Shopping in Tempe
Many visitors to the Phoenix area overlook Tempe as a shopping destination. The city's status as a "college town" often obscures the fact that it has some of the best and most unusual shops and boutiques in the greater metropolitan area.
The Mill Avenue district, located in downtown Tempe near the Arizona State University campus, has the city's highest concentration of locally owned shops. While many businesses in this district cater primarily to ASU students, such as Urban Outfitters and American Apparel, there are plenty of stores that appeal to a wide range of shoppers and budgets. Mill Avenue is Tempe's top place to purchase eco-friendly clothing and browse for new and used books.
The best shopping in Tempe can be found at Tempe Marketplace, the Phoenix area's premier outdoor shopping center, which contains more than 120 stores and restaurants. Tempe Marketplace has a compact, walkable pedestrian district with small shops and restaurants at its center, while larger retailers such as Target, Ross and Old Navy are located on its outer edges.
The center's restaurants and movie theater are open late, making Tempe Marketplace a popular evening destination for local residents. Arizona Mills, located off of Interstate 10, is one of the state's top tourist destinations. This indoor shopping center is the Phoenix area's source for name brand outlet shopping. Stores at Arizona Mills include Neiman Marcus Last Call, Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, a Sears Outlet, and numerous other name-brand retailers.
Tempe is also home to the only IKEA in Arizona. This Swedish home-furnishings retailer, located in a bright blue building off near I-10, sells inexpensive yet attractive furniture to fit any decor. IKEA contains a monitored play area for children so parents can shop in peace, and the store's cafe sells Scandinavian favorites such as smoked salmon, Swedish meatballs and an astonishing range of desserts. Since the store is a popular weekend destination for many Phoenicians, it is best to visit IKEA on a weekday.