Scottsdale’s shopping landscape spans three tiers: luxury malls, outlet destinations, and the distinctive Old Town gallery district. The region’s dry climate and year-round tourism support premium retail, Western-themed shopping, and Native American artisan goods. Planning matters—heat and crowds define the experience, especially June-August.

Scottsdale Fashion Square — Largest Luxury Mall in the Southwest

Scottsdale Fashion Square is one of the largest malls in the Southwest and the anchor luxury destination. Located at Scottsdale Road and Camelback Road, the property encompasses 2 million square feet and over 250 retailers.

Anchor Stores:

  • Nordstrom (main anchor)
  • Neiman Marcus
  • Saks Fifth Avenue (newer addition)
  • Macy’s

Luxury Brands:

  • Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Hermès
  • Burberry, Coach, Kate Spade
  • Apple
  • High-end jewelry (Tiffany, David Yurman)
  • Restaurants and cafes

Experience:

  • Indoor, air-conditioned (essential June-August when outdoor temps exceed 105°F)
  • Valet parking available
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Seating areas and water features
  • Upscale atmosphere; crowds can be heavy weekends and tourist season

Best times:

  • Weekday mornings (10-11 AM opening)
  • September-May (tolerable weather)
  • Sales periods (January, July clearance events)

Old Town Scottsdale — Art, Western Wear & Native American Goods

Old Town Scottsdale centers on Fifth Avenue and surrounding blocks (roughly Goldwater Boulevard to Scottsdale Road, Indian School to Main Street). The district is car-free, pedestrian-focused, and distinctly Arizonan.

Character:

  • Historic Western architecture (false-front saloons, adobe shops)
  • Gallery-heavy: 80+ galleries showing regional and Native American artists
  • Jewelry stores specializing in turquoise and Native American pieces
  • Western wear (boots, hats, leather, rodeo gear)
  • Art studios and artist workshops (many open to visitors)
  • Restaurants and bars with Western themes
  • Tourist-oriented but authentic local culture

What to Find:

  • Turquoise jewelry: Locally mined stones from Arizona mines (Sleeping Beauty, Morenci), handcrafted settings. Quality varies; reputable shops provide authentication.
  • Native American art: Rugs, pottery, jewelry, baskets from Navajo, Hopi, Apache artists. Prices range $50-10,000+ depending on artist and rarity.
  • Western wear: Boots (starting $200-400 for quality), Stetson and Justin hats, leather jackets, pearl-snap Western shirts, rodeo belts.
  • Local artists: Landscapes, abstract, photography, sculpture. Galleries rotate inventory seasonally.

Notable Areas:

  • Fifth Avenue: Main pedestrian thoroughfare, galleries and shops
  • Craftsman Court: Gallery cluster with artist studios open during hours
  • Indian Village: Dedicated to Native American artisans
  • Art galleries: More than 80 throughout district (seek out galleries specializing in regional artists)

Experience:

  • Open year-round; comfortable October-April
  • Summer (June-August) temperatures 100-110°F; most activity confined to early morning/evening
  • Weekend crowds heavy, especially February-April
  • Parking: Free off-street lots on perimeter (Marshall, Appaloosa, Civic Center lots)
  • Many shops open 10 AM-6 PM; galleries open 10-5 (hours vary)

Spending & Quality:

  • Turquoise jewelry: $30-2,000+ depending on quality, artist, stone origin
  • Western boots: $200-500 standard, $500-1,500+ for premium brands
  • Native American art/rugs: $200-10,000+ depending on artist and piece size
  • Most galleries accept cards; some small shops cash-preferred

Phoenix Premium Outlets — Chandler Location

Phoenix Premium Outlets is in Chandler, approximately 25 miles south of Scottsdale (35-45 minute drive).

Anchor Stores:

  • Saks OFF 5TH
  • Nordstrom Rack
  • Neiman Marcus Last Call (when operating)

Tenant Mix (150+ stores):

  • Nike
  • Coach
  • Kate Spade
  • Polo Ralph Lauren
  • Tommy Hilfiger
  • Calvin Klein
  • Gap
  • Banana Republic
  • Sephora
  • Bath & Body Works

Layout & Experience:

  • Outdoor shopping center (Arizona weather cooperates October-April)
  • Covered walkways between sections
  • Free parking (ample)
  • Open-air design means heat June-September (100°F+ possible)
  • Generally less crowded than Fashion Square

Best times:

  • October-April (comfortable weather)
  • Weekday mornings
  • Post-holiday clearance sales (January, July)

Savings Expectations:

  • Outlet pricing typically 20-40% below department store retail
  • Some brands discount 30-50% on select items
  • Better deals on overstock and end-of-season inventory

Note: Outlet shopping requires patience. Selection is hit-or-miss depending on inventory that week. Successful shopping means: multiple stores, trying on fits, comparing pieces, not expecting all sizes/colors to be available.

