Detroit is the Motor City, but it’s also a city with lots of places to shop. Famous for being the home of Ford and General Motors, this city in Michigan has much to offer its locals and tourists who visit it. One of those things is to go shopping, so here we will tell you which are the best malls in Detroit, the brands you can find, the stores to get deals as well as which is the best outlet in the city.
Best Malls in Detroit
Twelve Oaks Mall
Featuring more than 150 stores, Twelve Oaks Mall is one of the best malls in Detroit. There is no other in the entire city that has more stores than this shopping center since its opening in 1977. It has three anchor stores: Nordstrom, JCPenney and Macy’s (which also includes its outlet section known as Macy’s Backstage). But that is not its biggest draw as there are also several top international fashion brands such as Coach, Club Monaco, H&M, Lucky Brand, White House Black Market and Abercrombie & Fitch among others.
If you are looking to buy a new pair of shoes, going to Twelve Oaks Mall is a great option as you will find several major brands such as Ecco, Johnston & Murphy and Aldo. Sports fans should not miss two stores in particular: The M Den and Rally House. In the first you can buy official University of Michigan Wolverines products, but if you want Tigers, Lions or Red Wings items you should go to the second. This large mall also has several restaurants such as the Sedona Taphouse and The Cheesecake Factory.
- Other Stores: Apple Store, Athleta, Banana Republic, Chico´s, Crate & Barrel, Eddie Bauer, GAP, Kate Spade, Sephora
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 10AM to 8PM, Friday & Saturday 10AM to 9PM, Sunday 11AM to 6PM
Somerset Collection
Somerset Collection is the home of the most exclusive retailers in this town. There is no doubt why it is one of the most popular malls in Detroit since it has stores that you will not be able to find anywhere else. This mall is made up of two buildings facing each other, but you won’t have to cross the street since it has a bridge that connects both buildings. This is the place for fashion lovers due to its wide variety of luxury stores. Only the best brands are here like Hermès, Burberry, Versace, Gucci or Louis Vuitton. There are also the Giorgio Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo and Jimmy Choo stores.
If that wasn’t enough or you couldn’t find your favorite brand, here are the three main luxury department stores in the US: Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. But if you don’t have a big shopping budget, don´t worry, there are also more affordable clothing stores such as Zara, Untuckit, J.Jill, Urban Outfiters, Hollister or Banana Republic. And in addition to clothing stores, the prestigious furniture stores Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn and Arhaus are also here. One of the few bad things about this mall is its limited dining options, but they do include high-quality restaurants like The Capital Grille.
- Other Stores: Altar´d State, Anthropologie, J.Crew, Morphe, Ralph Lauren, Ted Baker, Tory Burch, Vineyard Vines
- Hours: Monday to Saturday 10AM to 8PM, Sunday 12PM to 6PM
The Mall at Partridge Creek
When a mall loses two of its anchor stores, it usually doesn’t have a great time. But The Mall at Partridge Creek has managed to remain successful despite the closure of Nordstrom and Carson’s in recent years. This, first of all, for its good outdoor design and also for the rest of the shops and restaurants that are in the shopping center. There is a very nice collection of shops which includes Eddie Bauer, Coach, the Apple Store, Lucky Brand, Chico´s and the athleisure brand: Lululemon.
Just as there are good shops, there are also good restaurants. The best thing is that there are plenty of options to choose from such as Burgerfin, Brio, Cooper’s Hawk and P.F.Chang’s. There are several fun events at The Mall at Partridge Creek every month so keep an eye on their social media or find out at the mall offices.
- Other Stores: Alex and Ani, Cacique, Champs Sports, Evereve, Forever 21, L.L.Bean, Sephora, Soma
- Hours: Monday to Saturday 10AM to 8PM, Sunday 12PM to 6PM
Briarwood Mall
With three department stores and more than 100 different brands, Briarwood Mall is one of the largest malls in Detroit. The mall is a bit far from Downtown (it is located in Ann Arbor) but it is undoubtedly one of the best in the area. It is owned by the Simon Group, the largest operator of shopping centers in the country, and with stores such as Urban Outfitters, Chico’s, Athleta, J.Crew, Coach and Michael Kors, they make it extremely popular and receive thousands of people everyday. And if you prefer to see clothes from several brands in one place, it is best to go to one of their department stores such as Von Maur, Macy’s and JCPenney.
- Other Stores: Aeropostale, Altar´d State, Hot Topic, Journeys, Lush, Spencers, Torrid, Vans, Zumiez
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 11AM to 8PM, Friday & Saturday 10AM to 9PM, Sunday 12PM to 6PM
Village of Rochester Hills
In a short time the Village of Rochester Hills has become one of the best malls in Detroit. And it is who does not like to go shopping in a beautiful mall, outdoors, full of plants and fountains and where there are also excellent options to buy and eat. Banana Republic, Jos. A. Bank, Talbots, Soma, J.Jill or Dry Goods are just some of the brands that this mall has. This shopping center added a new store in 2022 that has further improved its directory. It is Von Maur, one of the most prestigious department store chains in the country.
