Old Town Scottsdale Style Guide: Where Locals Actually Shop
We need to talk about Old Town Scottsdale shopping because there’s a difference between where tourists grab their “I ♥ Arizona” t-shirts and where the cool kids (yes, you fabulous 50-somethings) actually spend their money.
Tourists grab souvenirs. Locals head to Conscious Coterie, Mavericks, The Merchantile, Leela Market, and Bischoff's Shades of the West for style that feels authentic, cultural, and editorially cool. Think less “I'm on vacation” and more “I live here and I have excellent taste.”
Best Boutiques in Old Town Scottsdale
Ready to shop like you’re actually living here? These are the Old Town Scottsdale spots where style, culture, and a bit of sass meet.
1. Conscious Coterie
This is our home base in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, and trust us, it’s not your average boutique.
The vibe: Breathable linens, airy cottons, and leather jackets that make desert style look effortless. Also, wide-leg linen pants, linen jumpsuits for women, and tops that love you back. We’re all about wearing pieces that feel intentional, current, and easy in the Arizona heat.
Why locals love it: We’re one of the few Scottsdale boutiques that actually gets women 50+, though really, our edit is ageless. Our clothes pair with real life: morning coffee runs, Sunday brunch, strolling the farmer’s market, or hopping a flight to Carmel-by-the-Sea.
2. Mavericks Scottsdale
The vibe: A mash-up of Western grit and modern fashion-forward edge.
What you'll find: Leather jackets, boots, hats, and accessories that nod to Arizona’s cowboy roots but feel like they belong in a street-style spread. Mavericks Scottsdale is where you go when you want bold pieces that turn errands into a mood.
Why locals love it: It’s Western wear, but elevated. No kitsch, just confidence.
3. The Merchantile of Scottsdale
The vibe: A collective of local makers, designers, and artists under one roof. Think market hall meets boutique.
What you’ll find: Artisan jewelry, handmade candles, desert-inspired art, and a rotating roster of pop-ups. Shop a curated mix of local businesses, take a workshop, or stop by for a hat bar or permanent jewelry session.
Why locals love it: Every visit to The Merchantile of Scottsdale feels like a new discovery. It’s the perfect stop for gifts, home finds, or something one-of-a-kind that makes your space feel curated. And pro tip? Get coffee at The Bright Side Café inside — locals swear by it.
4. Bischoff’s Shades of the West
The vibe: Old Town Scottsdale in a nutshell, authentic, Southwestern, heritage-rich.
What you’ll find: Turquoise jewelry, hand-tooled leather goods, woven blankets, moccasins, Mexican folk art, and iron home accents. Since 1971, Bischoff’s Shades of the West has been the real deal, a trading post turned treasure trove.
Why locals love it: When out-of-towners say, “I want something Arizona,” this is where we take them.
5. Leela Market Scottsdale
The vibe: Unexpected cool finds and always full of character.
What you’ll find: Trendy clothing, eclectic art, minimalist décor, and cool-girl home accents. It feels more like wandering through a stylish friend’s loft than a store.
Why locals love it: You never know what you’ll walk out with, but it always feels unique at Leela Market Scottsdale.
How Do You Spend a Day in Old Town Scottsdale?
Forget the idea that Old Town Scottsdale is just cowboy souvenirs and neon shot glasses. Locals know better. A perfect day here is about soaking in desert charm, finding style in the Scottsdale boutiques, and eating like you’re on vacation (because you are).
Start with a slow wander through the art galleries and public art installations. Old Town is walkable, so grab an iced coffee and take in the sculptures, murals, and historic buildings that date back to the 1880s. Think of it as culture with a side of sunshine.
Now for the fun part — shopping. Head to our Conscious Coterie Old Town boutique, cross the street and see what unique goodies Leela Market has this week, then pop into Mavericks Scottsdale for a Western edge, The Merchantile for artisan finds, and Bischoff’s Shades of the West for authentic Southwestern treasures.
Shopping works up an appetite. Head to one of Old Town’s many cafés and cantinas. Don’t be surprised if your “quick lunch” turns into margaritas on a shaded patio. That’s just how Scottsdale rolls. After lunch, take a break at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.
End your day with dinner and cocktails at one of Old Town’s buzzy restaurants, then stroll through the nightlife scene. Whether you’re into wine bars, live music, or late-night dancing, Old Town Scottsdale has a way of keeping the evening going.
Plan Your Visit to Old Town Scottsdale
Nestled within nine walkable neighborhoods, Old Town Scottsdale is packed with shops, restaurants, art galleries, nightclubs, public art installations, museums, and historic sites dating back to the 1880s. It’s this effortless blend of urban chic and Old West charm that makes Old Town one of the best shopping spots in Scottsdale and a must on any itinerary.
Come for the shopping, stay for the vibe, and leave planning your next visit. That’s how you spend a day in Old Town Scottsdale.
