Shopping. It's one of America's favorite pastimes. And in Las Vegas, it's been raised to a high art -- for visitors and residents alike. With shopping centers in themed megaresorts at one end of the spectrum to expansive factory outlet malls at the other, every shopper is sure to satisfy his or her appetite. There's also an ever-growing selection of specialty shops for those with very specific interests.

Las Vegas is quickly gaining a reputation as a "shopping destination," with retail options running the gamut from swap meets to upscale resort-based specialty boutiques. Master planned communities throughout the valley are typically home to major retailers and popular chains, while malls, retail centers and shopping outlets house major-brand anchor stores. Whatever you're in the market for, chances are good you can find it in Las Vegas!

Las Vegas retail is divided into a variety of sections: malls, shopping centers, resort-centered retail properties and outlets. Add to the mix specialty boutiques, power retail centers and product-specific shops (everything from eyeglasses to tires), and you'll see Southern Nevada shopping options can be found in abundance!

Neighborhood Malls

The Galleria at Sunset

1300 W. Sunset Rd.

Henderson, NV 89014

(702) 434-24098

www.galleriaatsunset.com

The Galleria at Sunset is a two-story mall located in Henderson. The mall boasts anchor retailers, including Dillard's, Macy's, JC Penney and Dick's Sporting Goods. The Galleria is home to a number of jewelry and electronics stores, salons, photo studios, clothing retailers and gift shops. Specialty retailers include Sharper Image, Gymboree and The Sweet Factory. The Galleria has a full food court, two full-service restaurants (Chevy's and Red Robin) and valet parking. 

The Boulevard Mall

3528 S. Maryland Pkwy.

Las Vegas, NV 89109

(702) 735-8268

www.blvdmall.com

Centrally located, the Boulevard Mall is one of the largest malls in Nevada. It features a wide variety of retailers including JC Penney, Dillard's, Macy's and Sears. The property boasts a full food court with a mix of offerings. The mall is actually located within a retail center and is within close proximity to stand-alone merchandisers including Best Buy, Cost-Plus World Market and a number of discount clothing stores.

The Meadows Mall

4300 Meadows Lane

Las Vegas, NV 89107

(702) 878-3331

www.meadowsmall.com

Located on the west side of Las Vegas, Meadows Mall is a two-story shopping facility with 140 specialty shops. Retailers include Fred Meyer Jewelers, Gymboree and anchor tenants Macy's, Dillard's, JC Penney and Sears.

Las Vegas Strip-based malls

The Forum Shops at Caesars

3500 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89109

(702) 893-3807

The Forum Shops at Caesars provides a grand, upscale shopping experience. A number of high-end retails are located here, including Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Versace and Bvlgari. You can also find your favorite retailers, such as Gap, Just for Feet and Victoria's Secret. The Forum Shops is an entertainment shopping experience and offers cafe-style dining at such high-end eateries as Wolfgang Puck's Spago, Chinois and Planet Hollywood.

Desert Passage at Aladdin

3663 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89109

(702) 866-0703

www.desertpassage.com

Located inside the Aladdin Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip (currently undergoing renovation through a merger with Planet Hollywood), Desert Passage is a themed shopping and entertainment destination. With 16 restaurants and 160 shops, there's something for everyone. Brand names include Benetton, Lucky Brand Jeans, Herve Leger, Clinique and Aveda. The mall also boasts numerous fine arts retailers including The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store.

Fashion Show Mall

3200 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89109

(702) 369-0704

www.thefashionshow.com

One of the nation's largest shopping centers, Fashion Show Mall, prominently located on the Las Vegas Strip, features seven flagship department stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillard's, Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's Home along with more than 250 shops and eateries. Fashion Show Mall is home to several restaurants and the Cento & Fanti Gourmet Market. The mall features regular fashion shows and personal appearances by well-known designers.

Mandalay Place

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino

3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89109

(702) 632-7777

www.mandalaybay.com

Mandalay Place is a unique retail destination located on a 100,000 foot sky bridge connecting Mandalay Bay to The Luxor. Mandalay Place offers a wide variety of merchandise, from souvenirs and beachwear to home furnishings. Retailers include Blankspace and Lush Puppy.

Via Bellagio

3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89109

(702) 693-7111

www.bellagio.com

Located in Bellagio Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, the exclusive and upscale Via Bellagio is a collection of designer boutiques including such names as Tiffany & Co., Giorgio Armani, Prada, Hermes and Fred Leighton.

Outlet/Specialty Malls

Boca Park

8950 W. Charleston Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89117

(702) 940-0900

Located in the master-planned Summerlin community, Boca Park is home to a wide mix of freestanding retail amenities including unique boutiques and art galleries as well as a host of brand name retail outlets.

Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas

32100 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 

(I-15 at Exit 1 in Primm)

Primm, NV 89019

(702) 874-1400

www.fashionoutletlasvegas.com

Located in Primm, Nevada at the Nevada/California state line, this mall's 100 stores feature famous brand names as well as standard shopping fare. Favorites include Neiman Marcus, Guess, Coach, Kenneth Cole, Versace and Banana Republic. Don't let the name mislead you – the Fashion Outlets offers home furnishings and specialty gift shops as well, including Williams-Sonoma and Tommy Bahama Bungalow. Special "shopper shuttles" are available as are shopping packages that include transportation and dining.

Las Vegas Outlet Center

7400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89123

(702) 896-5599

www.lasvegasoutletcenter.com

Formerly known as the Belz Factory Outlet Mall, this south-Strip property boasts more than 129 retailers. Popular stores include Calvin Klein, IZOD, London Fog, Nautica and Fossil. Specialty children's ware can be found in shops such as Osh Kosh, Carter's and Tommy Kids. The center boasts numerous houseware, home furnishing and specialty stores as well as two separate food courts. One of the main attractions for families — a beautifully designed carousel. 

Las Vegas Premium Outlets

875 S. Grand Central Pkwy.

Las Vegas, NV 89106

(702) 474-7500

www.premiumoutlets.com/lasvegas

Located in Downtown Las Vegas, this 435,000 square foot outdoor shopping mall features a mix of 120 high-end and midrange retailers including Dolce & Gabbana, Guess?, Kenneth Cole, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic and Levi Strauss. You can also find a wide range of specialty item, houseware and gift shops including names such as Le Gourmet Chef and Crabtree & Evelyn. The color-coded promenade features a food court.

The District at Green Valley Ranch

2240 Village Walk Dr.

Henderson, NV 89052

(702) 564-8595

www.thedistrictatgvr.com

The District at Green Valley Ranch is enjoying many accolades for its successful design and retail amenities. Located adjacent to Green Valley Ranch Station Casino, this mixed-use outdoor shopping experience and "metropolitan lifestyle center" boasts more than 40 retail shops and restaurants. Regular outdoor entertainment is provided, and the area serves as a popular gathering spot. Retailers include Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Brighton Collectibles, Coldwater Creek, J. Jill and Bluestone Gallery. Well-known eateries include Elephant Bar, King's Fish House, The Cheesecake Factory and Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, as well as a Whole Foods store.

Swap Meets and

Farmer's Markets

Las Vegas is home to several indoor and outdoor swap meets and farmer's markets. Swap meets offer a wide variety of new and used merchandise as well as fresh foods including fruits, vegetables and nuts. Farmer's markets offer a similar variety of food items mixed with specialty sundries including homemade jams and honeys and country-fair favorites such as fresh kettle corn and funnel cakes. Farmer's markets often include an arts and crafts section that showcases local artists.

Regularly-scheduled farmer's markets:

Centennial Hills Park

7101 N. Buffalo Dr.

Co-sponsored by the City of Las Vegas

Thursdays from 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Bruce Trent Park

8851 Vegas Dr.

Co-sponsored by the City of Las Vegas

Wednesdays from

2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Gardens Park

10401 Gardens Park Dr.

Co-sponsored by the Summerlin Council

Tuesdays from

2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Resources:

visit www.LasVegasFarmersMarket.com.

Specialty retail

The recently debuted World Market Center Complex caters to the furniture and design industry with bi-annual trade shows and a design center open year-round to industry professionals. The 1.2 million square foot main building includes 340,000 square feet of pavilion space. A second, $6 million, 16-story facility is under construction and is anticipated to open in early 2007. A third, 1.5 million square-foot building will open in 2008. At completion, the center will include eight buildings totaling more than 12 million square feet of retail furniture space.

On the drawing board

Construction is slated to begin on Triple Five Nevada's Great Mall of Las Vegas in early 2007. Situated on nearly 50 acres at the northeast corner of Grand Montecito Parkway and Deer Springs Way, the $750 million project is anticipated to open by 2009 or 2010. Current plans call for creation of a three-level enclosed mall with 250 stores and shops, 100,000 square feet of office space and 40 restaurants.

Summerlin Centre is being developed as a "new and unique blend of the urban and suburban, the traditional and contemporary, the quaint and the cosmopolitan." When complete, the project will include a mix of residential and retail, offices and parks, recreation and schools. Located in the master planned community of Summerlin, the development encompasses land bounded by Sahara Avenue, Charleston Boulevard, Cottonwood Canyon and Hualapai Way. Portions of the project are already complete. Future development calls for creation of The Central Park, which will feature community and cultural events and entertainment and The Shops at Summerlin Centre, a retail project. Plans also include development of resort and office districts.