10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Columbus

The Short North Arts District boasts a wide array of small businesses. This is the neighbourhood to go to if you love a unique find, locally-run and operated storefronts, and mingling with shoppers who live and work nearby. There’s a little bit of something for everyone.

Find new and upcoming styles, vintage items you won’t find anywhere else, beautiful jewellery, fresh flowers, one-of-a-kind toys and more. Fashion and furniture, antiques and art – it’s all for sale in the Short North Arts District. When you’re done shopping, stick around and explore everything else the district has to offer, which includes dining and nightlife.

Columbus’s German Village neighbourhood is filled with historic homes and structures built in the 1800s, green space, German and American restaurants and, of course, plenty of shops. One of the most popular shopping spots by far is the Book Loft, a 32-room storefront that’s been around for decades. As you probably guessed, it's stacked to the brim with books of all kinds. Another favourite shop is Helen Winnemore’s, for American-style crafts.

After you’ve explored all the shopping this unique neighbourhood offers, try a German Village tour to uncover the area’s history, or head to the adjacent brewery district to try some local beers.

Head to Easton Town Center if you like to mix your local finds with your favourite brands. There’s a reason, after all, why more than 30 million people visit this outdoor shopping mall every year. You’ll find top department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom, favourite clothing retailers like Victoria’s Secret and 7 For All Mankind, as well as upscale retailers such as Burberry. There’s a good chance that, whatever it is you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.

In addition to all the shopping, Easton Town Center also offers a wide array of dining, entertainment venues and regular events.

Polaris Fashion Place is a huge indoor shopping mall that welcomes 2 million locals and travellers every year, offering well-known brands and local retailers, as well as frequent events and a plethora of dining options. Find favourite retailers such as Lululemon, American Eagle Outfitters, Apple, Banana Republic, and Loft. 

There are 7 expansive anchor stores, including H&M, JCPenney, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Von Maur, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Filed & Stream. An outdoor promenade offers additional retailers. Polaris Fashion Place is an excellent place to shop when the weather is less than ideal in Columbus.

North Market has been in business as a public market for nearly 150 years. The historic and altogether charming space is the place to go to find some of Ohio’s best local and independent producers, makers and merchants. You can find interesting and local ingredients if you're planning a homemade meal during your trip.

Visit one of the vendors offering ready-to-eat (or drink) items for a scrumptious lunch. You’ll also easily find unique gifts and souvenirs that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Columbus, and it’s all thanks to the 30 small businesses serving up their best goods.

Pursuit says what it does all in its name – it delivers high-quality suits to ambitious individuals who need to look as good as they perform, whether that’s at work or a celebratory event. You'll find modern suits and formal styles (mostly for men, but with a few selections for women as well), but with a touch of old-school customer service.

The buying experience is heavily personalised – an excellent place if you truly enjoy a shopping experience that leaves you feeling like you've just befriended the clerk who assisted you.

The Candle Lab is one of Columbus’s most frequently recommended shopping stops for visitors. With several locations around Columbus, as well as a few in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, the brand has grown into a regional favourite.

You enjoy the experience of creating and pouring your own custom candle, with more than 120 fragrance combinations available. While your candle cools (a little over 1 hour), you can walk about the neighbourhood for eats, drinks and entertainment.