STOP TO SHOP International designers and low-priced outlets comprise Vegas’ shopping mecca status.

Las Vegas has grown to become one of the country's leading shopping destinations, home to many of the world's greatest retail names. Along with the variety of shops and price ranges available in the Las Vegas area, many shopping centers have special themes that add to the fun and exciting atmosphere of shopping in Las Vegas. You may be serenaded on a romantic gondola ride at the Venetian or watch the simulated sinking of the lost city of Atlantis at Caesar's Palace. From Versace to DKNY, the Las Vegas shopping scene can satisfy just about any shopper's needs. The following are a list of some of the more significant locales:

ALONG THE STRIP

THE GRAND CANAL SHOPPES AT THE VENETIAN RESORT. 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
This grandiose shopping center includes its own Grand Canal, complete with gondoliers, arched bridges and cobbled walkways. The Grand Canal Shoppes feature a wide breadth of mid- to high-end internationally recognized retailers, and it also features several shops unique to the Venetian and the United States. There is Il Prato, a store that sells Venetian masks, and Ripa de Monti, which specializes in Venetian glass. Mikimoto features pearls, Movado has Swiss watches, Acca Kappa offers French perfumes and Lladro from Spain sells figurines. But aside from these highly specialized shops, the Grand Canal Shoppes also offers your favorites __ Banana Republic, Kenneth Cole and Ann Taylor, to name a few. For information, call 702/414-4500.

THE FORUM SHOPS AT CAESARS. 3500 Las Vegas Blvd.
This retail testament to the Roman gods has it all! A recreation of a Roman streetscape, The Forum Shops’ lifelike sky changes from dawn to dusk over a one-hour period and features two free robotic entertainment venues daily: “The Festival Fountain” __ Bacchus and his entourage present a magnificent sound, light and laser show; and “The Atlantis Show” __ fire, water, smoke and special effects combine into an extravaganza as animatronic characters Atlas, Gadrius and Alia struggle to rule Atlantis. This much-heralded shopping center boasts more than 100 specialty shops and restaurants. A small sampling includes Versace, Abercrombie & Fitch, Ferragamo, Gucci, Polo, Armani, Valentino, Chopard and the famous three story FAO Schwarz. Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday. For additional information, call 702/893-4800.

FASHION SHOW. 3200 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Fashion Show showcases 250 extraordinary shops and restaurants with eight major department stores, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Robinsons-May and Nevada’s only Bloomingdale’s Home, Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor. This center’s new Great Hall provides an elevated stage and runway with multimedia presentations of fashion and lifestyle events. Fashion Show also features a unique Premier Concierge Center, offering complete visitor services and amenities including show tickets sales, tour packages, dinner reservations and more. The center will debut the “Cloud,” a state-of-the-art multimedia canopy towering above the new Plaza area on the Strip, which will feature live fashion presentations, entertainment and simulcasts of Great Hall events. Fashion Show is located across from Treasure Island on the Strip and is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday; noon to 6 p.m., Sunday. For information, call 702/369-0704.

LAS VEGAS OUTLET CENTER 7400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Save 25 to 65 percent at more than 130 stores including Adidas, Ashworth-Callaway Golf, Calvin Klein, Coach, Converse, Greg Norman, Gymboree Outlet, Hot Topic, Levi’s, Liz Claiborne, Nautica, Nike, Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger and more. This indoor mall’s complete with two food courts and an indoor carousel. 702/896-5599 or www.lasvegasoutletcenter.com

MIRACLE MILE SHOPS AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD 3667 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
To feel like a star, you’ve got to dress like one, but that’s no problem here, where inexpensive finds from H&M to fun and flirty Betsey Johnson will keep you looking your best. One hundred and seventy of the best retailers in the country are represented, including Ann Taylor Loft, bebe, Tommy Bahama, Chico’s, Victoria’s Secret and Urban Outfitters. When you need to refuel, stop at one of 20 eateries or a specialty food shop like Sur La Table or Godiva Chocolatier. Keep your skin and body in top shape with a selection of product from a number of health and beauty stores, and add some bling from the likes of Swarovski. There’s also plenty of places to help you decorate your home, even if it’s not in the Hollywood hills. 702/785-5555 or www.planethollywoodresort.com

DESERT PASSAGE. 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
Visit 140 incredible specialty stores and 10 tantalizing restaurants in a one-of-a-kind setting that transports you to the marketplace of North Africa. Stores and restaurants include Ann Taylor Loft, bebe, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Hilo Hattie The Store of Hawaii, North Beach Leather, Sephora, Sur la Table, Swarovski, Z Gallerie and Commander’s Palace, voted “Best Restaurant in Las Vegas.” Enjoy live entertainment from belly dancers and acrobats, and don’t miss the hourly indoor rainstorm. Experience it all on a Desert Passage pedicab tour. Open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 702/866-0710 or 888/800-8284.

