These are the best places to go shopping in Dallas

The combination of supermalls and boutique-lined boulevards found in many American cities means there’s great shopping throughout the nation. While Beverly Hills and Manhattan traditionally grab headlines, the sprawling Southern metropolis of Dallas should not be overlooked. Folks here don’t just wear tassels, y’all: the quintessentially Texan city is home to 1.3 million people, and retail niches have been carved out to cater to all needs and tastes.

With Dallas being one of the warmest American cities, most shops cluster in climate-controlled structures, such as malls and department stores, but there are also plenty of al fresco browsing opportunities for cooler months. Here are eight shopping hotspots worth leaving luggage room for.

1. Wild Bill’s

For over 50 years, Wild Bill’s has been the place for Western wear, peddling custom-made cowboy boots, hats, jeans, snap-button shirts and accessories to clientele of all ages. The historic red-brick store has even outfitted cast members of ’80s soap opera Dallas and British rock icons Elton John and Mick Jagger. Non-apparel souvenirs include drinkware and Texan flag-emblazoned keyrings. Bonus: you’ll be offered a free beer while you shop.

2. Highland Park Village

If Texans were to claim their equivalent of Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, it would be Highland Park Village . This open-air hamlet was regularly featured on The Real Housewives of Dallas, thanks to its impressive collection of designer boutiques – currently comprising Chanel, Fendi and Hermès, as well as Alexander McQueen, Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. Even if you won’t be splurging on anything seen on the runway, come strut the chic streets or park yourself at one of the cafés or juice bars to see what the ladies who lunch are wearing.

3. Dallas Farmers Market

Food and shopping dance together at Dallas Farmers Market , a 26,000sq ft permanent space dedicated to artisanal vendors. Locals come to stock up on organic fresh produce, and a diverse selection of food stalls and restaurants ensures nobody leaves hungry. In terms of treasures to take home, market stalls offer antiques, handicrafts and natural beauty products, plus homemade jams and local bottles from members of Texas Hill Country Wineries .

4. Trader Joe’s

Sometimes, when a snack attack calls, the answer is something fast and affordable that hits the spot every time. Enter Trader Joe’s : the US-only grocery chain is a purveyor of some of the nation’s most addictive snacks – and they’re not available elsewhere. TikTok favourites include the milk chocolate-covered peanut butter pretzels, dark chocolate sunflower seed butter cups and cookie butter spread.

5. Neiman Marcus

Established in 1907, Neiman Marcus is Dallas’ most famous department store and sister brand to NYC’s Bergdorf Goodman. It specialises in designer clothing, including a full bridal shop, but there’s also homeware, beauty products and jewellery in every outpost. The Main Street flagship is housed in the original 1914 building and features fashionable restaurant The Zodiac on the sixth floor.

6. Deep Ellum

The eclectic Deep Ellum neighbourhood is all about dive bars and live music by night, but when the sun is in the sky, it’s a haven for vintage shopping. Traditionally, things skew on the indie side, though a recent boom has seen bigger brand names earning a slice of the pie. There are still plenty of gems to uncover, such as retro fashion at Add Vintage, and accessories and more at Hey Koneko. Stop for a browse or caffeine hit at the café and bookshop Deep Vellum.

7. First Monday Canton

America’s largest flea market is an hour’s drive east of Dallas – the equivalent of just a few blocks in bigger-is-better Texan geography. Taking place every month for four days – from Thursday to Sunday, before the first calendar Monday – this boggling, festival-like happening typically brings together more than 5,000 vendors from across the state, complete with live music and food trucks. You might pick up anything from toys to antique furniture, but no two visits are ever alike. Bring cash and be prepared to haggle.

8. World Trade Center

Within the giant Dallas Market Center sits the World Trade Center, a seven-storey building housing apparel and accessories showrooms, offering bargains aplenty. Savvy couples on the hunt for engagement rings can make a beeline for the top-floor DMC Diamond District and jewellery for their special day. Note that appointments are generally needed to shop at this wholesale destination, so be prepared to overlook romantic spontaneity and plan your visit.