Ten Best Spots to Shop Like a Local in the Dallas Area (2024)

Photo courtesy of First Monday Trade Days

One of the oldest and largest flea markets in the country, Canton's First Monday Trade Days (located around 50-miles southeast of Dallas) is every magpie's dream with over 5,000 dealers, pavilions and stalls sprawled across 100 acres. From apparel (new and vintage), antiques and collectibles to crafts and jewelry, whatever it is you are looking for, you're likely to find it here. But don't let the name fool you, the main event actually takes place the Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of each month. Whichever day you go, be sure to arrive early if you want to beat the crowds. Also, take plenty of cash and be prepared to haggle.

Recommended for Best Shopping because: First Monday is the place for everything from vintage gems and to cowboy attire.

Ilene's expert tip: Be sure to download the First Monday Trade Days app to help guide the way to the treasures you're searching for. To make getting around easier, there are scooter rental stations installed at each entry point. Also, note that there are ATMs here.

Read more about First Monday Trade Days →

Photo courtesy of Galleria Dallas

Boasting four levels of more than 200 stores, which includes a mix of trusty department stores (Macy's and Nordstrom), all the major brands you can think of (from Abercrombie & Fitch to J. Crew) and specialty stores like Gucci and American Girl, it's suffice it to say that whatever you're looking for will most likely be found here. Add in a plethora of eating options, a rain forest-themed kid's play space and an ice-skating rink set beneath a glass vaulted ceiling modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, and you can see why this place is a major draw for locals and tourists alike.

Recommended for Best Shopping because: Year-round ice skating, convenient multi-level parking and a wide variety of stores make the Galleria Dallas one of the city's prime go-to shopping destinations.

Ilene's expert tip: Shoppers traveling more than 50 miles to visit the Galleria Dallas can receive a VIP Privilege Card filled with special offers and discounts. Just bring a valid photo ID to the Guest Reception Center located on Level 1, Center Court to score one.

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Photo courtesy of Ilene Jacobs

This New York based retailer may look like a regular toy shop from the onset, but behind a secret wall an immersive wonderland for kids await. Arranged over 13,000 square feet of space, Camp features everything from a treehouse to a basketball court and a disco room, not to mention a slew of curated toys, books and games, many of which are available for children to play with. As if that wasn't enough, the store offers a variety of activities throughout the day (think crafts, yoga and storytime) as well as ticketed events such as sing-a-longs, magic shows and more. Fair warning: You'll be lucky if you can get out of here in less than an hour.

Recommended for Best Shopping because: Camp is where to go when you're shopping for toys with kids in tow.

Ilene's expert tip: Be sure to check the Dallas website before you go to find out what activities are being offered that day. Note that some require a ticket.

Read more about Camp →

Photo courtesy of Allen Premium Outlets

This Allen based outlet complex is a magnet to shoppers from across the country. The draw? It's possibly the area's best place to score a raft of luxury labels and name brands for 25% to 65% off retail prices. There are over 100 stores, including Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Cole Haan, Kenneth Cole, Armani, DKNY, and Lacoste as well as True Religion, Under Armour and Converse. The list goes on with children's apparel, jewelry and accessories to housewares, leather goods, luggage and even snowboards. In short, if you're into scoring some real bargains on quality merchandise and name brands, this is the place for you.

Recommended for Best Shopping because: For those who like getting the best for less, Allen Premium Outlets offers some of the best bargains in town.

Ilene's expert tip: Sign up for the VIP Shoppers Club for free access to exclusive deals and coupons online. And be sure to check under deals on the website to take advantage of even more bargains.

Read more about Allen Premium Outlets →

Photo courtesy of Wild Bill's Western Store

A mainstay in the West End Historic District of downtown Dallas, Wild Bill's has supplied authentic western gear to everyone from Elton John and Mick Jagger to the cast of the TV series Dallas. This is where you'll find handcrafted boots by the likes of Justin, Lagarto and Lucchese as well as everything from clothing, belts, buckles and wallets to bolo ties, cowboy hats and jewelry. Oh, and they also can outfit younger cowpokes, too. Don't miss the kitschy Texas souvenirs. Did we mention the free beer?

Recommended for Best Shopping because: Wild Bill's Western Wear has been the go-to place in Dallas for cowboy attire for over 50 years.

Ilene's expert tip: Be sure to double check any item you find in-store with the same item online, if there is a price difference, the store will honor the lowest price. Note that there is metered parking in front of the store.

