1. How Columbus Won Me Over as a Shopping Destination
When I first thought of Columbus, Ohio, shopping wasn’t the first thing that came to mind. I imagined college football, art districts, and maybe a few museums. But after a few visits, I realized Columbus is a hidden gem for shoppers — the kind of place where you can hop from a luxury boutique to a farmers market and end your day with a bag of local coffee beans, a vintage Ohio State sweatshirt, and maybe even a fresh bouquet from a street vendor.
The best part? You can do it all without maxing out your credit card if you know where to look for deals, which shops are worth your time, and how to pace your day. Here’s my perfect shopping itinerary — blending four modern shopping centers I’ve personally explored with two traditional markets that add local flavor.
2. The Four Modern Shopping Centers I’ve Personally Visited
2.1 Easton Town Center – Columbus’s Shopping Crown Jewel
📍 Address: 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
📍 Neighborhood: Northeast Columbus, about 10 minutes from John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
How I Got There:
- I took an Uber from downtown ($16 during non-peak hours).
- Driving is also easy, with massive parking garages (free for the first 4 hours).
Why I Love It:
Easton Town Center is more than just a mall — it’s an open-air shopping and entertainment district that feels like a small city. With brick sidewalks, fountains, and seasonal decorations (I once visited during the holidays and it was magical), you can spend an entire day here.
Stores I Visited & Purchases:
- Nordstrom: Picked up a cashmere scarf during a winter clearance sale (was $129, got it for $59).
- Apple Store: Bought a MagSafe charger — staff were friendly and let me try out accessories first.
- Anthropologie: Window shopping turned into buying a ceramic coffee mug for $14 (originally $24).
- LEGO Store: Got a small Columbus skyline set for my nephew.
Food Stops:
- Northstar Café: Organic breakfast burrito with avocado salsa ($12) — worth every bite.
- Shake Shack: Mushroom burger & fries for lunch when I needed something quick.
Pros:
- Variety: Luxury brands, high-street stores, and unique specialty shops.
- Clean, safe, well-organized layout.
- Family-friendly with a movie theater and kid play areas.
Cons:
- Can feel overwhelming — it’s huge.
- Weekends are very busy; parking garages fill up fast.
Deals & Discounts:
- Joined Easton’s email list before visiting — got a $10 gift card via email.
- Nordstrom had an unadvertised in-store sale (tip: always ask staff).
2.2 Polaris Fashion Place – Polished and Spacious
📍 Address: 1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240
📍 Neighborhood: Polaris area, just off I-71 north of downtown.
Getting There:
- I drove from Easton (about 15 minutes, plenty of free parking).
- COTA bus line #102 stops nearby, but a car/Uber is faster.
My Experience:
Polaris is Columbus’s answer to the upscale suburban mall. It’s cleaner and less chaotic than Easton, but still offers a nice mix of high-end and everyday brands.
Stores I Visited & Purchases:
- Macy’s: Scored a set of Ralph Lauren towels at 40% off.
- Sephora: Restocked my travel-sized skincare kit.
- Von Maur: A department store with free gift wrapping — I bought a candle for a friend.
- The LEGO Store: Found a Star Wars keychain I hadn’t seen anywhere else.
Food Stops:
- The Cheesecake Factory: Their lunch-size portions are perfect for mid-day shopping.
- Molly Woo’s Asian Bistro: Excellent Pad Thai ($15).
Pros:
- Wide aisles, easy to navigate.
- Less crowded than Easton, even on weekends.
- Good mix of fashion, electronics, and home goods.
Cons:
- Fewer independent boutiques.
- Not much nightlife — better for day shopping.
Deals & Discounts:
- Joined the mall’s “Polaris Perks” program for digital coupons.
- Macy’s One Day Sale was on — planned purchases around it.
2.3 The Mall at Tuttle Crossing – My Go-To for Bargains
📍 Address: 5043 Tuttle Crossing Blvd, Dublin, OH 43016
📍 Neighborhood: Dublin, northwest Columbus.
