Denver is well-known for its outdoor adventures, craft breweries, and vibrant arts scene, but it’s also a fantastic destination for boutique shopping. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, unique souvenirs, or locally made artisan goods, Denver’s shopping districts offer a mix of modern malls, stylish boutiques, and traditional markets that highlight the city’s creative spirit.
I always try to explore the local shopping scene wherever I go. Denver didn’t disappoint—its mix of modern shopping centers and charming traditional markets made my retail experience both exciting and diverse. Below, I’ll share four modern shopping centers where I found some of the best boutiques and two traditional markets that offer a more cultural shopping experience.
1. Cherry Creek Shopping Center – High-End Fashion & Luxury Finds
Location: 3000 E 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Best for: High-end fashion, luxury brands, and upscale shopping
Cherry Creek Shopping Center is Denver’s most upscale mall, housing a mix of designer boutiques, department stores, and specialty shops. It’s the perfect place for fashion lovers who enjoy browsing brands like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus, and Burberry.
Shopping Experience & Best Stores
When I walked into Cherry Creek, I immediately noticed its elegant modern architecture, bright lighting, and polished floors. The atmosphere was sophisticated, making it a pleasure to explore.
- Garbarini – This boutique carries high-end contemporary women’s fashion from brands like Rag & Bone, Vince, and Theory. Their staff was extremely helpful in recommending pieces that suited my style.
- Lawrence Covell – A local luxury clothing store with European designer brands like Brunello Cucinelli and Canali.
- **Maker & Moss – A unique store selling handcrafted home decor and furniture, perfect for stylish souvenirs.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ High-end brands and designer stores
✔ Beautifully designed shopping environment
✔ Excellent dining options (I highly recommend the 40 West Kitchen & Bar for a fancy meal after shopping)
Cons:
✖ Can be expensive—definitely more of a splurge-worthy shopping center
✖ Gets crowded on weekends, making it harder to get personalized attention in luxury stores
Deals & Discounts
Tip: Some stores offer seasonal discounts of up to 30% off during summer and winter clearance sales. Joining their VIP shopping program also gets you exclusive coupons.
2. Denver Pavilions – Downtown Shopping with an Urban Vibe
Location: 500 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
Best for: Trendy, mainstream shopping and fun entertainment
Located right on Denver’s famous 16th Street Mall, the Denver Pavilions is a shopping hub that combines boutiques, national brands, and entertainment venues in an open-air setting. It’s the perfect place to shop while exploring downtown Denver.
Shopping Experience & Best Stores
I loved the urban, energetic atmosphere here. The layout is great for walking and browsing different stores, and the area has a lively city feel. Some of my favorite stores included:
- **Rosey’s Boutique – A locally-owned store selling trendy clothing, accessories, and handmade jewelry.
- **I Heart Denver Store – A must-visit for souvenirs! They sell locally made products, including hand-printed T-shirts, Colorado-themed home decor, and artisanal goods.
- **Tattered Cover Bookstore – One of Denver’s most beloved independent bookstores, offering a curated selection of books and gifts.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Convenient downtown location
✔ Mix of local and national brands
✔ Entertainment options, including an AMC movie theater and bowling alley
Cons:
✖ Limited high-end boutiques (mostly mainstream brands)
✖ Parking can be a challenge unless you use a nearby parking garage
Deals & Discounts
Tip: Check their website for ongoing sales—I found a 20% off coupon for several stores before my visit!
3. The Dairy Block – A Hidden Gem for Local Boutiques & Artisanal Finds
Location: 1800 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202
Best for: Unique boutiques, artisan shops, and trendy local brands
The Dairy Block is a hip, artsy micro-district in LoDo (Lower Downtown). Originally a historic dairy building, it has been transformed into a trendy shopping and dining destination.
Shopping Experience & Best Stores
This place is a paradise for boutique lovers! The narrow alleyways and stylish storefronts make for an Instagram-worthy experience. Some of my favorite spots were:
- **Huckleberry Roasters – Perfect for coffee lovers, offering locally roasted beans and unique coffee accessories.
- **Shea Boutique – A locally-owned women’s clothing store featuring chic, casual styles perfect for Denver’s trendy crowd.
- **Free Market – A concept store that combines fashion, home goods, and wellness products from independent designers.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Unique, local brands you won’t find elsewhere
✔ Beautiful artistic alleyways with murals and street art
✔ Great coffee shops and eateries nearby
Cons:
✖ Smaller than a traditional shopping mall
✖ Some boutiques are pricey (though you’re paying for quality & uniqueness)
Deals & Discounts
Tip: Follow their Instagram—many shops post flash sales and special in-store events.
4. Stanley Marketplace – A Community-Oriented Shopping & Dining Hub
Location: 2501 Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80010
Best for: A mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment in a repurposed aviation factory
If you want a local, community-driven shopping experience, Stanley Marketplace is a must-visit. Located just outside Denver in Aurora, this repurposed airplane hangar-turned-marketplace offers boutiques, craft vendors, and independent businesses.
Shopping Experience & Best Stores
I loved how laid-back and welcoming this marketplace felt. Some standout shops included:
- **June Ruby – A boutique featuring women’s apparel, accessories, and gifts.
- **Mindcraft Makerspace – Perfect for those looking for locally made arts, crafts, and home decor.
