Get ready to max out your credit card at the best shopping areas in Houston!
I know I promised myself that it’ll only be just a bit of window shopping, but the next thing I know, I’m carrying around big bags and melting my plastic like there’s no tomorrow.
Guilty as charged, but hey, I think I need this retail therapy more than anything! (Note: repeat to self 100 times.)
So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to indulge in some shopping therapy just like I did, this is it! Even better, today’s your lucky day because I’m sharing with you Houston’s best shopping areas where you’ll find luxury items and unique finds!
1. The Galleria
Media credit: @houstongalleria
Website: https://www.simon.com/mall/the-galleria
Address: 5085 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-622-0663
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM;
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM;
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The Galleria, or the Houston Galleria as Houston residents call it, is a shopping mall and office space into one. If you’re working or living around the area, you can enjoy this shopping area in Houston’s uptown district.
The Galleria has been known to carry over 400 high-street stores and luxury brands. Some of the stores that you can find inside The Galleria are AllSaints, Abercrombie & Fitch, Bath & Body Works, Disney Store, and Nordstrom.
For those of you who are looking for gadgets, there’s also a tech section and an Apple store in this shopping area.
The Galleria is also a one-stop shop for those who need more than just shopping. No need to visit another mall or area if you want to catch a movie, go ice skating, or even dine out, as this shopping area covers them all.
Pro tip:
If you want a cheaper food option in The Galleria, head to the food court instead. There are plenty of food options, allowing you to buy more without having to spend a lot.
2. River Oaks District
Media credit: @rodistrict
Website: https://www.riveroaksdistrict.com/
Address: 4444 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-904-1310
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
If you prefer to shop with boutiques lined up in an open area, then River Oaks District is the one for you. River Oaks District is an outdoor shopping complex that showcases luxury brands and boutiques.
Here, you can enjoy an afternoon of shopping. You can even take your furry pals for a walk while you shop.
This shopping area is not just for the ladies. Men can also choose from a wide range of high-end stores—you can even find good shops for the kids too!
Aside from clothing, River Oaks District also has stores selling footwear, pieces of jewelry, fragrances, and skin care products, making them a convenient one-stop shop, especially for those who are working at River Oaks District’s office spaces.
Meanwhile, if you want to unwind after a full day of shopping, you can spot some cute cafes and restaurants in the River Oaks District. You can also catch a movie at their theatre.
Pro tip:
If you prefer to shop in special and luxurious boutiques, consider spending more time at River Oaks District. This shopping area carries various boutique stores that you won’t find in most malls in Houston.
3. Uptown Park
Media credit: @uptownpark
Website: http://www.uptownparkhouston.com/
Address: 1121 Uptown Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77056, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-904-1310
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Located in Houston’s most fashionable neighborhood, Uptown Park adds to our list of upscale shopping areas in the city. Uptown Park is an outdoor shopping area where you can find high-end clothing boutiques for men and women.
Once you’ve seen all the Italian-inspired lights, poles, fountains, landscaped walkways, and facades, you’ll know you’ve just reached Uptown Park.
Some visitors also go here for dinner dates at high-end restaurants or even cap off the night in a wine bar.
Meanwhile, during special holidays, Uptown Park hosts holiday markets. Here, you can spot various tents filled with different stores, allowing you to support new or small brands in the market.
Pro tip:
Because of limited parking, it’s best to take a ride-sharing vehicle like Uber if you’re planning to shop at Uptown Park. This will give you ample time to shop, instead of wasting more time waiting to get a parking spot.
4. Houston Premium Outlets
Media credit: @houstonpo
Website: https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/houston
Address: 29300 Hempstead Rd, Cypress, TX 77433, United States
Contact Details: +1 281-304-5820
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM;
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM;
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
For those of you who want to score high-end items at discounted prices, then Houston Premium Outlets should be on your list.
Some of the known brands that you can find at Houston Premium Outlets are Kate Spade, Coach, Michael Kors, and Burberry.
These brands also offer almost 70% discount on some of their items, especially those with limited size availability, and their older styles and variants.
For those of you who would like to stroll, you can enjoy the street-style vibe at Houston Premium Outlets. You can even find some benches around the area should you need to rest a little before you head back to shopping.
Pro tips:
- Houston Premium Outlets is quite crowded on weekends. It’s best to avoid Sundays if you want to skip queuing outside the boutique stores.
- If you need to take their kids to Houston Premium Outlets, you can leave them at the children’s play area, allowing you to focus on your shopping.
5. Katy Mills
Media credit: @shopkatymills
Website: https://www.simon.com/mall/katy-mills
Address: 5000 Katy Mills Cir, Katy, TX 77494, United States
Contact Details: +1 281-644-5000
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM;
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM;
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Another outlet shopping area that allows you to explore branded clothing and get them at discounted prices is Katy Mills. With more than 200 stores, you can shop for clothing, footwear, and body care.
Discounted items for the kids are also available in various toy stores inside Katy Mills.
For the sporty and adventurous shoppers, you can find specialty stores that offer athleisure wear, camping items, fishing and hunting gear, and other outdoor activity-related merchandise.
And if you ever feel a bit tired from all the walking and shopping, you can choose from several food stalls.