PARIS’ LAS VEGAS. 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
This colorfully themed resort offers some 31,500 square feet of French-flavored shopping along its unique “Le Boulevard” district. Guests stroll on quaint cobblestone streets and winding alleyways, taking in a wide array of authentic boutiques that include a wine and cheese shop, the world-famous Lenotre bakery and pastry emporium, shops for gifts, men’s and women’s apparel, jewelry and dozens of other lines. For more information, call 702/946-7000.

STAR LANE SHOPS AT MGM. 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
One of the more colorful Las Vegas shopping areas is the Star Lane Shops at the MGM Grand. Through a Hollywood-themed entry, the lane’s strolling area can be reached from the hotel’s lobby, parking structure or monorail. It comprises almost two dozen familiarly named retail stores and booths along a movie set promenade. Three-dimensional shop fronts and entertaining facades make it fun just to stroll through. There is also the MGM Studio Walk, which leads to a food court, retail and arcade area. Open 9 a.m. to midnight. Call 702/891-1111 for more information.

RIO ALL-SUITE HOTEL AND CASINO. 3700 West Flamingo Rd.
Encompassing the first two floors of one of the tallest inhabitable towers in the United States, the Masquerade Village at the Rio blends Carnivale, New Orleans and Venice into an on-going celebration featuring outlets to fit all budgets. More than 60,000 square feet of retail space is located throughout the two levels of Masquerade Village, with shops that include Harley Davidson Store, Diamonds International, Cashman Photo Magic, Mardi Gras Cigars, Elegant Pretenders, Kids Vegas, Nawlins Authentic, Field of Dreams, Rio Logo & Gift Shop, Roland’s Boutique, Timepieces, Cap Factory and Fortune Cookie. For information, call 800/752-9746.

TOWER SHOPS AT STRATOSPHERE. 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
An international marketplace with a little something for everyone. You will enjoy the themed street scenes of major cities including Paris, Hong Kong and New York. The Tower Shops house a variety of shops and an array of specialty retail carts throughout the cosmopolitan streets. The wonderful selection of stores and eateries offer delights for customers of all ages. Whether you are in the mood for ice cream, a new fragrance, a pair of shoes or a fun novelty gift, plan a visit soon to the themed shopping center. The Tower Shops are conveniently located on the second level at the top of the escalators near the main entrance to the Stratosphere and are open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and until midnight Friday and Saturday. For information, call 702/383-5319.

VIA BELLAGIO. 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Retail shopping is part of Bellagio’s symphonic production. Via Bellagio, a unique collection of upscale boutiques and shops, combines the timeless with the avant-garde, the simple with the extravagant. The Via Bellagio shopping promenade includes boutiques from Fred Leighton, Tiffany & Co., Giorgio Armani, Prada, Hermés, Moschino, Chanel, Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. For more information, visit www.bellagio.com.

MANDALAY BAY. 3950 Las Vegas Blvd.
The tropical elegance of Mandalay Bay extends to its shops with ocean themes like The Wave, which carries Hugo Boss, Greg Norman and Ralph Lauren Polo. The Pearl Moon with spa accessories, the Enchanted Flora with fresh flowers and the Surf Shack sit amidst the paradise of palm trees, tropic designs and Mandalay Bay’s own aquarium displaying the mysteries of the ocean. Sharks swim around visitors as they walk through tunnels. Alligators, eels, jellyfish and other sea predators mystify the guests as well. Brave visitors have the opportunity to feel aquatics like starfish or stingrays at the petting zoo. Visiting Mandalay Bay could become more of an adventure than a shopping trip; there is always something new to discover. For more information, call 877-632-7800.