Getting There:
- Took a 20-minute drive from Polaris.
- Parking is always easy and free.
Why I Like It:
Tuttle is where I go when I want deals without the crowds. It has a smaller footprint than Easton or Polaris, which makes it faster to shop.
Stores I Visited & Purchases:
- JCPenney: Found a men’s winter coat at 60% off (originally $180 → paid $72).
- H&M: Grabbed a basic black hoodie for $14.99.
- Bath & Body Works: Stocked up during their buy-3-get-3-free sale.
Food Stops:
- Auntie Anne’s Pretzels for a cinnamon sugar snack.
Pros:
- Relaxed shopping pace.
- Often better clearance racks than bigger malls.
Cons:
- Not as modern in appearance.
- Some empty storefronts.
Deals & Discounts:
- Coupon book from the information desk.
- Signed up for JCPenney Rewards for extra 10% off.
2.4 Shops on Lane Avenue – Small but Classy
📍 Address: 1675 W Lane Ave, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
📍 Neighborhood: Upper Arlington, near Ohio State University.
Getting There:
- A quick 10-minute drive from downtown Columbus.
What Makes It Special:
This is more of a shopping plaza than a mall — ideal for a short stop. It’s clean, quiet, and feels upscale.
Stores I Visited & Purchases:
- Whole Foods Market: Bought local honey and Columbus-roasted coffee.
- Talbots: Picked up a summer dress at 30% off.
- Bed Bath & Beyond: Travel-sized kitchen gadgets for gifts.
Food Stops:
- Bruegger’s Bagels for a quick breakfast.
Pros:
- Easy in-and-out parking.
- Not touristy at all.
Cons:
- Limited store selection.
Deals & Discounts:
- Talbots seasonal sale saved me $40.
3. The Two Traditional Markets I Recommend
3.1 North Market Downtown – Local Flavor at Its Best
📍 Address: 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215
Experience:
The moment you walk in, the smell of fresh bread, spices, and sizzling food hits you. It’s busy, loud, and full of energy — exactly how a market should be.
My Favorite Vendors:
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks — $5 for a scoop.
- Hot Chicken Takeover: Spicy fried chicken sandwich for $8.
- Stauf’s Coffee Roasters: Bought a bag of Ethiopian beans for $14.
Souvenir Ideas:
- Handmade mugs, Ohio-shaped cutting boards, local honey.
Pros:
- Authentic Columbus experience.
- Supports small, local businesses.
Cons:
- Can be crowded, seating is limited.
Deals:
- Some vendors give small discounts for paying cash.
3.2 Worthington Farmers Market – Saturday Morning Bliss
📍 Location: High Street in Old Worthington
Experience:
One of the largest farmers markets in Ohio, with a strong community feel. Vendors greet you like an old friend.
What I Bought:
- Fresh maple syrup from a family farm — $10 for a pint.
- Handcrafted soap bars — $5 each.
- Organic apples — $3 for a bag.
Pros:
- Warm, friendly atmosphere.
- Unique finds not in stores.
Cons:
- Only runs on Saturdays, hours change seasonally.
Deals:
- Bulk discounts near closing time.
4. Souvenir Shopping: Bringing Columbus Home
No shopping trip is complete without taking a piece of the city home, and Columbus has some fantastic spots for souvenirs that go beyond the typical keychains and t-shirts. Here’s where I like to stop:
Local Artisans & Boutiques:
- Short North Arts District Shops: Small galleries and boutiques along High Street are full of unique art prints, jewelry, and handmade ceramics. I bought a small watercolor of the Columbus skyline for $25 — it’s now framed on my living room wall.
- Columbus Made: This boutique in downtown focuses solely on locally made products. From soy candles to hand-stitched bags, the selection is both affordable and memorable. My tip: ask the staff for their personal favorites — they’re extremely knowledgeable.
