shopping in richmond

Shopping in RichmondThere's lots more to shopping in Richmond than just malls.

Let's start with downtown. Shockoe Slip, originally a 1600s trading post near the James River, has been transformed into a trendy shopping area. The renovated 19th-century brick warehouses that line several blocks of cobblestoned E. Cary Street now house fashionable gift shops, boutiques, galleries, antique shops, restaurants and clubs.

A fixture in Shockoe Bottom, just down the hill from Shockoe Slip, is the 17th Street Farmers' Market , at 17th and Main streets, one of the country's oldest public markets. You'll find homegrown fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked items and crafts at the market, which is open Saturday and Sunday from early May to early December.

Where to Buy Gifts in Richmond

Carytown, on W. Cary Street between Boulevard and Thompson Street, is an eclectic area of small, locally owned shops ranging from casual to funky to chic, all with a distinctly bohemian vibe. Numerous restaurants and sidewalk cafes are perfect spots for relaxing and people watching.

For a more upscale experience, head to Libbie, Grove and Patterson, a decidedly stylish area in the city's fashionable West End. The shops and restaurants locals refer to as “on the Avenues” are known for their service and attention to detail. Clothing boutiques, home goods stores and jewelers are among the avenues' specialty shops.

If you have an interest in collectibles, check out the West End Antiques Mall at 2004 Staples Mill Rd., in the Crossroads Shopping Center near W. Broad Street. You'll find an amazing assortment of treasures, including furniture, glassware, pottery, silver and jewelry in the mall's more than 250 booths. At the adjoining Crossroads Art Center , you can peruse the vibrant works of painters, sculptors and other creative types.

Traditional Shopping in Richmond

When you are looking for a classic mall experience, it's a short ride to Chesterfield Towne Center , built in 1975. Home to such national retailers as JCPenney and Macy's, the mall is about 12 miles southwest of downtown Richmond at US 60 (Midlothian Turnpike) and SR 147 (Huguenot Road). Another venue for browsing is Short Pump Town Center , about 16 miles northwest of downtown Richmond via I-95 N/I-64 W. The two-level, open-air mall draws savvy shoppers with names like Apple, Hollister and Urban Outfitters. Dick's Sporting Goods and Dillard's locations are anchors of both Short Pump Town Center and its rival, Stony Point Fashion Park , a fashion-forward outdoor shopping center about 12 miles west of downtown Richmond at 9200 Stony Point Pkwy. Stony Point also features a Saks Fifth Avenue as well as smaller upmarket chains like Anthropologie and Restoration Hardware.