They also have a theatre or play zone if you and your family need more entertainment for that day.
Pro tip:
If you want to catch more discounts on top of their sale price, consider planning your visit at Katy Mills during Black Friday, and back-to-school seasons.
6. CityCentre
Media credit: @citycentrehou
Website: https://www.citycentrehouston.com/
Address: 800 Town and Country Blvd, Houston, TX 77024, United States
Contact Details: +1 281-644-5000
For those of you who want to divide your day with some shopping, entertainment, and eating out, then CityCenter is the best one for you.
This open shopping area is big enough to accommodate different types of stores and restaurants. Just like us, you’ll also probably enjoy chilling at the open park, just enjoying the beautiful views of the trees.
You can also hang around and sit on the turf area. This is where you’ll catch the kids playing, while their parents take some much-needed rest.
The fun doesn’t stop at shopping as CityCenter hosts various events such as live music performances, evening yoga sessions, kid-related games, and activities—which happen almost every night.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of CityCenter’s valet parking for just $10. Some restaurants can even validate your parking tickets so make sure to ask your server too!
7. Harwin Central Mart
Media credit: @annyconda99
Website: https://www.commercialcafe.com/commercial-property/us/tx/houston/harwin-central-mart/
Address: 9700 Harwin Dr., Houston, TX 77036, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-339-9666
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
If you’re a fan of thrift shops, then we’re lucky that we’ve found Harwin Central Mart. Here, you can enjoy shopping from different retailers, selling all sorts of merchandise—from clothing, and accessories, to perfumes!
Speaking of accessories, you’ll find a wide variety of trinkets and jewelry here. In fact, Harwin Central Mart has been a go-to shopping area for costumes because of its unique selection of costume jewelries and gemstones.
You’ll also love that most of the vendors offer cleaning and repairs for such intricate jewels and metals.
Meanwhile, if you’re a small business owner, you can ask the stores to give you a wholesale discount, allowing you to buy in bulk at a negotiated price.
Pro tip:
Remember to bring enough cash if you want to bargain at Harwin Central Mart. Though most of the stores accept credit cards, the stores won’t be able to give you better deals if you opt to pay using your cards.
8. Sawyer Yards
Media credit: @sawyeryards
Website: http://www.sawyeryards.com/
Address: 2101 Winter St, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-993-9823
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What’s great about Sawyer Yards is that it’s a creative hub and shopping area rolled into one. Here, the creative community appreciates the area’s artistic ambiance while going around the complex to shop for their needs.
Imagine the stores being surrounded by warehouse sets and railroad tracks—it’s a different kind of vibe at Sawyer Yards!
If you’re a fan of art galleries, you can catch various events hosted by Sawyer Yards, making your shopping experience a lot more interesting.
Beyond these galleries, Sawyer Yards is also known for its artisan boutiques, mostly selling unique merchandise. Most of these are even crafted by local artists, allowing you to give support.
Sawyer Yards has also been a go-to place for vintage finds, providing you access to nostalgic and retro pieces.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to buy an artwork, keep in mind that some artists offer flexible payment options for high-value items. Should you find a piece that’s beyond your allocated budget, don’t hesitate to ask them for installment options.
9. Memorial City Mall
Media credit: @juan_el_guero13
Website: http://www.memorialcity.com/
Address: 303 Memorial City Way, Houston, TX 77024, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-464-8640
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM;
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM;
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
If you’re looking for a huge shopping mall that caters to all price ranges then Memorial City Hall is one of the best choices. Its extensive retail offerings include high-street boutiques and luxury department stores.
You can also find specialty shops at Memorial City Hall, including beauty stores, and health stores.
Though the mall was built during the 1960s, it was renovated in 2000, allowing shoppers to enjoy a revamped atmosphere at Memorial City Mall.
Meanwhile, if you need a quick recharge from all the walking and shopping, just choose from their wide range of dining options, ranging from casual eaters to upscale ones.
Pro tip:
Memorial City Hall often hosts pop-up events, showcasing local designers and new brands. This allows you to check trendy fashion pieces while connecting with the designers.
10. PlazAmericas
Media credit: @plazamericas_mall
Website: http://www.plazamericas.com/
Address: 7500 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-777-1111
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Formerly known as Sharpstown Mall or Sharpstown Center, PlazAmericas is now known to be an affordable shopping mall option, catering to a diverse culture.
Plus, it’s widely known in the city for being the first air-conditioned mall in Houston!
Unlike most shopping areas, PlazAmericas aims to reflect the multicultural community of Houston by featuring stores that cater to different ethnicities. Here, you can explore products from Asia and Latin America.
If you want to score unique items that are not typically found in mainstream malls then PlazAmericas is your answer.
Like the other malls in town, you also need to allot more time if you want to check out their 150 stores.
Meanwhile, those who would love to squeeze in some entertainment during their mall visit can do it here at PlazAmericas. Aside from their cinemas, they also have arcades and live events held at the plaza area.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to sample authentic Hispanic and Asian cuisines at PlazAmericas’ food court. This allows you to try out various cuisines that reflect the mall’s cultural theme.
And don’t forget to bring your cash to pay here too!
