Las Vegas, like any other major city, has branches of national discount retail chains, such as Burlington Coat Factory, Marshall's, Ross Dress For Less, and T.J. Maxx (check the local phone book for listings). Not surprisingly in a city renowned for bargains and shopping, the demand for discount retail shopping has been great enough to command the recent opening of a huge Ross store on the north end of the Strip, across the street from the former site of the Stardust (behind Walgreen’s, off Convention Center Drive).
The city also hosts several outlet malls -- a type of mall, often located next to a major highway between several large population bases, in which manufacturers sell their products directly to consumers through their own stores -- featuring mid-range to high-end brands such as Neiman Marcus, Guess?, Anne Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Liz Claiborne, Waterford Wedgwood, Lenox, Etienne Aigner, Coach, Nike, and Reebok. These stores aren’t necessarily cheap, but you will find quality merchandise up to 75% off retail prices. Below is a list of Las Vegas outlet malls, along with their addresses, phone numbers, and Web sites:
Las Vegas Premium Outlets 875 South Grand Central Parkway 702/474-4500 www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=58
Las Vegas Outlet Center 7400 Las Vegas Boulevard South 702/896-5599 www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=61
Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas 32100 Las Vegas Boulevard South (located in Primm) 702/874-1400 www.fashionoutletlasvegas.com
In a category of its own is the Fashion Show Mall branch of Zara, the Spanish retail boutique with more than 700 stores in roughly 50 countries. Although certainly not in the bargain-basement category, Zara is known for its reasonably priced and trendy line of European-inspired clothing and is a bargain when compared with some of its neighbors.
For those searching for vintage and other off-the-beaten-path finds, the city has several resale, vintage, and high-end designer-clothing consignment stores. One example is the buy-or-sell Buffalo Exchange, a 5,000-square-foot store of vintage, Goth, Bohemian, and otherwise funky styles; it's located at 4110 S Maryland Pkwy., a couple of miles east of the Strip, off Flamingo Road. Another is The Attic, located in the trendy downtown Arts District on Main Street (off Charleston). Admission is $1, which goes toward your first purchase of $5 or more; you also get a pass to return for future visits without paying the admission fee.
Listed below are more options -- three designer resell boutiques, all of which are within a reasonable drive of the Strip and (incidentally) located off Sahara Avenue:
A Second Chance 2797 S. Maryland Pkwy. 702/734-2545
It's Paradise Boutique Upscale Resale 2029 Paradise Rd. 702/369-3300
Ritzy Rags Designer Resell Boutique 2550 S. Rainbow Blvd. 702/257-2283
Swap meets are another option for the frugal shopper. Two regular swap meets are the Broadacres Open Air Swap Meet at 2930 Las Vegas Blvd. N. (702/642-3777) and the Indoor Swap Meet at 2909 W. Washington Ave. (702/631-1717). Call for hours.
For the diehard penny-pincher, the city has plenty of thrift stores, including non-profits run by Catholic Charities, Deseret Industries, Goodwill, Nathan Adelson Hospice, Opportunity Village, and the Salvation Army. There are also several branches of Savers, the world’s largest for-profit thrift-store chain. (Check the phone book.)
In response to your second question, there's there's really no single best place to shop. It all depends on your preferences and whether or not you have a vehicle at your disposal. If you're looking for something within walking distance from your Strip hotel, then Ross or Zara might be your best bet. If you don't mind driving or taking public transportation (taxis and buses), then you can go anywhere. Keep in mind, however, that the expense of hiring a taxi or renting a car for the sole purpose of visiting some of the more remotely located bargain stores can easily negate the savings of shopping at them. On the flip side, if money is no object, you never need to leave your hotel. The Strip, which has become a world-class dining and shopping destination, is home to internationally acclaimed luxury retailers like Armani, Cartier, Chanel, Rolex, and Versace.
