A woman pushes a stroller past shops in Warehouse Row on Tuesday, July 28, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.The outdoor component of our aptly named Scenic City is well recognized, but if you're looking for something a little more climate controlled, don't fret; there is equal opportunity for anyone who wants to indulge in a little retail therapy.
Whether you find yourself perusing the streets of Hixson, the Hamilton Place mall area or anywhere in between, Chattanooga is home to distinctive styles that can be found in shops all over town. And that style scene is thanks, in part, to the creativity of local designers and retailers who have an influential presence and a supportive customer base.
From antiques to local boutiques to internationally recognized brands, the key to the true Chattanooga retail experience is really just about knowing where to look (although spending opportunities aren't hard to find).
For those looking for an all-inclusive experience and nationally known retailers, shopping malls are always an easy place to start. Hamilton Place in East Brainerd - the largest mall in Tennessee until it was superseded by Knoxville's West Town Mall - is the best-known in the area and features more than 200 stores. Those looking for local flavor can go beyond the mall and visit some of the gift shops and fair trade stores that populate the perimeter of East Brainerd Road.
There is also ample opportunity at Hamilton Place's sister mall, Northgate in Hixson, as well as Cleveland, Tenn.'s Bradley Square and Dalton, Ga.'s Walnut Square malls. Recently, a boom in the Ooltewah/Collegedale area has sparked a wealth of development just off Exit 11 where Cambridge Square, a new mixed-use community, is rapidly adding to its growing list of local business tenants.
If you're looking to remain downtown, options for both shopping centers and small businesses aren't difficult to come by either. Warehouse Row offers upscale shops and dining all in one, and the Southside is the newest booming location for several trendy new clothing stores.
And just across the river lies a multitude of options for local shopping. Starting with Frazier Avenue, which is easily walkable, local jewelry designers, artist shops and clothing stores line the streets. Further down, you can find another pocket of clothing, coffee and restaurants as you travel Hixson Pike or head into Red Bank.
No matter your starting point, each destination represents its own specific brand of the lifestyle, fashion and overall character that resonates across our Scenic City. So stop in, say hello, and learn why our many businesses have such loyal customers.
SHOPPING MALLS
Hamilton Place: 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. | 423-894-7177 | www.hamiltonplace.com
Northgate Mall: Hixson Pike and Highway 153, 271 Northgate Mall, Hixson | 423-875-4351 | www.visitnorthgatemall.com
Bradley Square Mall: 200 Paul Huff Parkway NW, Cleveland, Tenn. | 423-472-5080 | www.shopbradleysquare.com
Walnut Square Mall: 816 Walnut Square Blvd., Dalton, Ga. | 706-226-3777 | www.walnutsquaremall.com
SHOPPING CENTERS
Warehouse Row: Renovated downtown warehouse with restaurants and upscale shops. 1110 Market St. | 423-267-1127 | www.warehouserow.net
North Shore: A LEED gold-certified shopping center with 18 local restaurants and retailers including outdoor gear store Rock/Creek Outfitters. 301 Manufacturers Road | www.twonorthshore.com
Market Street Shops of Dalton: Outlet mall just off Interstate 75, Walnut Avenue exit. 933 Market St., Dalton, Ga. | 706-277-2688 | www.outletsheet.com/brand/mall/market-street-shops-of-dalton.html
Calhoun Premium Outlets: More than 50 outlets stores, many of them designer names, just off Interstate 75. 455 Belwood Road, Calhoun, Ga. | 706-602-1305 | www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=97
THRIFT STORES
America's Thrift Store: 248 Northgate Mall Drive | 423-877-4655 | www.americasthrift.com
Bethel Bible Village Thrift: 5135 Hixson Pike | 423-870-9056 | www.bbv.org
Collective Clothing: 40 Frazier Ave. | 423-208-0940 | www.facebook.com/collectiveclothing
Encore Consignment Boutique: 1150 Hixson Pike | 423-267-0130 | www.encoreconsignmentonline.com
Goodwill Industries: Various locations | www.goodwillchatt.org
Ladies of Charity: 2821 Rossville Blvd. | 423-624-3222
Northside Neighborhood Thrift Stores: 209 Minor St. (423-756-0530) and 3605 Dayton Blvd. (423-386-5811) | www.nnhouse.org
Salvation Army Thrift Store: 4104 Ringgold Road | 423-867-9339 | www.salvationarmyusa.org
Samaritan Center: 9231 Old Lee Highway, Ooltewah | 423-238-7777 | www.thesamaritancenter.net