In addition to all these clothing brands there are quite a few other stores including Barnes & Noble bookstore, Sephora, Pottery Barn and Whole Foods Market. There are quite a few nice & relaxed eateries in the Village of Rochester Hills like Kruse & Muer, Chipotle and Shake Shack. Just across the street is another small shopping center with Busch’s Fresh Food Market and a Trader Joe’s.
- Other Stores: Buckle, Chico´s, Francesca´s, LOFT, Lululemon, Pandora, Sundance, Williams Sonoma
- Hours: Monday to Saturday 10AM to 9PM, Sunday 12PM to 6PM
Ford Road (Canton)
This is not a shopping center, but a road where there are several quite important stores. Canton is located west of Detroit and Ford Road is its main shopping street. And there are quite a few shops in a very short distance. One of the best is IKEA, the famous Swedish chain of furniture stores. Recognized for its modern designs and low prices (although you have to assemble and carry the furniture), it is one of the most famous stores in the world to decorate your home. It is not the only store of its kind in the area as there are also La-Z-Boy, Kirkland’s and HomeGoods.
The rest of the stores on this road are quite varied since there are from department stores (Kohl’s), discount stores (Marshalls and T.J.Maxx, the latter is located on North Canton Center Road) and supermarkets (Walmart, Kroger and Target) . You can also visit stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Five Below and even shop for baby clothes and products at Carter’s and buybuyBaby. There are also plenty of options to eat or have a coffee since in the area there are Starbucks and Tim Hortons as well as Genova Pizzeria, Potbelly and Five Guys or the famous Biscuits & Gravy breakfast restaurant.
- Other Stores: DSW, Joann, Lowe´s, Office Max, Petco
Best Outlets in Detroit
Great Lakes Crossing
Great Lakes Crossing is much more than just an outlet. It is a huge shopping center that, in addition to having more than 100 stores, has incredible entertainment venues. Millions of people visit it every year to spend a full day in this place where all the members of the family will have a great time. We will start with its retailers, which are quite a few. There are outlet stores of the most famous and recognized fashion brands including Calvin Klein, Brooks Brothers, GAP, Kate Spade and Hugo Boss.
There are many more interesting stores like Nike, Under Armour and Polo Ralph Lauren as well as multiple discount stores: T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack and Burlington. But as we said before, Great Lakes Crossing is also famous for its many attractions. You can do it all: go bowling at Round 1, meet dozens of types of fish and marine animals at Sea Life, or watch a movie. For children there are even more fun places like Legoland Discovery Center and Peppa Pig World of Play. Both places have play areas, interactive attractions and much more for the little ones, who will have a fantastic time.
- Other Stores: Adidas, American Eagle, Bed Bath & Beyond, Carter´s, Columbia, Guess, Michael Kors, Skechers
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 10AM to 7PM, Friday & Saturday 10AM to 8PM, Sunday 11AM to 6PM
Tanger Outlets Howell
If you prefer to shop at a quieter outlet that focuses more on shopping, Tanger Howell is your place. It’s not very close (about an hour drive from Downtown), but if you’re in Howell, northwest of Detroit, it’s worth a stop. There are 50 stores, and although they are considerably less than Great Lakes Crossing, they are the most popular fashion brands. These include Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic, Coach, Levi’s, H&M and Old Navy. Other stores that you cannot miss in this Detroit outlet are Chico’s, J.Crew, Columbia and Michael Jors. There are sales and good discounts throughout the year, but we recommend going on holidays where they will have better promotions.
- Other Stores: American Eagle, Eddie Bauer, Famous Footwear, Francesca´s, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 10AM to 8PM, Friday & Saturday 10AM to 9PM, Sunday 10AM to 7PM
Other Places to Go Shopping in Detroit
Downtown: Not only can you go shopping in one of the several malls in Detroit, but you must also go Downtown. In this area there is a mix of local stores with national brands where you will find many different things. One of the areas with the most stores is Woodward Avenue where brands such as Nike, Bonobos, Lululemon and H&M are located. Since Comerica Park, the Little Caesars Arena and Ford Field are in this area, you can also go to the official stores of the Detroit sports teams.
Fairlane Town Center: This mall has a very good location not far from downtown and close to various city attractions such as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. It has had some store closures in recent years but continues to have major retailers in its facilities such as Macy’s and JCPenney. Other stores that this mall has are Victoria’s Secret, MAC Cosmetics, H&M, Express Outlet and Forever 21 as well as a food court and movie theaters.
West Oaks: If you plan to visit Twelve Oaks Mall you should also make a stop at this other place. It’s not that big, but it also has good stores that will complement your shopping day. There are several big box stores, including Kohl’s department store, as well as Bed Bath & Beyond. This mall is a good place to buy home decor and furniture with stores like Ashley, HomeGoods and Kirkland’s as well as Bob’s Discount Furniture and Value City. Also located here are Marshalls and Nordstrom Rack discount stores or Joann’s fabric store.
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