Kierland Commons — Outdoor Lifestyle Center

Located near Scottsdale Fashion Square, Kierland Commons is an upscale outdoor shopping area.

Anchors:

  • Crate & Barrel
  • Williams-Sonoma
  • Apple

Tenants:

  • Premium casual and lifestyle brands
  • Restaurants (upscale casual to fine dining)
  • Mix of local and national retailers

Experience:

  • Open-air, Arizona-weather-dependent
  • December-March ideal; June-August requires early morning or evening visits
  • Parking: Free, ample
  • Less crowded than Fashion Square; more than Old Town

Scottsdale Quarter — Lifestyle Retail

Located at Camelback Road and Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Quarter is an open-air lifestyle shopping center.

Features:

  • Mediterranean-inspired architecture
  • Mix of national retailers (J. Crew, Crate & Barrel, Apple)
  • Dining options
  • Central plaza for events
  • Moderate crowds, less busy than Fashion Square

Tips for Successful Outlet Shopping

Timing:

  • Arrive at opening (typically 10 AM) to beat crowds and secure parking
  • Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) are least crowded
  • Avoid peak tourism periods (February-March, July holidays)

Strategy:

  • Sign up for store loyalty programs; often offer instant coupons (10-15% off)
  • Download mall coupon books or check websites before visiting
  • Check sale calendars; outlets often time clearance events
  • Wear comfortable shoes; expect to walk 1-2 miles in a session
  • Bring a backpack or bags for purchases

Budget:

  • Set a budget beforehand; outlet shopping encourages impulse spending
  • Compare prices on high-value items (handbags, shoes); savings aren’t automatic
  • Check quality: outlet stores sometimes stock lower-grade versions of brands

Summer Shopping:

  • Start before 8 AM for outdoor centers (Fashion Square is air-conditioned)
  • Bring sunscreen and water
  • Most heavy shopping shifts to evening (6-9 PM) in summer
  • Mall-based shopping (Fashion Square) is more comfortable June-August

Tax & Returns

  • Sales tax: Arizona is 6.5% (no state sales tax on groceries)
  • Returns: Policies vary by retailer; check before purchase. Outlets typically have stricter return policies than department stores (often 7-14 days vs. 30-60)
  • Refunds: Most outlets refund to card, not cash

Parking & Access

Fashion Square:

  • Valet parking (complimentary with validation at select stores, typically luxury retailers)
  • Self-parking garage (free)
  • Arrive 10-11 AM for best parking availability

Old Town Scottsdale:

  • Free municipal lots (Marshall, Appaloosa, Civic Center)
  • Arrive before 10 AM or after 5 PM for parking convenience
  • Street parking available but fills during peak hours

Phoenix Premium Outlets (Chandler):

  • Free, ample parking
  • 25 miles south; plan 45 minutes each way
  • Less crowded, worth the drive for serious outlet shopping

Where to Eat & Stay

Shopping typically pairs with dining. Scottsdale Fashion Square and Kierland Commons have multiple restaurants (casual to upscale). Old Town Scottsdale offers themed restaurants (saloon-style, Mexican, steakhouses).

For multi-day shopping trips or vacation stays, Scottsdale timeshare promotions provide accommodations with kitchen access and flexibility. Post-shopping meals at Scottsdale’s best restaurants range from casual brewpubs to fine dining.

Bottom Line

Scottsdale shopping ranges from luxury brands (Scottsdale Fashion Square), to artisan galleries (Old Town), to outlet savings (Phoenix Premium Outlets). Fashion Square is largest and most convenient; Old Town offers unique, locally-sourced goods and Native American art; outlets deliver savings if you’re patient and strategic. October-April is ideal shopping weather; June-August requires early-morning planning. Spend time in Old Town even if you’re not shopping—the galleries, walkable streets, and Western atmosphere are distinctive. Budget 2-4 hours for outlet hunting, 1-2 hours for gallery browsing in Old Town, and unlimited time at Fashion Square. Parking is ample everywhere; traffic is the main pain point, not shopping logistics. Plan midweek to avoid crowds, bring comfortable shoes, and use coupons.