- **Trunk Nouveau – A stylish shop with handcrafted jewelry and creative home accessories.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Focus on local businesses and sustainability
✔ Casual, family-friendly environment
✔ Tons of great restaurants & breweries nearby
Cons:
✖ Not as many luxury brands as Cherry Creek
✖ Can get busy on weekends
Deals & Discounts
Tip: Many vendors offer loyalty programs where you can earn discounts after multiple purchases.
Traditional Markets: Where to Buy Authentic Denver Souvenirs
When I travel, I love bringing home souvenirs that truly represent the place I visited. Instead of grabbing mass-produced trinkets, I prefer artisan-made, locally sourced, and one-of-a-kind items that reflect the city’s culture. Denver is home to some incredible traditional markets that offer everything from handmade crafts to gourmet foods. Below are my top picks for finding authentic Denver souvenirs.
- The Denver Central Market – A Foodie’s Dream for Local Treats
Location: 2669 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Hours: Open daily, typically from 8 AM – 8 PM (individual vendor hours vary)
Best for: Gourmet food, artisanal goods, locally roasted coffee, and edible souvenirs
Located in Denver’s RiNo (River North) Art District, The Denver Central Market is a vibrant food hall and marketplace that brings together some of the city’s best local food vendors, bakers, coffee roasters, and specialty artisans. This spot is perfect for food lovers who want to bring home a taste of Denver.
What to Buy
Locally Made Chocolates – Stop by Temper Chocolates & Confections for handmade truffles, gourmet chocolate bars, and caramel-dipped treats. They use high-quality cacao and locally sourced ingredients.
Colorado Cheeses – If you’re a cheese lover, check out High Point Creamery for artisan cheeses made from Colorado dairy farms. Their cheese boards make a perfect souvenir.
Locally Roasted Coffee – Grab a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans from Crema Bodega, a local favorite for small-batch, ethically sourced coffee.
Handcrafted Charcuterie – Stop by Culture Meat & Cheese for house-made salami, prosciutto, and specialty meats—ideal for creating your own charcuterie board at home.
Colorado Wines & Craft Spirits – Many vendors sell locally made wines, craft spirits, and cocktail kits from Colorado distilleries.
Shopping Experience & Highlights
• Artistic Atmosphere – The market is inside a beautifully renovated historic warehouse, with high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and local artwork.
• Interactive Vendors – Many vendors offer samples, so you can try chocolates, cheeses, and other treats before purchasing.
• Great for Gifts – The market has beautifully packaged gourmet products, making them ideal for gifting.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Wide selection of local gourmet products
✔ Located in the artsy RiNo District, making it a fun place to explore
✔ Some vendors offer shipping, so you can send gifts home
Cons:
✖ Prices are higher than a standard grocery store (but you’re paying for quality & authenticity)
✖ Limited seating if you want to eat on-site (weekends can be crowded)
Deals & Discounts
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon—some vendors offer discounts on fresh goods before closing time!
- South Pearl Street Farmers Market – Handcrafted Goods & Seasonal Finds
Location: 1527 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
Hours: Sundays (May–November), 9 AM – 1 PM
Best for: Handmade crafts, organic produce, natural skincare, and seasonal gifts
If you love local markets with a community vibe, the South Pearl Street Farmers Market is a must-visit. Every Sunday from spring to late fall, this bustling market transforms South Pearl Street into a lively outdoor shopping experience. Unlike chain souvenir shops, this market showcases independent artisans, farmers, and small businesses from Colorado.
What to Buy
Hand-Knitted Scarves & Wool Products – Several vendors sell handwoven scarves, hats, and mittens made from locally sourced wool—perfect for winter souvenirs.
Raw Colorado Honey – Try Miller Farms Honey for organic, raw honey harvested from local wildflowers and infused with flavors like lavender and cinnamon.
Handmade Candles & Soaps – Vendors like Mountain Bliss Naturals sell hand-poured soy candles, essential oils, and organic skincare products made with local ingredients.
Freshly Baked Bread & Pastries – I grabbed a delicious loaf of sourdough bread from a local bakery stall and some handmade granola for a healthy snack.
Local Wine & Craft Beer – Some vendors sell bottled wines from Colorado vineyards and craft beer from nearby breweries.
Shopping Experience & Highlights
• Relaxed, Family-Friendly Atmosphere – The market has a laid-back, community feel with live music and food trucks.
• Great for Foodies – Many vendors offer samples of cheeses, dips, and baked goods, so you can try before you buy.
• Seasonal Finds – During the fall, you’ll find pumpkin spice products, holiday-themed gifts, and locally made Christmas ornaments.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Supports small businesses & local artisans
✔ Wide variety of fresh, organic, and handmade goods
✔ Great seasonal offerings, especially during holidays
Cons:
✖ Only runs May–November, so it’s not available year-round
✖ Cash is preferred at some stalls (though many accept credit cards)
Deals & Discounts
Tip: Arrive early to get the best selection or come just before closing for discounted produce and baked goods!
Which Market is Right for You?
If you’re visiting Denver and want to bring home authentic, high-quality souvenirs, both The Denver Central Market and South Pearl Street Farmers Market are fantastic choices.
✔ If you love gourmet food and artisanal treats, head to Denver Central Market for chocolates, cheeses, coffee, and wine.
✔ If you prefer handmade crafts and organic products, South Pearl Street Farmers Market is the place to find knitted scarves, handmade candles, and locally sourced honey.
Both markets offer a unique, local experience, making them a refreshing alternative to traditional souvenir shops. So, which one would you visit first? Let me know in the comments!