Columbus-Themed Apparel & Memorabilia:
- Ohio State University Bookstores: Even if you’re not a fan of the Buckeyes, OSU merchandise makes for fun, sporty souvenirs. I grabbed a cozy sweatshirt for $35 and a small mascot keychain for $6.
- Local Food Gifts: North Market and the farmers markets are perfect for edible souvenirs — Jeni’s ice cream pints (vacuum-sealed for travel), specialty jams, or Columbus-roasted coffee beans are my favorites.
Tips for Souvenir Shopping Without Overspending:
- Set a budget per store. I usually allot $20–$50 for souvenirs to avoid impulse buys.
- Look for combo deals or sample packs, especially for food products. I once got three small jars of local honey for $12 instead of paying $15 each.
- Consider shipping heavier items home — some shops, like Columbus Made, offer flat-rate shipping, which saves back pain and luggage fees.
5. Budget-Friendly Shopping Strategies I’ve Learned
After several trips to Columbus, I’ve developed a few key strategies that helped me shop smartly while still enjoying the city’s retail offerings:
1. Start Early:
- Many stores restock early in the morning, especially at malls like Easton Town Center and Polaris. Arriving by 10 a.m. means you get first pick of clearance racks and limited-edition items.
2. Sign Up for Loyalty Programs Before You Go:
- Stores like Macy’s, Talbots, and JCPenney all have loyalty programs that provide instant discounts or bonus points. I often combine loyalty discounts with in-store promotions to maximize savings.
3. Use Mobile Apps:
- The Easton Town Center app and Polaris Fashion Place app helped me locate stores, check in-mall deals, and even find the least crowded parking garages.
4. Compare Prices Before You Buy:
- I always check Amazon, the store’s online platform, and the mall app before buying. One time, I found a North Market coffee blend for $12 in-store but could pre-order the same beans online for $10 — small savings, but they add up.
5. Plan Your Meals Around Shopping Stops:
- By eating at the malls or markets where I was shopping, I avoided wasting time going elsewhere. I also made sure to check for lunch specials; Northstar Café at Easton has a “Lunch Under $15” menu, which was perfect for a midday break.
6. Shopping in Columbus
Columbus surprised me in the best way. The city combines the convenience and variety of large shopping centers with the charm and authenticity of local markets. Every trip offers something new: a boutique I missed last time, a seasonal farmers market specialty, or a clearance rack gem.
Here’s what I’ve realized after countless hours wandering the stores and markets:
- Mix It Up: Don’t stick to just malls or markets — the best shopping day blends modern centers with traditional markets. I once spent the morning at Easton, the afternoon at North Market, and ended the day picking up a handmade candle in Short North. It felt like tasting Columbus in three different ways.
- Take Your Time: Columbus shopping isn’t about speed. It’s about exploration. I often wander into small side streets or pop into a coffee shop and discover a hidden boutique I hadn’t planned for.
- Enjoy the Extras: Beyond shopping, the city offers street performers, seasonal decorations, and interactive exhibits in stores like the LEGO store — these little surprises make each visit memorable.
My Ultimate Columbus Shopping Advice
If I could give one piece of advice to first-time visitors: plan, pace, and explore. Start early, wear comfortable shoes, take breaks to enjoy local food, and don’t forget a backpack or tote for your finds. You don’t need to overspend to bring home a collection of memories — sometimes the small, meaningful items tell the best story.
By following this approach, I’ve walked away from Columbus with:
- A mix of practical purchases (scarves, mugs, home goods)
- Delicious edible souvenirs (coffee, ice cream, honey)
- Unique art and crafts that can’t be found anywhere else
And, most importantly, a sense of having experienced the city fully — shopping in Columbus is as much about people, culture, and atmosphere as it is about the items you buy.
So next time you visit Columbus, leave your wallet ready but your heart even more open — the perfect shopping day is waiting, full of surprises, deals, and local charm.
