luxurious district in St. Louis, around 10 miles west of Downtown, with high rises, shopping malls, and upscale boutiques lining its streets. Some of the best places to shop in the city are in this area, including Saint Louis Galleria and Plaza Frontenac – both malls have a mix of exclusive and high-street brands, as well as dining and entertainment outlets.

Many locally-owned galleries and upscale boutiques line the walkable streets of Clayton. Pop into the Duane Reed Gallery to check out the latest art show, and peruse shops like Byrd Style Lounge, a boutique that offers style-consulting services. By night, St. Louis’ office workers enjoy happy-hour beverages at places like The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis’s The Lobby Lounge.

Cherokee Street is better known as Cherokee Antique Row, as it manages to fit in over 50 antiques and specialty shops. It makes the 6-block shopping district one of the liveliest in St. Louis, and even if you only visit for the quaint buildings, flamboyant Latino street art, or a breakfast taco, you’ll soon be stepping into the intriguing shops.

Many are independently owned, and offer goods from shabby chic furniture to rare-edition musical instruments. Cherokee Antique Row lies on the eastern stretch, while the western side has a lively Latino vibe with excellent bodegas and taquerias.

The Boulevard is a brick-paved avenue in St. Louis’ Richmond Heights, offering a wide range of shopping and dining options. The lifestyle village has over a dozen retail outlets and restaurants, along with a cluster of upscale apartments.

After perusing The Boulevard’s many stores, you can dine at restaurants such as P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and Maggiano’s Little Italy, or get your beauty fix at Soft Surroundings and Mitchell James Salon. On Sundays, fresh produce and handmade products are available at The Boulevard Farmers Market from 9 am to 1 pm.

Grand South Grand offers the most diverse shopping and dining opportunities in St. Louis. It’s a densely populated neighbourhood with plenty of ethnic markets and specialty shops, along with international restaurants and cafés serving dishes from around the world. A must-visit is Jay’s International Food Co., a classic grocery store that stocks imported produce, meats, and pantry staples.

Grand South Grand also hosts many unique events throughout the year, such as the International Dine Around in May, Fall Fest in September and Grinchmas in December. If you want to take a break from shopping, enjoy a stroll at the famous Tower Grove Park and Piper Palm House, or the Missouri Botanical Garden.

St. Louis Union Station mainly serves as the city’s National Historic Landmark train station. Established in 1894, it occupies a restored Romanesque-style building that has polished brick walkways, arched ceilings, skylights, and brass railings. The station also has a hotel, shopping mall, an entertainment complex, and an aquarium.

There are around 11 shops within St. Louis Union Station, including the Grand Hall Market – this ornate gift shop and café even has as a glassed-in model railroad. The daily Grand Hall Light Show runs on the hour from 5 pm to 10 pm, showcasing 3D images around its 65-ft ceiling.

Plaza Frontenac is anchored by the only Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue branches in Missouri, along with mainly upscale national brands and restaurants. The 2-storey shopping mall also houses the 6-screen Landmark Plaza Frontenac Movie theater, which frequently shows independent and limited-release movies.

Sports brands Lululemon Athletica, Peloton and Athleta are located on Level 2, while jewelry stores such as Omega and Tiffany & Co are on Level 1. Food options include Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Saint Louis Bread Company, and Bricktops Restaurant. Plaza Frontenac is within a 15-minute drive north of Laumeier Sculpture Park.