Shop, Shop, Hooray! Shopping Spots for Groups
There’s really nothing like tangible, in-person shopping. The smell of a candle, the feel of a fabric, the fit of an outfit, a glance at the first few pages of a book … that kind of satisfaction can’t be beat. And though e-commerce may be becoming increasingly prevalent, there’s equally a growing departure from it, with shoppers opting for a slower, more intentional experience.
That includes a greater interest in buying secondhand—whether it’s for economy, sustainability, or one-of-a-kind finds. Here, we’ve uncovered not only some of the best retail destinations across the U.S., but also nearby resale stores to provide options for every kind of shopper.
Photo courtesy of Mall of America®
Situated in Bloomington, Minnesota, a short distance from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Mall of America® (MOA) is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the country. In addition to nearly 500 stores, it also has 45-plus eateries, a seven-acre theme park, an aquarium, an IMAX theater—and much more. They offer a number of group perks, including discounts for MOA attractions and meals for group leaders and bus drivers, as well as free parking for motorcoaches. There’s even a VIP behind-the-scenes walking tour available.
Nearby New-to-You Treasures: Find designer vintage clothing (think Gucci and Chanel!) at Mona Williams, located right inside in the mall. Or head to Smile Back Vintage in Minneapolis for authentic, throwback t-shirts.
There’s more to love in Orlando than Disney World. Disney Springs is an open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment district within the resort complex—and you don’t need a park ticket to enter! Beyond shops with Disney-themed merchandise, there’s Star Wars Galactic Outpost, The LEGO Store, Coca-Cola Store, UNIQLO, Kate Spade, and Coach. Groups can also see a Disney-themed Cirque du Soleil show or bowl at Splitsville Luxury Lanes™. Signature sweet shops and restaurants include Gideon’s Bakehouse, The BOATHOUSE, and Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, though those are just a few favorites.
Nearby New-to-You Treasures: Roughly a 30 to 40-minute drive from Disney Springs is Lakeland Antique Mall, where there are more than 100 vendors with collectibles and goods from bygone times.
Every year, millions of travelers flock to LaGrange County, Indiana to explore the shops at Shipshewana. A hub for Amish and Mennonite cultures, it’s also a place to find artisan crafts, ride in a horse-drawn buggy, eat traditional fare, and learn about community life. Popular with groups are the historic Davis Mercantile, Yoder’s Red Barn Shoppes, Yoder’s Department Store, and Yoder’s Meat & Cheese—as well as the shops on Morton and Harrison Streets. For a special treat, visit Teaberry Wood Products, which welcomes bus tours each week to learn about making wooden baskets and other products.
Nearby New-to-You Treasures: Shipshewana Flea Market has an antique auction every Wednesday year-round, and groups can take part in a “Biddings to Bargains” class to learn the ins and outs of the auction process.
Looking for a “wow” factor with photo ops at every turn? Take your group to The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort, a Venice-themed, upscale mall on the Las Vegas Strip. Imagine indoor canals with gondola rides, painted ceilings that look like real sky, cobblestone paths, and architecture inspired by famous Italian landmarks. Plus, high-end boutiques, live street performers, art installations, museums, and dining from casual to fine cuisine. There’s a karaoke bar as well, plus live shows and a Madame Tussauds collection.
Nearby New-to-You Treasures: Step outside of the Old World and into a world of old goods—from collectibles to clothing to kitschy antiques at Glam Factory Vintage in the Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas.
Photo courtesy of Danbury Fair
Danbury Fair mall in Connecticut has many of the well-known brands and a number specialty stores, too, and has been consistently adding new shops to appeal to today’s consumers. They’ve recently welcomed Target, Coach, GOAT USA, Perfumania, Offline by Aerie, and POP MART, and—coming soon—one of the first U.S. locations of Jack & Jones, a men’s fashion brand from Denmark. While there, enjoy some play at Round1 Bowling & Arcade, grab a slice at The Cheesecake Factory, and take a ride on the double-decker carousel!
Nearby New-to-You Treasures: You don’t have to go far to pick up something from the past. Vintage Planet, featuring retro clothing, accessories, and sneakers, is located in the mall. There’s also Revivals second-hand store, about a 15-minute drive away.
The largest indoor outlet mall in New Jersey, The Mills at Jersey Gardens offers great deals on top names in fashion, beauty and cosmetics, household items, footwear, and electronics. And, as an added benefit, they exempt clothing and shoes from sales tax. There happens to be a Round1 Bowling & Arcade there, too, plus favorites like Starbucks, an AMC IMAX theater, and anchor stores such as Saks OFF 5TH, Primark, Bloomingdale's The Outlet Store, and Marshalls.
Nearby New-to-You Treasures: About a 30-minute drive from The Mills at Jersey Gardens, but in opposite directions, are Valley Vintage in West Orange and Mint Market in Hoboken. Valley Vintage focuses on antique household goods, while Mint Market has both vintage and contemporary women’s clothing.
Magnificent Mile in Chicago spans 13 blocks of Michigan Avenue and features world-class shopping amid architectural wonders and other significant landmarks. With more than 430 retailers and multi-level shopping at Water Tower Place, 900 North Michigan Shops, and The Shops at North Bridge, there’s something for luxury seekers, bargain hunters, and everyone in between. In addition to top names in designer fashion, there are also unique stops, such as Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Vans, UGG, and the stunning Macbook-esque Apple Store building.
Nearby New-to-You Treasures: Each about 15 minutes west of the Mag Mile are Monarch Thrift Shop and Richard’s Fabulous Finds—just two of many resale and vintage spots scattered among the surrounding neighborhoods. Monarch Thrift Shop is an award-winning, women-owned boutique thrift store and Richard’s Fabulous Finds houses vintage menswear, accessories, and décor.
With around 40 open-air locations across the U.S. and Canada, Tanger Outlets exemplifies brand-name discount shopping. From Asheville to Atlantic City; Nashville to National Harbor, as well as go-tos in Branson, Myrtle Beach, Kansas City, and Rehoboth Beach—to name a few—it’s likely there’s a Tanger in your motorcoach’s path. And, they offer special bookings for groups and bus tours, plus perks and savings with a TangerClub Blue membership. Top retailers at many locations include Coach, Michael Kors, Lululemon, Nike, Under Armour, Pottery Barn Outlet, J. Crew, and Vera Bradley. For groups, there’s also VIP parking, free wi-fi, and a variety of dining options.
Written by Allison Kay Bannister, Contributing Writer for Groups Today.
This article originally appeared in the Mar/Apr ’26 issue of Groups Today.
Main photo courtesy of Tanger Outlets.