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Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

No trip to Dallas would be complete without a pit stop at the flagship Neiman Marcus store, a Dallas icon dating back to 1914. Here, you'll find five floors filled with everything from lux designer labels for women, men and children to toys, gifts and home decor. More than just another high-end department store, Neiman Marcus' downtown location still echoes the old world charm of a bygone era, it's a true standing monument to the classic style of Dallas. Not to be missed is the Zodiac restaurant on the 6th floor where lunch includes complimentary popovers with strawberry butter and a demitasse of chicken broth.

Recommended for Best Shopping because: For the quintessential Dallas shopping experience, look no further than the legendary Neiman Marcus store downtown.

Ilene's expert tip: Receive a 15% discount off your next purchase by signing up for emails on the website.

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Photo courtesy of Forty Five Ten

Retail therapy doesn't get much better than at this four-level, 37,000 square foot luxury boutique--where you'll find plenty of posh threads from the likes of Comme des Garcons, Erdem Moralioglu, Jil Sander and Thom Browne. The store also carries a phenomenal collection of handbags, shoes and jewelry, as well as beauty products and decorative items for the home. Everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to Oprah and Laura Bush shop here-- so as you might expect, prices tend to run on the steeper side. Though, even if you are on a budget, you can still walk away with one-of-a-kind trinkets without breaking the bank.

Recommended for Best Shopping because: Forty Five Ten has a reputation for being one of the top luxury boutiques in the country.

Ilene's expert tip: At present, the store is open Monday — Tuesday, by appointment only, and Wednesday — Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Read more about Forty Five Ten Downtown Dallas →

Photo courtesy of RH Gallery

After a being closed for the past few years, Restoration Hardware has been rebuilt and rebranded as RH Gallery, and with it comes a stunning, three-level jewel of a store boasting one of the largest collections of luxury home furnishings in the world. Unveiled this past May 2021, the 70,000-square-foot building features artistic installations of luxury home furnishings in a gallery setting, with expansive spaces devoted to RH Interiors, RH Modern and RH Outdoor. Offering an integrated hospitality experience, the new RH also includes a glass-encased rooftop restaurant and wine bar that open onto an elegantly landscaped park.

Recommended for Best Shopping because: Even if you're not looking to deck out your digs, RH Gallery's rooftop terrace is worthy of a visit on its own.

Ilene's expert tip: There's valet parking located off Cole Avenue behind the store. Additional parking is available along Cole Avenue as well.

Read more about RH Gallery (Formally Restoration Hardware) →

Photo courtesy of Ilene Jacobs

Tucked among the stately mansions in the Dallas suburb of Highland Park lies the iconic Highland Park Village, the city's' chicest, and the country's oldest open-air shopping center. Opened in 1931, the Mediterranean Spanish-style complex is a one-stop spot for everything luxury, boasting a who's who list of names in fashion. There's Fendi, Chanel, Hermes, Ralph Lauren, and Jimmy Choo alongside trendy retailers like Rag & Bone, Alice + Olivia and more. You don't need to have an AMEX Platinum card to window shop, but it sure will come in handy should you decide to purchase anything. Easier on the wallet is a handful of terrific restaurants, including the famed NYC brunch spot, Sadelle's.

Recommended for Best Shopping because: Highland Park Village is one of the premier shopping spots for luxury labels.

Ilene's expert tip: If it's too difficult to park within the village, additional parking is available in the lot at Mockingbird Lane and Douglas Avenue. Complimentary valet parking is also available near Bistro 31 and The Honor Bar.

Read more about Highland Park Village →

Photo courtesy of NorthPark Center

With over 2,000,000 square feet of retail and dining, plus a museum-quality art collection and a 16-screen AMC theater, it's no wonder that Dallas' crown jewel of shopping centers ranks among the top five shopping destinations in the country. Here, you'll find more than 235 retailers, ranging from legendary department stores (Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Dillard's and Nordstrom) to designer boutiques such as Gucci and Burberry to familiar brands like J. Crew, Gap and Apple. Oh, and there's also a Dreamscape Immersive virtual reality experience, and Eataly food hall here, too.

Recommended for Best Shopping because: Welcoming 26 million visitors annually, NorthPark Center is cream of Dallas' crop when it comes to shopping centers.

Ilene's expert tip: Bazille restaurant inside Nordstrom offers complimentary valet at the east Nordstrom elevator entrance.Out of town visitors can visit NorthPark's Concierge for a VIP Traveler Offers brochure featuring special offers and discounts.

Read more about NorthPark Center →