Where Are the Best Shopping Malls in Edmonton?

Posted by on Thursday, April 4th, 2019 at 8:05am.

The Best Local Businesses in EdmontonShopping can be an ideal pastime in Edmonton. The city is home to a number of shopping malls, which include Westmount Centre (Canada’s first mall) and West Edmonton Mall (the biggest in North America and one of the largest in the world). However, everyone will surely agree that local shopping is more interesting in the area.

Do you want to help keep the community more vibrant and unique? Patronizing the local flavor and local economy will be important. By doing so, you can help independent and local businesses to thrive. Besides, local shops never fail to run out of originality. Here are recommended centers or hubs where you can check out and enjoy local shopping in Edmonton.

The City Market

The City Market is the best way to familiarize yourself with the Edmonton culture. During the summer months, you will find a large number of vendors lining 104th street. When the weather gets chilly, the vendors move their market inside City Hall, which is a true highlight of the Edmonton architectural design.

Everything you could ever imagine can be found at the Edmonton City Market. You will want to head to the market early to get all the best deals, and not miss out on what the vendors have to offer. The market has been around for over 100 years. It first made its debut in 1903, and has become a popular part of the Edmonton resident's daily life. Even if it's just to stop and have a chat with one of the many vendors.

You will find an array of delicious treats. One of the favourites among Edmonton locals is the Moonshine Doughnut. You will find many unique flavours that products are offered in, such as maple bacon or hibiscus vanilla. It’s truly an experience you won't want to miss.

Kingsway Mall

The Kingsway Mall is full of great specialty shops and boutiques. It's one of the more popular malls within the Edmonton area. Along with the great shopping found here, this specific mall is known for plenty of regular contests and events. Here's a look at what's offered at the Kingsway Mall in Edmonton.

At the Kingsway Mall, you will find shops in a number of categories. There's something for everybody with department stores, footwear options, health & beauty shops, store for him, stores for her and even shops for kids.

The mall is open from 10am to 9pm, Monday through Saturday and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays. Not all the stores follow these hours, however. Target, for example is open from 8am to 10pm, Monday through Saturday and from 8am to 9pm on Sundays.

Old Strathcona

Located along the south-central portion of Edmonton is the historic district of Old Strathcona. The area is the main district for arts and entertainment. It used to be the commercial core of what used to be a separate city called Strathcona. The area now serves as a local shopping hub catering to students from a nearby university and local residents.

Whyte Avenue is actually an arterial road located in the area. It logically emerged as the main street of Strathcoma when it formed. It now runs along Old Strathcona. There are many restaurants, shops, buskers (street performers), and bars in this area. Most of the stores in Whyte Avenue are locally and independently owned and operated. Some of the most recommended are Burlington on Whyte, Blackbyrd Myoozik, The Tinbox, Black Swan Antiques & Collectibles, and Ten Thousand Villages.

West Edmonton Mall

As the largest shopping centre in the world, the West Edmonton Mall is by far the best choice for all your shopping needs. Its home to over 800 stores including three themed shopping streets, Bourbon Street, Europa Boulevard and Chinatown. There's far more than just stores at the mall with other attractions, such as Galaxyland, World Waterpark, Ice Palace, Putt 'n' Glow and so much more.

Jasper Avenue

The city’s ‘main street’ begins at 82 Street from the east running towards the southwest along the southern tip of Boyle Street. Jasper Avenue has a strategic location because it is along a major public transport area, where some of Edmonton’s busiest bus routes travel. The LRT even travels underneath it.

Much of the retail activities in this portion of Edmonton are concentrated at the City Centre Mall, where there are numerous local and international chain stores. However, most shoppers will agree that the real heart and center or local shopping in the downtown is 104 Street. The area has interesting local shops like Carbon Environmental Boutique, Audrey’s Books, City Market, and 29 Armstrong.

Whyte Avenue

One of the most popular shopping districts in the city, Whyte Avenue provides many independent shops and small boutiques. If you don't enjoy the mall experience, this is a great area to enjoy all kinds of entertainment, stores, cafes, restaurants and pubs. Whyte Avenue is found in the Old Strathcona district and includes shops, such as A Sense of Serenity, A Step Above Craft Store, AJD Vintages LTD., Ocean Sports, Old Strathcona Books and many more.

South Edmonton Common

Those looking for the outdoor shopping experience will love the South Edmonton Common. This is the largest open-air shopping centre in all of North American with over 100 stores. Stores include Aeropostale, Calvin Klein, Claire's, Kincaid, J. Crew Factory, Guess, Old Navy, Payless Shoes, Reebok, Sketchers and so much more. You'll also find plenty of restaurants and regular entertainment here.

124 Street

Located along the west of the downtown is 124 Street. The area used to be an economically depressed center but obviously, it has revitalized over the last 20 years. Shoppers now consider it a real gem where local restaurants and businesses abound to provide unique shopping experiences.

124 Street has the potential to match the popularity and allure of Whyte Avenue. In the last few years, some shops have already moved from Whyte Avenue to 124 Street because of increasing costs, which resulted from the real estate boom in Whyte Avenue from 2008 to 2009.

South Edmonton Common

South Edmonton Common provides one of the best shopping experiences you will find throughout Edmonton. This shopping centre is perfect for entertainment, dining and finding your favourite brand names. Whether you're searching for the perfect place for your next date or you need a little retail therapy, this is one of the best shopping destinations in the area.

The centre covers over 320 acres and provides a dining complex, plenty of shopping and many entertainment options. With over 2.3 million square feet of area, this is the largest open-air development of its kind in North America. The centre is easily accessible from the suburban areas around Edmonton and provides a great location for all shoppers.

Whether you're looking to spend the day shopping for the entire family, you're after a great brand name item or you need a spot for entertainment and dining, South Edmonton Common is the place to go.

High Street

Found near downtown and similar to Whyte Avenue, High Street is full of independent stores. You will find all kinds of galleries here and a great selection of specialty stores between 102 Avenue and 125 Street. The Block to Shop is found on High and 124 Street, which includes many great shops, such as A Smoke & confectionary Mart, Appliance Gallery, Audio Ark, Liliana's Boutique, Lyric Boutique, Scottish Imports, Sassy Seamstress Boutique and many more.

Leave a Comment