Columbus, Ohio, offers a diverse shopping scene that caters to a wide range of tastes, from high-end fashion and independent boutiques to vintage and thrift stores. Known for its trendy neighborhoods, unique shopping districts, and a robust vintage culture, Columbus has become a shopping destination with something for everyone.

Main Shopping Districts in Columbus

Columbus is home to several distinct neighborhoods and districts that offer a variety of shopping experiences, from luxury brands to artisan goods.

Short North Arts District

The Short North Arts District is one of Columbus’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its artistic vibe, trendy boutiques, and unique shopping experiences.

• Boutiques and Galleries: The district features high-end boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores, making it a prime destination for art lovers and fashion-forward shoppers.
• Vintage Finds: Short North has a few vintage shops that specialize in curated collections, including clothing, accessories, and decor from different eras.
• Monthly Gallery Hop: On the first Saturday of every month, the Gallery Hop event brings the area to life with open galleries, street performances, and extended shop hours.

German Village

A historic neighborhood with charming brick streets and 19th-century architecture, German Village offers a more traditional shopping experience with a mix of artisanal and vintage shops.

• Bookstores and Antiques: German Village is home to some of Columbus’s best bookstores and antique shops, ideal for those looking for unique or historical items.
• Locally-Owned Boutiques: Boutiques here focus on handcrafted, artisanal goods, ranging from home decor to handmade jewelry.
• Village Lights Event: During the holiday season, the neighborhood hosts the Village Lights event, where shops and cafes stay open late, creating a festive atmosphere.

Easton Town Center

Easton Town Center is a premier shopping destination in Columbus, offering an extensive selection of well-known brands, luxury retailers, and dining options.

• Luxury and High-End Brands: Easton is home to stores like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Apple, catering to luxury shoppers.
• Outdoor Shopping Experience: Modeled after a traditional town square, Easton provides an enjoyable, open-air shopping experience.
• Entertainment and Dining: In addition to shopping, Easton features a range of restaurants, a movie theater, and seasonal events, making it a full-day destination.

Polaris Fashion Place

Polaris Fashion Place is a large indoor shopping mall with a mix of department stores, popular retail brands, and dining options.

• Department Stores: The mall is anchored by department stores such as Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, offering a broad selection of clothing, cosmetics, and accessories.
• Popular Retail Brands: From H&M and Forever 21 to Victoria’s Secret, Polaris features a wide range of mainstream brands, making it a go-to spot for shoppers of all ages.
• Kids and Family Activities: The mall includes a play area for children and regular family-friendly events, ideal for those shopping with young kids.

Vintage Stores in Columbus

Columbus has a strong vintage and thrift culture, with many stores offering curated collections of clothing, accessories, and home decor from various eras. These stores are popular with locals and visitors alike, catering to those looking for unique, sustainable fashion and decor. See wilsonvintage.store for more vintage stores.

Flower Child Vintage

Flower Child is a beloved vintage store in Columbus, known for its colorful and extensive collection of items from the 1960s to the 1980s.

• Curated Collection: The store features vintage clothing, accessories, and home decor items in retro styles, with each section meticulously organized.
• Home Decor and Furniture: Flower Child offers a large selection of vintage furniture, wall art, and home accessories, perfect for retro-themed interior design.
• Men’s and Women’s Apparel: Shoppers can find vintage clothing for all genders, with a variety of sizes and styles that capture the essence of different decades.

Rag-O-Rama

Rag-O-Rama is a buy-sell-trade store with locations in several cities, including a popular spot in Columbus that specializes in thrifted and vintage clothing.

• Affordable Finds: Rag-O-Rama offers a budget-friendly selection of clothes and accessories, with new items arriving regularly.
• Eclectic Styles: From bohemian dresses and graphic tees to vintage denim and jackets, the store features a wide array of fashion styles.
• Sustainable Fashion: By reselling and recycling clothing, Rag-O-Rama promotes sustainable shopping practices, making it ideal for eco-conscious shoppers.

Smartypants Vintage

Smartypants Vintage is a quaint shop that specializes in retro and vintage items, including clothing, accessories, and collectibles.

• Vintage Apparel: The store carries unique clothing pieces from the 1940s through the 1980s, carefully selected for quality and character.
• Unique Accessories: Known for its wide selection of vintage jewelry, hats, and bags, Smartypants Vintage is a go-to for fashion accessories.
• Memorabilia and Collectibles: In addition to fashion, the store also sells vintage toys, records, and memorabilia, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.

Stash Style

Located in the German Village, Stash Style is a unique boutique offering a blend of vintage items and curated contemporary pieces.

• Vintage and New Mix: Stash Style combines vintage decor, furniture, and clothing with modern items, creating a stylish blend of old and new.
• Eclectic Decor: Known for its one-of-a-kind home decor pieces, including rustic furniture and antique lighting.
• Seasonal Events: The shop frequently hosts events and pop-up sales, making it a favorite among locals looking for unique finds.

Out of the Closet Thrift Store

Out of the Closet is a non-profit thrift store with a focus on supporting healthcare services. The store is known for offering quality items at affordable prices.

