10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Minneapolis

The Mall of America is an iconic USA megamall, blending retail, entertainment, and a host of attractions. With over 500 stores and restaurants, along with a cinema, aquarium, and even a theme park, the MOA (as locals call it), the shopping and activity options are endless.

The massive 4-level mall is in the suburb of Bloomington, a short 15-minute drive from downtown Minneapolis. Drop the kids off at Nickelodeon Universe while you peruse retail staples such as Nordstrom Rack, Loft, and DSW. Grab a local souvenir at Minnesot-Ah! or buy a new pair of yoga leggings at the renowned Lululemon. Don’t bother studying a map as you are bound to get lost – just pick up a Nestle Tollhouse cookie and embrace the experience of wandering.

Minnehaha Mile is a resurgent shopping district on Minnehaha Avenue, in the inner-city suburb of Longfellow. Home to a growing number of resale, vintage, and sustainability-oriented stores, the strip is excellent for finding unique clothing and one-of-a-kind antiques.

The ‘mile’ is bookended by the funky Moon Palace Book Store, and vinyl record store Solsta Records – both laden with a peculiar assortment of goods. Grab a coffee and slice of poppyseed cake while browsing the selection of mid-century household items at E’s Emporium. Family game-night can’t begin without a visit to Heroic Goods and Games. Don’t leave without visiting Junket: Tossed & Found with its selection of reuse goods and creative supplies.

Rain or shine, the Minneapolis City Center offers phenomenal shopping opportunities in the heart of downtown. It's dubbed 'the most connected building in the city' with its 5 sky bridges connecting it to different parts of the sprawling Nicolette Avenue plaza.

The area is actually a collection of several malls that encompass 4 city blocks, housing many big, national retail chains such as Target, Saks Off 5th, and Marshalls. City Center has 2 levels to consider, the street-level with its classic shopping options, and the sky-way level playing host to more unique stores, and upscale restaurants. Make sure to stop in Minnesota Makers, a boutique shop featuring artisan goods from over 100 local artists.

The Warehouse District, a short walk north of downtown, is renowned as the trendy, hipster centre of the city. A gentrification push in recent years has turned the area from a crumbling industrial wasteland into a melting pot of designer boutiques and innovative restaurants.

For women’s clothing head to D.NOLO with its fashion-forward styles and accessories, or luxury trendsetter Grethen House. Askov Finlayson and MartinPatrick showcase a sophisticated array of men’s clothing, accessories, and leather bags. Feeling in the mood to treat yourself with a little gift? Check out russel+hazel that specializes in beautifully handcrafted notebooks and stationery. Most parking is metered – head a few blocks of Washington Avenue for free spots.

The Midtown Global Market is a bustling public market home to over 45 businesses representing countries from around the world. More than just a shopping destination, it is a place of cultural exploration through food and handcrafted goods.

Bring an African influence into your wardrobe at Simba Craftware, or try Hmong Handicrafts for South China-inspired hand-spun bags and baskets. For authentic Navajo handmade stone and turquoise jewellery, Mill City Merchants is the specialist. The Midtown Global Market is open every day and is located on the lively Lake Street.

Linden Hills is for those that enjoy walking a small charming neighbourhood and browsing a variety of delightful historic shops. Located along the Como-Harriet streetcar line, the indie-style boutiques are complemented by a handful of quaint cafes – a nice reprieve from a day of shopping.

The action is centred around the intersection of 43rd and Sheridan and everything is within walking distance. For the antique lover, Victory Vantage is the place to find a 19th-century armoire. GoodThings is filled with all kinds of home decor and kitchen gadgets to spice up your home. And Heartfelt not only provides craft supplies but craft lessons to challenge you and your friends' creativity.

Bordering the Field and Northrop neighbourhoods is the boutique shopping area of 48th & Chicago Ave. Trendy, yet affordable shopping is what this small and cosy locality provides. Primp is the boutique shop for chic women’s clothing, selling affordable style with an upscale focus. For beautiful personalized gifts, head to 14 Hill. And for all things creative, Rock Paper Scissors Goods provides a stylish variety of fabrics as well as art classes and workshops.

Shops open daily. However, stop by on a weekend to enjoy a nice beer at one of the many cute cafes to rest your feet.

The substantial Twin Cities Premium Outlets is in the suburb of Eagan, around a 25-minute drive south of Minneapolis. It’s home to over 100 outlet stores representing some of the world’s biggest retail brands, with covered walkways that make for convenient, year-round shopping.

Upscale retailers such as Kate Spade, Vera Bradley, and Coach provide opportunities for chic items at rock-bottom prices. For the athleisure lovers, Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas all have stellar offerings, and there is even a Crocs outlet for pure comfort aficionados. The diverse food court and indoor/outdoor fireplace provide a layer of comfort not many malls provide.

The Uptown district, a stone’s throw from Bde Maka Saka park, is a prominent hipster shopping destination in Minneapolis. With plenty of one-of-a-kind thrift shops to choose from, you are bound to find a unique Halloween outfit here.

Buffalo Exchange, My Sister’s Closet, and Corner Store Vintage are the staple second-hand stores to explore, all within walking distance of each other. For all-weather, sustainably made clothing, Sweden's Fjällräven is situated in the heart of Uptown. In the case you are a mall-lover, Calhoun Square provides all the brand-name restaurants and shops you would require – it’s also the nightlife hub of Uptown.

Central Avenue & Lowry plays host to a medley of shops, markets, and bookstores that require a full day to explore. The quiet streets are home to an array of lifestyle shops, exuding a calming zen influence as a place of refuge from the bustle of downtown Minneapolis.

Magnus Books & Herbs is the local favourite, as it is a lot more than just a bookstore, providing a variety of complementary healing treatments. The lifestyle shop, Duke Albert, sells a plethora of goods for the home, body, and mind. Scratch your thrifting itch at The Cat and The Cobra, then head to Holy Land, an authentic Middle Eastern restaurant for delicious shawarma. Make sure to visit the Thorp Building and browsing its locally curated art galleries.