Fashion Show Mall

What is it?

The largest mall in Vegas. Oh, and also the largest mall in all of Nevada. Oh, and one of the largest malls in the entire country. It has nearly 2 million square-feet of retail nirvana.

Where is it?

On the North Strip, across the street from Wynn Las Vegas.

What do they sell?

Pretty much everything. There are seven department stores including Saks, Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Forever 21, and Nevada’s only Nordstrom plus more than 250 boutiques and shops.

What are the prices like?

A little more expensive than your garden variety mall, but for the most part the prices at the national chain stores are similar to what you are used to.

What should I be sure to check out?

There’s so much here you could literally wander for hours.

Why should I shop here?

Since it’s right on The Strip it’s convenient and it’s the most affordable mall in the neighborhood.

What else do I need to know?

They call that ugly thing out front The Cloud. Don’t know why.

What’s the bottom line?

One of the best mall shopping experiences in Vegas.

There is some serious shopping going on here. The Fashion Show Mall on the Vegas Strip is not only the biggest shopping center in all of Nevada, it’s one of the biggest in the world. With nearly 2 million square-feet of space including seven major department stores and over 250 other retailers, people who haven’t reached their credit card limits should make a pilgrimage to the Fashion Show immediately.

Outside, along The Strip just opposite Treasure Island and Wynn Las Vegas, you’ll notice the giant space-ship looking thing hovering over the main entrance. That’s called The Cloud and it’s part of a multi-million dollar multimedia display system that features lights, video displays, and music in yet another “hey look at me and then come inside” gambit not unlike the Bellagio Fountains. It’s not as interesting but it certainly stands out.

Once you get inside check the maps because it’s easy to get turned around in the place. There are several levels with a rising terrace effect as you move from front to rear so it’s not as simple as taking the ground floor from one end to the other and then coming back on the second floor like you do in most malls.

The overall design of the place is very sterile and more than a little cold in my opinion but maybe that’s to get you out of the public areas of the mall and into the stores where you’ll actually spend money. And boy oh boy do you have a lot of spending opportunities here.

The major department stores include Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Nordstrom. In between those big box retailers you’ll find just about every other store you can possibly imagine and quite a few that you couldn’t. Among the more recognizable names: Abercrombie & Fitch, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, bebe, Brookstone, Coach, Diesel, Forever 21, Fredericks of Hollywood, Gap (of course), Guess, Hot Topic, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, Lucky Brand, Nine West, Puma, Swarovski crystal, Tiffany & Co., Tommy Bahama, Urban Outfitters, and Victoria’s Secret.

Note that the above list is less than 1/10th the number of actual stores in the mall so it doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface.

Things worthy of a pilgrimage if you are fans of the respective brands including the huge Apple Store, the not quite as large but still big Microsoft Store, and the interactive Disney Store.

There’s also a big food court with lots of name brand fast-food style eateries so if you’re longing for a taste of home via Wendy’s or California Pizza Kitchen, head here first. Several full-fledged restaurants are located at the north end of the joint, including a steakhouse, a Mexican restaurant, and more.

In the center of the mall is a fashion show runway theater of sorts. Equipped with giant televisions, lights, and a massive sound system, the area can host everything from concerts and special events to actual models on a catwalk. There’s even a giant stage that rises hydraulically from the floor to reveal an enclosed display area.

Prices are pretty much what you’d expect to find at a huge mall in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, which is to say “not cheap.” Although you can find deals, especially at the more “average” stores, you can expect to pay a little bit more for that Gap t-shirt here than you would at the Gap in the mall near your home.

Malls like this are for the faint of heart. Comfortable shoes, a fat wallet, and the ability to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed are key. Like I said: serious shopping.