Columbus is a fashion capital. With more designers per capita than the rest of the United States, except for New York and Los Angeles, the city really knows its stuff. With great fashion, of course, comes great shopping, of which Columbus has an abundance.
When combining the city’s fashion prowess with its reputation as a top logistics hub thanks to its central location, within a day’s drive of more than half the U.S. population, it’s the perfect recipe for major fashion brands to set up their national headquarters. In Columbus, we’re proud that Express, Abercrombie & Fitch, Eloquii, Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW), Victoria’s Secret and more call our city home.
Often, once designers have honed their skills at one of the major fashion brands based in Columbus, they’ll open their own storefront in one of Columbus’ unique neighborhoods.
You can shop both the latest styles for both men and women alongside vintage gems in carefully curated boutique collections or find that perfect something in one of the jewelers, floral shops, toy stores or modern general stores.
So, whether it’s big name brands or boutique experiences you seek, look no further than Columbus for all your holiday shopping this year.
Malls and More
With more than 240 best-in-class businesses that call it home, Easton is one of the city’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destinations. Easton’s unique village-like setting offers a broad assortment of big-name retailers like Tiffany & Co., Nordstrom and Louis Vuitton that are a fashion guru’s dream. Over the last year, Easton has added 16 acres of new mixed-use development that includes the state’s first RH Gallery from Restoration Hardware.
Continually serving as a leader in retail innovation, Easton’s Shop/LAB is the next iteration, welcoming online brands looking to open brick-and-mortar spaces, including Rock ‘Em Socks and R. Riveter. COVID-19 hasn’t slowed this lifestyle center down, and it’s easy to see why Chain Store Age Magazine named Easton the best retail experience center in the country in 2019.
Polaris Fashion Place features an indoor/outdoor mall that is easy to navigate and convenient for getting all your shopping done in one quick trip. It offers a mix of market-exclusive brands and locally owned specialty shops, plus it’s close to stand-alone stores such as Cabelas and IKEA. Just one exit north on I-71 is Tanger Outlets with deals and discounts on more than 90 name brands.
Boutique Shopping
USA Today named High Street in the Short North Arts District among “10 great American shopping streets” stating, “There’s nothing else like it in the United States.” Filled with one-of-a-kind shops, from homegrown stores that have gained national recognition – like Homage – to specialty outlets favored by locals, there’s something for everyone in the Short North.
Known as one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in the country, the already-idyllic German Village is even more charming at the holidays. Paper lanterns and strings of lights line the streets and lead the way to a variety of shops, including one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores – The Book Loft – with 32 rooms of books for every reader on your list.
Grandview Heights is a trendy, walkable community brimming with unique shops. In particular, Grandview is known for its wealth of secondhand stores, featuring consignment and thrift merchandise, both vintage and modern, from fine antiques to everyday wear and everything in between.
Farther outside of downtown, the suburbs of Worthington and Dublin also have bustling shopping districts for anyone who wants to explore more. Worthington’s downtown is historic while Dublin’s Bridge Park area is brand new and continuing to add more shops regularly.
Made in Cbus Trail
If you’re not sure where to start with such an abundance of options, the Made in Cbus Trail is for you. The trail features more than 20 local businesses, including top-rated distilleries, independently designed clothing, handcrafted accessories, home goods and more.
The curated collection of local makers shine for their unique stories and commitment to quality and collaboration and are perfect for completing your holiday shopping list. Plus, after making purchases at four stops on the trail, you can earn a free canvas tote bag as a memento of your experience!
Just pick up a Made in Cbus Trail Guide at any participating stop or an Experience Columbus Visitor Center, conveniently located at Easton or downtown in the Arena District, then redeem your stamped guide at either visitor center location.
Explore participating shops at madeincbustrail.com.
This is just a sampling of all the incredible shopping Columbus has to offer. Consider making a weekend of your trip and taking in some of the holiday scenes across the city, like Wildlights! at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium or Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Check out experiencecolumbus.com/packages for great deals on hotel stays and experiencecolumbus.com/holidays for more inspiration.
When shopping or staying in Columbus, know that you can feel safe doing so thanks to the Live Forward Pledge taken by hundreds of businesses in the community. Look for the orange window decal on your visit for a visual representation of which businesses have put the health and safety of their patrons at the forefront of reopening amidst the coronavirus pandemic and learn more at experiencecolumbus.com/liveforwardpledge.
Shop ‘til You Drop in Columbus