Fashion Square vs. Boutique Shopping: The Scottsdale Showdown
Scottsdale offers a vibrant blend of high-end glamour and local boutique charm when it comes to retail therapy. Whether you’re a luxury label lover or a treasure-hunting tourist, the city has you covered.
In this Scottsdale shopping guide, we compare two iconic experiences: the upscale Scottsdale Fashion Square versus the quaint Old Town Scottsdale boutiques, to help you decide where to shop. Both destinations are popular on Scottsdale tourist shopping itineraries, but each offers a distinct vibe.
Read on to discover how Scottsdale Fashion Square stacks up against Old Town’s boutique shopping scene, so you can plan the perfect shopping adventure.
Scottsdale Fashion Square: The Luxury Power Move
Scottsdale Fashion Square is widely known as Arizona’s premier luxury shopping destination. Situated in downtown Scottsdale (on the edge of Old Town), this expansive mall is the largest shopping center in the American Southwest, boasting nearly 2 million square feet of retail space. With 200+ stores under one roof, it’s a one-stop paradise for shoppers.
The mall’s roster reads like a who’s who of global fashion: you’ll find world-class luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Dior, and Prada, alongside upscale department stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Popular favorites such as Apple, Zara, and other familiar retailers are here too, making sure there’s something for every style and budget in this fashion hub.
What truly sets Fashion Square apart is its upscale atmosphere and amenities. The mall is polished and modern, with marble floors, stylish decor, and an air-conditioned indoor layout that offers a cool escape from the desert heat. Fine dining is part of the package: you can enjoy a gourmet meal or cocktail at on-site restaurants like Nobu, Ocean 44, or Toca Madera after a day of shopping. In addition, there’s a food court and casual spots (think Shake Shack, Chipotle, or Five Guys) for quick bites, plus a movie theater for post-shopping entertainment.
In other words, Scottsdale Fashion Square delivers a complete luxury experience — shopping the latest designer collections, dining in style, and relaxing all in one place. If Scottsdale fashion to you means runway brands and indulgence, Fashion Square won’t disappoint. It’s no surprise that this mall is often ranked among the nation’s best and remains a must-visit for those who enjoy the finer things when visiting Scottsdale.
Best time to go: Mid-day to early evening; book dinner on-site to avoid a second parking dance. (Peak season crowds increase Oct–Apr.)
Old Town Scottsdale Boutiques: The Indie, Artsy Stroll
Just a short hop from Fashion Square, Old Town Scottsdale offers a completely different shopping experience, one steeped in local flavor, history, and Southwestern charm.
Old Town is Scottsdale’s historic downtown district, and it encompasses several walkable neighborhoods (Arts District, Fifth Avenue Shopping District, etc.) filled with more than 100 shops, galleries, restaurants, and cultural venues. Here, instead of international chain stores, you’ll discover a vibrant mix of independent boutiques, specialty retailers, and artisan markets.
In fact, Scottsdale boutique shopping truly thrives in Old Town’s winding streets. You can stroll past wooden storefronts and rustic public art as you hunt for treasures from handcrafted Native American jewelry and turquoise trinkets to Western wear, desert-inspired home décor, and contemporary art pieces. The popular historic 5th Avenue Shops alone house 80+ one-of-a-kind stores selling everything from local artwork to quirky souvenirs, so plan to take your time exploring (you can find Conscious Coterie here too!).
Old Town’s boutique scene is as much about authenticity as it is about shopping. Many shops are family-owned or feature regional artisans, so you’ll find items with a story behind them. For example, you might pop into Gilbert Ortega Gallery for museum-quality Native American art and jewelry, then browse Kactus Jock for Scottsdale-themed gifts and apparel – two long-time local favorites. There are also fashion-forward clothing boutiques and vintage shops tucked among the art galleries, offering unique apparel you won’t find anywhere else. If you happen to visit on a Thursday evening, don’t miss the weekly Scottsdale ArtWalk, when galleries stay open late and the streets come alive with art, music, and free refreshments. It’s a wonderful way to experience Old Town’s creative energy while doing a bit of shopping.
Another highlight is The Merchantile of Scottsdale, an indoor marketplace that hosts over 50 local vendors under one roof — we’re proud to have a booth here! This collective boutique is a must-visit for anyone who loves handmade goods. You can peruse stalls selling artisan jewelry, custom clothing, handcrafted candles, gourmet treats, and more, all curated from Arizona makers. The Merchantile perfectly encapsulates Old Town’s community-centric shopping vibe, where each find feels personal and unique.
Best time to go: Morning or golden hour for cooler temps and the best light around the fountain and courtyards.
Which should you choose? Fashion Square or Old Town Scottsdale Boutiques
If time permits, experience both. You could spend the morning meandering through Old Town’s boutiques and galleries, then beat the afternoon heat by ducking into Fashion Square for world-class shopping in air-conditioned comfort.
By enjoying Scottsdale Fashion Square vs. Old Town Scottsdale in one trip, you get the best of both worlds: the glitz and convenience of a luxury mall and the character and charm of Scottsdale’s local scene. Whether you’re a style-savvy traveler or a casual shopper, Scottsdale’s retail landscape has something for everyone.
No Scottsdale shopping guide would be complete without highlighting both of these destinations. Together, they make Scottsdale a top-tier shopping destination in the Southwest. Enjoy your Scottsdale shopping adventure, and happy hunting for those perfect finds!
