Shop 'Til You Drop
Planning a trip for a group of Shopaholics? Check out our Groups Today Readers' Choice top picks!
EASTERN:
MACY'S HERALD SQUARE, NEW YORK
Built in 1902, Macy's Herald Square was the first building to have the modern-day escalator, and it has continued to be a trendsetter. Over the past 150 years, Macy's has become a true New York City icon. With more than two million square feet of retail space, it's one of the largest stores in the world. The historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1978. Macy's Herald Square covers an entire city block, offering 10.5 levels of the latest fashions, including Tommy Hilfiger Home, Martha Stewart Collection, MAC, Polo Ralph Lauren, Charter Club, Alfani, Sunham, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Lâncome. Macy's offers a full-service visitor center on the lower level, plus restaurants throughout the store and exciting events almost every day. Macy's offers visitor group programs that can be custom designed, and include a 10 percent discount 30-day savings pass (that can be used at visitors' local Macy's, too) for group members, along with special services from their visitors' center.
MIDWESTERN:
THE MALL OF AMERICA, MINNESOTA
Just outside of the Twin Cities, Mall of America boasts more than 520 stores and fifty restaurants, and its shoppers pay no sales tax on clothing or shoes. The Mall is currently undergoing a $325 million expansion project on all three levels on the north side. The expansion will include a 342-room JW Marriott hotel, office tower, high-end retailers, new dining options, a tourist welcome center and large event space. Current favorite shopping venues include Apple, Burberry, H&M, L'Occitane, Macy's and Nordstrom. Dining options include many popular chains, such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Rainforest Café and Tony Roma's, as well as numerous food court options. For the kids, Nickelodeon Universe® theme park, Sea Life™ Aquarium, Moose Mountain Adventure Golf and American Girl and Lego® stores will keep everyone entertained. Theaters, a comedy club, a flight simulator and a ropes course will provide enjoyment for any non-shoppers in your group, and special events, including fashion shows, musical performances and unique displays add to the experience.
WESTERN:
THE OUTLETS AT TEJON, CALIFORNIA
The Outlets at Tejon is home to more than 70 premier retailers, including the only Pottery Barn Outlet in California, a newly added Levi's Outlet Store, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger Company Store, Michael Kors, Coach, J. Crew, Nike Factory Store, H&M, Brooks Brothers, Le Creuset and dozens of others. The Outlets provide an exceptional shopping experience that is truly unique in the Central Valley, while delivering many of the most desired brands in America at a tremendous value. Located on Interstate 5 between Los Angeles and Bakersfield, the Outlets at Tejon attract shoppers traveling up and down California. The Outlets evoke the look and feel of a high-end outdoor lifestyle center with landscaped and hardscaped grounds, water features, shade structures and furniture that complement open-air courtyards and curving retail promenades. Come visit and shop, but also enjoy fun family oriented activities such as sidewalk sales, live performances, special holiday events and promotions. Bring your appetite, too. Food options include some of the best in local offerings including Dewar's, Don Perico's, Juicy Burger and Tony's Pizza.
SOUTHERN:
OPRY MILLS®, TENNESSEE
Located in Nashville, Opry Mills® is Tennessee's largest outlet and value retail destination. Situated between I-40 and I-65 on Briley Parkway, its location is convenient to downtown Nashville and Nashville International Airport. The indoor mall boasts 200+ stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Forever 21, J.Crew Factory Store, Vera Bradley Outlet, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and more, with retailers ranging from jewelry to women's apparel to sporting goods. Michael Kors Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Under Armour Factory House and Tommy Bahama Outlet are favorites. Dining options include full-service restaurants Aquarium Restaurant, Rainforest Cafe and Chuy's Mexican Food, as well as quick options such as Johnny Rockets, Subway and Panda Express. Opry Mills® offers entertainment options with Regal Cinema 20 and IMAX Theater, and Dave & Buster's. Groups of 10 or more that book in advance are eligible for special discounts.
Photo courtesy of Mall of America.