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 Hamilton Place in East Brainerd – the largest mall in Tennessee until it was superseded by Knoxville’s West Town Mall – is the best-known in the area and features more than 200 stores.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.