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Shopping in the Twin Cities isn’t just about Mall of America: 5 Places to Shop

Woman holding out shopping bags

As entertainment options like this giant water park are planned to open at the Mall of America, the shopping destination feels more like an amusement park than a unique place to shop.

But the Mall of America really doesn’t showcase the makers and designers of Minnesota. Vogue even covered the growing, Minnesota-based retail industry in Minneapolis in 2018.

Here’s our guide to the best places to shop in the Twin Cities.

North Loop, Minneapolis

This former industrial area is home to some of the region’s chicest eateries, entertainment options, and shopping. Unlike other shopping destinations ruled by women-focused retailers, North Loop has a fairly equal balance of options for all genders. MartinPatrick3, Hubert White and Atmosfere are some of the well known, well-centric clothing stores.

Queen Anna House of Fashion, MILLE and Gretchen House cater to female fashion. James & Mary Laurie Booksellers, Jeromeo In The Loop, The Foundry Home Goods, Statement, Cooks of Crocus Hill and Pacifier are more noteworthy shops to stop at.

The St. Paul Retro Loop

If you love hunting for vintage finds from the 20s – 70s, St. Paul’s Retro Loop is a must-stop. Up Six Vintage and Lula Vintage Wear are retro boutiques that offer more high-end retro clothing than what you would find at a traditional thrift shop. Six and Shag Studio is another retailer that focuses on retro clothes, that’s packed with supply for treasure hunters to sort through.

Succotash is a more thrift store style and has eclectic finds of all types. Classic Retro @ Pete’s and MidModMen + Friends sell vintage furniture and home goods, but MidModMen + Friends is a more design-forward and focuses on Mid Century Modern.

Excelsior

Even if you don’t find anything during your day of shopping in Excelsior (although, that’s very unlikely), simply spending the day walking around the old fashioned downtown alongside Lake Minnetonka is worth the adventure. Shops in Excelsior are one-of-a-kind and more affordable than some of the more city-centric shopping destinations on this list. Stop at Buck + Fir, Brightwater Clothing & Gear, J. Novachis, PRIMP, The Golden Rule, GRAY Home + Lifestyle, The Maker Studio, Excelsior Bay Books and Cherie Consignment.

Northeast, Minneapolis

The shops in Northeast reflect the transition from an industrial center to a creative hub that this central region of Minneapolis has experienced over the past decade. Located alongside the Mississippi river, it’s a mix of old and new. You will not regret spending a day wandering through the neighborhoods of Northeast. Don’t miss Patina, gh2, Wanderlust Vintage Market, Eat My Words Bookstore, Northmade Co. and Palooza.

Grand Ave., St Paul

Grand Avenue has a small-town feeling, with beautiful Victorian architecture and shops that the whole family will love. This shopping district is home to a mix of dozens of commercial and international retailers like Fjallraven, Anthropologie and My Sister’s Closet. It’s also home to a lot of notable Minnesota-made storefronts. Red Balloon Bookstore, Poppy, Mischief toy store, Mama’s Happy, Foxglove Market & Studio, Golden Fig Fine Foods and Evereve are just a taste of the rich shopping options in this area.

Honorable Mentions

There are so many terrific shopping areas throughout the Twin Cities. We couldn’t end the article with at least mentioning Uptown Minneapolis, where you can also try free various activities, 50th and France, and Linden Hills!

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