Richmond Shopping, Something for Everyone

Welcome to Richmond–the capital of Virginia, the former capital of the Confederacy, and today a trendy new place to shop.

 

Stroll an Outdoor Shopping Mall
Two new, upscale, open-air, lifestyle shopping centers—Short Pump Town Center and Stony Point Fashion Park, which both opened in September 2003, added about 1.8 million square feet of upscale retail space and almost doubled the area’s retail square footage.

 

Short Pump Town Center
Short Pump Town Center, located in the far west end on Broad Street (Rt. 250), has 1.2 million square feet of shopping and dining. Anchor stores Nordstrom, Hecht’s, Dillard’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods are among the 110+ specialty stores and restaurants located on two levels. About 40 percent of the stores, such as Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Apple Computer, Build-A-Bear Workshop, J Jill, and The Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant are new to the Richmond area. Lord & Taylor is scheduled to open in 2004.

 

Stoney Point Fashion Park
Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillards, and Galyan’s anchor Stony Point Fashion Park, which is located just south of the James River off Chippenham Parkway at the south end of the Wiley Bridge. Of the 90 stores and restaurants, located on a single level, more than half are new to the area. Among the new stores are Adrienne Vittadini, Sur La Table, Anthropologie, Louis Vuitton, and Brio Tuscan Grille. Out-of-towners should visit the Customer Service Center, located on the Promenade in a glass conservatory-style building, and pick up “Passport to Style,” a book containing special store offers.

 

Both shopping centers have open-air spaces with park benches, lush landscaping, and fountains. Shoppers can enjoy casual to fine dining, indoors or al fresco in a variety of restaurants featuring regional favorites to ethnic food.

 

Hit the Mall
Four regional malls also serve the Richmond area. Regency Square and Willow Lawn are centrally located. Virginia Center Commons is north of the city and Chesterfield Towne Center is south of the James River. All four centers have about 100 national chains and some locally owned stores, as well as food courts. Regency Square underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2003, adding The River Romp play area for children, a lounge area, and an updated food court.

 

Where the Locals Shop
Where do the locals head in addition to the shopping centers? There are great neighborhood shopping districts featuring local color, unique shops, and great service, which is often provided by the owner of the shop!

 

Carytown
Carytown, a nine-block stretch on Cary Street between Nansemond and the Boulevard, offers an eclectic mix of 250 shops, boutiques, galleries, salons, and restaurants. The best way to experience Carytown is to park (look for the free parking decks) and stroll the tree-lined sidewalks.

 

Check out the creative storefronts, or join the regulars outside one of several coffee shops or restaurants for people watching. Actors staring in major movies filming in the Richmond area have often been spotted in the area.

 

Carytown boutiques offer high fashion and hip trendiness in clothing, shoes, and accessories. For the home, there are fine furnishings, upscale or casual home décor, antiques, handmade furniture, oriental rugs, collectibles, and splendid original works of art (many by local artists).

 

There are stores devoted to books, music, cooking, gourmet foods, fine wines and exotic beers, unique gifts, spa and beauty products, and specialty coffee and tea. For an evening in Carytown, there are restaurants of every type, popular watering holes, and The Byrd Theater, a 1928 art deco movie palace that screens second-run flicks.

 

Shockoe Slip
Shockoe Slip, one of the most fashionable shopping and dining districts in Richmond, consists of a three-block area of Cary Street and is located near downtown. Cobblestone streets and Italianate style brick and ironfront buildings make the area a great shopping destination.

 

The shops offer everything from stained glass and unusual gifts to jewelry and toys. Nearby, in Shockoe Bottom, one of the main attractions is the 17th Street Farmers’ Market, one of America’s oldest public markets.

 

Libbie & Grove
On the Avenues, located around the intersection of Libbie & Grove, is another favorite neighborhood shopping district. Perfect for strolling, the area offers upscale fashions for men, women, children, and the home. Salons for pampering, art, collectibles, fun gifts, restaurants, and a movie theater round out a relaxing shopping experience with superior service.

 

River Road
River Road I and II, conveniently positioned on River Road, near Huguenot Road, is a small, upscale shopping center with national chains and locally owned stores. Clothing, jewelry, furniture, home décor and restaurants comprise the elegant shopping area that has plenty of parking.

 

Richmond truly has something to offer every shopper—from quaint shops along cobblestone streets to one-of-a-kind stores in historic neighborhoods and major malls and specialty stores. Enjoy!