• Variety of Goods: The store has a wide range of items, including clothing, shoes, accessories, and household items.
• Support for a Cause: Proceeds from sales support the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, giving shoppers an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause.
• Discounted Vintage Finds: With frequent sales and affordable pricing, Out of the Closet is a good choice for those looking for budget-friendly vintage options.

Local Boutiques and Specialty Shops

Columbus has a thriving scene of independent boutiques and specialty shops, many of which are dedicated to local artisans, unique brands, and handcrafted goods.

Vernacular

Vernacular is a boutique with multiple locations around Columbus, specializing in women’s clothing, accessories, and home decor.

• Trendy and Casual Apparel: Vernacular offers a range of contemporary clothing that blends modern style with a vintage feel.
• Home and Lifestyle Goods: The store also carries candles, home decor, and gifts, making it a popular stop for both personal shopping and gift-giving.
• Locally Sourced Items: Many products are sourced from local artisans and brands, supporting Columbus’s creative community.

The Candle Lab

The Candle Lab offers a unique, interactive shopping experience where customers can create their own custom-scented candles.

• DIY Candle-Making: Shoppers can choose from over 120 fragrances to create a custom scent, making each visit a personalized experience.
• Home Fragrance Products: In addition to candles, The Candle Lab also offers reed diffusers, room sprays, and wax melts.
• Perfect for Gifts: The DIY experience makes it an ideal choice for gifting or a fun group activity.

Cub Shrub

Cub Shrub is a children’s boutique that offers stylish and thoughtfully curated clothing, toys, and accessories for babies and kids.

• Trendy Kids’ Fashion: The store carries clothing with a modern and whimsical style, making it a favorite among parents looking for unique kids’ apparel.
• Educational Toys and Books: The selection includes educational toys, books, and games that focus on learning through play.
• Local Artisan Products: Many items are handmade by local artisans, adding a personal touch to their offerings.

Thread

Thread is a high-end women’s boutique with a modern, curated selection of clothing, accessories, and home goods.

• Designer Labels: The store features designer brands and a carefully selected assortment of contemporary fashion.
• Luxury Accessories: Thread carries a range of luxury bags, shoes, and jewelry, making it a go-to for fashion-savvy shoppers.
• Personal Styling Services: The boutique offers personal styling services, allowing shoppers to work with professionals to build their wardrobe.

Shopping Malls and Centers

In addition to boutique shopping, Columbus has several well-known malls and shopping centers that feature a mix of mainstream brands, department stores, and dining options.

The Mall at Tuttle Crossing

The Mall at Tuttle Crossing is a popular indoor shopping destination with a variety of stores, dining options, and family-friendly activities.

• Department Stores and National Brands: Anchored by Macy’s and JCPenney, the mall also includes stores like Bath & Body Works, American Eagle, and more.
• Food Court and Restaurants: The mall has a diverse selection of eateries, from fast food to sit-down restaurants, making it convenient for dining during a shopping trip.
• Children’s Play Area: Family-friendly amenities, including a play area and seasonal events, make it a great spot for families to shop together.

Shops on Lane Avenue

Located near Ohio State University, the Shops on Lane Avenue is a smaller shopping center known for its mix of specialty stores, boutiques, and dining.

• Boutique Retailers: Features local and regional boutiques, offering a variety of goods from clothing and accessories to gifts and decor.
• Grocery and Essentials: The center includes stores like Whole Foods and Walgreens, making it a convenient one-stop location.
• Nearby Dining Options: A variety of casual and fine dining establishments are nearby, ideal for shoppers looking to take a break.

Lennox Town Center

Lennox Town Center is an outdoor shopping area with a mix of retail stores, a large movie theater, and dining options, making it popular among college students and locals.

• Mainstream Brands: Includes well-known stores like Target, Old Navy, and Barnes & Noble, ideal for essential shopping.
• Movie Theater: The AMC Lennox Town Center 24 theater is a major attraction, offering the latest movies in a large, comfortable setting.
• Casual Dining Options: The shopping center has a variety of casual restaurants and cafes, creating a relaxed shopping and dining experience.

Seasonal Markets and Pop-Up Shops

Columbus has a dynamic market scene, with seasonal markets and pop-up shops that showcase local artisans, vintage finds, and handmade goods.

North Market

North Market is a public market that hosts a variety of local vendors, offering everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

• Local Artisans: The market features local artisans who sell handmade jewelry, pottery, and crafts, ideal for unique gifts.
• Farm-Fresh Products: Visitors can find fresh produce, baked goods, meats, and more, sourced from regional farms and producers.
• Food Stalls: The market’s food stalls offer a variety of local and international cuisine, making it a popular spot for food lovers.

Columbus Flea

The Columbus Flea is a seasonal market featuring vintage items, handcrafted goods, and second-hand treasures from local vendors.

• Vintage Clothing and Accessories: Shoppers can browse a curated selection of vintage fashion and accessories, ideal for those seeking one-of-a-kind pieces.
• Handmade Goods: The market includes handmade items like candles, ceramics, and art, often crafted by Columbus-based artisans.
• Pop-Up Food Vendors: In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy food and beverages from pop-up vendors, making it a lively shopping experience.