Houston may be a cultured city, but that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the clouds – just head to the many mega-malls and find out for yourself. The largest in town is the iconic Galleria, but there are plenty of boutique outlets, vintage stores, and other one-off treasure troves to be hunted down. From the trendy hipster-haven of The Heights to food markets and the bargains on Harwin Drive you won’t be short of retail options.
Galleria
The Uptown area is home to the Galleria, which is arguably Houston’s capital of commerce, thanks to well over 300 stores which nestle under the glinting glass of its atrium and attempt to woo fashionistas with their wares. Everything’s available under this sleek roof, from high-end labels and couture to homewear, technology, and entertainment, so if your shopping time is limited, or you just want the convenience of a one-stop-shop, this is one shopping experience you really can’t afford to miss out on.
Montrose/The Heights
Fashion isn’t just about catwalk stars and high-end designer labels which leave you considering a second mortgage, as The Heights and Montrose neighborhoods prove. Here, it’s all about the hipster vibe, and if it isn’t as glamorous as the big names on show in the Galleria it is home to up-and-comers who may go on to make their mark globally, all for a fraction of the price. Boutiques and arty stores reign supreme, but you’ll also find plenty of crafts, antiques, and rather higgledy-piggledy displays.
Rice Village
If you’d rather be outdoors than under an atrium, Rice Village is a trendy place to spend an afternoon out of doors browsing for big name brands or checking out the more boutique and bespoke elements in this popular and increasingly trendy shopping area. People have been flocking here to part with their cash since the 1930s, but nowadays it’s home to over 300 stores, boasting everything from one-off pieces of art to home furnishings, jewelry, toys, and plenty of great places to eat afterwards.
Katy Mills
If you don’t mind going the extra mile for your shopping expedition – or in this case the extra 25 miles west of Downtown – then Katy Mills is an indoor complex with a lot to offer the serious shopper. An array of outlets, this is home to plenty of recognisable labels which can be yours at a fraction of the price, and thanks to the reliable and regular I-10 service there’s no reason not to take advantage of this little gem. Plenty of dining options on-site too, to keep up the strength.
Harwin Drive
One for fans of the quirky, who aren’t as obsessed by the authenticity of their outfit or accessory as they are its price, Harwin Drive isn’t just a shopping region, it’s an experience in itself. Sure, some of the goods here may not be exactly what they say they are, or at least what they’re meant to look like, but the ever-rotating list of bags, perfumes, electronic goods, and other items at rock-bottom prices mean that it’s an ever-popular destination for dedicated followers of discounted fashion.