WYNN ESPLANADE 3131 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
The Wynn Esplanade shops feature some of the most exclusive names in clothing, shoes and accessories. Many of the shops are new to Las Vegas, and some are exclusive to the resort. The Wynn Esplanade offers the first Oscar de la Renta boutique fashion store in the nation. Other big-name stores include Dior, Cartier, Manolo Blahniks and Chanel. One of the most extraordinary features is the Penske/Wynn Ferrari-Maserati dealership. 702/770-7000 or www.wynnlasvegas.com

OFF THE STRIP

THE BOULEVARD MALL. 3528 S. Maryland Parkway at Desert Inn.
With 1.2 million square feet of shopping space, this center is a favorite among locals. The mall boasts four anchors __ Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney and Sears, more than 140 specialty shops and a large food court. The mall opens at 7 a.m. daily for mall walkers. Kids can sign up for the Boulevard Kid’s Club and participate in a fun event on the second Saturday and fourth Thursday of each month. For information, call 702/732-8949 or visit www.blvdmall.com.

GALLERIA AT SUNSET. 1300 W. Sunset Road in Henderson.
Home to five major department stores, more than 140 specialty shops and a 600-seat food court. Anchors at the two-story center include Dillard’s, JCPenney, Galyan’s, Mervyn’s California and Robinsons-May. Boutiques and eateries are set amid two levels of splashing fountains, vaulting skylights and desert blooms. Sunset Kidz Zone sponsored by Ethel M. Chocolates features soft-play fun and adventure for kids in the food court. For information, call 702/434-0202.

MEADOWS MALL. 4300 Meadows Lane.
This mall ranks as a favorite with northwest and southwest Valley residents in part for its easy access off U.S. Hwy. 95 and its abundant retail offerings. The two-level center has four major department stores and 140 shops, services and eateries. Anchors include Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sears and JCPenney. Meadow Mall’s Kid’s Club is open to children between the ages of two and 10. For information, call 702/878-4849 or visit www.meadowsmall.com.

THE SHOPPES AT THE PALAZZO 3327 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Extravagant boutiques from the world’s top designers are what shoppers will find here, including Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Chloé and Prada. There is also an 85,000-square-foot Barneys New York that brings a glamorous, exciting vibe to the surroundings, in addition to the more than 60 international shops, many of which are brand new to Las Vegas. Two of these sophisticated concepts are the Michael Kors and Diane Von Furstenberg stores. If you’re really into high-end jewelry with a unique and funky twist, Ice Jewelry offers a colorful selection, including Kimora Lee Simmons’ Hello Kitty exquisite pendants and watches. 702/414-4525 or www.theshoppesatthepalazzo.com

TOWN SQUARE 6605 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
This village-like atmosphere is different from any other shopping center in Las Vegas with its historic architectural façades gathered from across the globe. Town Square offers 150 retail shops, more than a dozen restaurants, an 18-screen movie theater, a gigantic children’s park, a Whole Foods Market and a 24 Hour Fitness gym. Favorite shops for the young include H&M, Abercrombie and Fitch, Aeropostale and Hollister, while mom and dad might prefer Aldo, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, Bed Bath and Beyond, Steve Madden, Victoria’s Secret and the edgy, high-class furniture store, Robb & Stuckey. Located near the Interstate 15 and Interstate 215 Beltway, Town Square is also a convenient drive for
Las Vegas residents all over the Valley. www.townsquarelasvegas.com

OUTLET MALLS

LAS VEGAS PREMIUM OUTLETS. 875 S. Grand Central Pkwy., #1690
Find luxury for less at this collection of more than 120 designer and name-brand outlet stores offering savings of 25 to 65 percent every day. Stores include Adidas, Ann Taylor, A|X Armani Exchange, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Chico's, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Eddie Bauer, Elie Tahari, Guess, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, St. John, Theory, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, White House|Black Market and more. The center includes a large food court and eateries. The center is expanding to 150 stores by fall 2007. Stores are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Check for extended holiday hours. Open major holidays include Easter and Thanksgiving. Closed Christmas Day only. For additional information, call 702/474-7500 or visit www.premiumoutlets.com/lasvegas.

LAS VEGAS OUTLET CENTER. 7400 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Save 25 to 65 percent at more than 130 stores including Adidas, Ashworth, Balboa Beach Company, Callaway Golf, Calvin Klein, Coach, Converse, Fox Racing, Greg Norman, Gymboree Outlet, Hot Topic, Levi's, Liz Claiborne, Nautica, Nike, Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger, VF Outlet - Vanity Fair, Wrangler Lee and more. This indoor mall, complete with two food courts and an indoor carousel, is located on the southern end of the Strip. Stores are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Check for extended holiday hours. Open major holidays including Easter and Thanksgiving. Closed Christmas Day only. For additional information, call 702/ 896-5599 or visit www.lasvegasoutletcenter.com.

top