Madison, Wisconsin, is perhaps best known for its university, college football, and politics, but it’s also one of the top places in the state to find one-of-a-kind boutique shops. Many of these shops are lumped together throughout the city, making it easy to visit several stores in just one journey. Whether you’re searching for places to find furniture, knickknacks, decor, clothes, or a hidden gem, you’re sure to find it at one of these places in Madison.
West Towne Mall
Although brick-and-mortar stores and malls have been on the decline for years, the West Towne Mall proves that the business model isn’t done yet, especially with respect to boutique shopping. With over 70 stores under one roof, this mall has plenty of options to find high-end goods including Coach, Express, Eddie Bauer, Nordstrom, and Yankee Candle Company. If you’re feeling famished, West Towne has a typical mall food court, but if you’re feeling a bit classier, you might want to hightail it over to the Cheesecake Factory.
State Street
Connecting the Wisconsin State Capitol with the University of Wisconsin, State Street is the city’s thriving pedestrian mall that’s home to nightlife, restaurants, and many of the most popular local retail stores. Dozens of these stores have been part of the fabric of the neighborhood for decades, while several other places have popped in over the last five to 10 years.
What separates State Street from some of the other malls and options in town is that most businesses are locally owned, giving them an inventory and customer service experience unlike any other. If you don’t find the mall a fun shopping opportunity, State Street is probably more your style, and there’s a place for everyone.
For high-end men’s fashion, stroll into Jazzman, where knowledgeable staff will get you dressed to the nines. The culinary person in your life will love the strange, yet helpful kitchen doohickeys at Tellus Mater, while Sacred Feather provides a hat for every taste and occasion. Regardless of your particular needs or style, chances are State Street will have something you’ll love.
Hilldale Shopping Center
Located on the western edge of Madison, Hilldale Shopping Center is a shopping mall and lifestyle center combined into one. Macy’s, Target, an AMC Theater, and Metcalfe’s Market are the anchor stores of this shopping center, which features over 50 specialty and boutique stores in total. If you’re in need of some clothing, Hilldale has popular brands including L.L. Bean, the North Face, Anthropologie, Lululemon, and Kate Spade New York.
An Apple store is onsite to help you troubleshoot any iPhone problems or pick up the latest gadget, while the locally owned Jim’s Coins and Precious Metals provides excellent gift opportunities or that one-of-a-kind item. In between, you’ll find services such as a florist, market, tailor, barber, and even a dentist, making Hilldale almost like a small self-contained city.
From top national stores to eclectic, locally owned joints, Madison has a boutique shopping option that’s sure to satisfy your urge for a bit of retail therapy.
“Shopping” via Flickr by Roderick Eime. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
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