Top Rated Shopping in Colorado Springs

If you need something for your wedding, prom or a new business suit, this downtown shop is the place to start your search. It features beautiful name brand gowns from Alyce, Unger, Bridal Original, Clarissa Cassandra, Jessica McClintock and Watters & Watters. Men's wear features "ooh-these-are-shop" suits by Oxford and Hickey-Freeman. If time is running short, the staff can quickly fit you on the spot or even take your measurements by phone. You will also find a full range of accessories and shoes for both men and women.

Yobel Market is a great place to buy gifts. Not only do they have a great selection of jewelry, bags, blankets, and clothing, but everything they sell is fair trade. This means that the workers who make these beautiful items, often residing in impoverished areas, earn a fair price for their goods. Items like the jewel bouquet necklace have a story: the women making these necklaces in India and Nepal earn a fair wage and are provided with health care.

This shop is so jammed and cluttered with cabin-like items that you will exit feeling compelled to go canoeing. Shelves are full of bear themed woodcarvings and wall hangings that make for oh-this-is-different type gifts. Huckleberry jam and tea is well-stocked, as are country-looking place mats and dish towels. There are also fleece jackets, caps, and Colorado T-shirts that exude a subtleness so as to look more stylish rather than as garish souvenirs.

Just the fact that all of the staff resemble former roadies for the Sex Pistols is a sure sign that they know music and are not just behind the counter because they can operate a cash register. Ask a music question and you can be assured of receiving a confident answer. The shelves are jammed with music from every musical genre and there are always two rows of CD specials. Cassettes, though limited, are also sold. The shop also sells new and used videos and DVDs.

This two-tiered mall is big enough to apply for statehood. Anchored by Dillard's, Foley's, Mervyn's and JC Penney, the four king-heavies of Colorado shopping, this mall offers over 160 nationally recognized stores. It is especially female-friendly, with 26 women's apparel shops. In addition, there are other such favorites as Walden Books, Spencer Gifts and Eastern Mountain Sports, to name a few. The three-tiered food court, which features waterfalls, a forest of indoor plants and soft piano music, does the impossible and makes fast food eating almost seem romantic.

Made up of over 300 distinct vendors, American Classics Marketplace is an enormous antiques store. Walking up and down the aisles you'll be amazed at the selection and craftsmanship of furniture, instruments, toys, holiday decor, and other things that you never imagined. Make sure to wear your walking shoes, because you might find yourself browsing for most of the day!