Shopping in Cleveland

Cleveland has all the shopping opportunities and diversity of any modern American city, from small boutiques to huge shopping malls. Some are set in architecturally interesting converted buildings, while others are purpose-built, multi-venue shopping ‘cities’. Most of the big high-street names that you might expect are well represented, while local artists and designers also have a number of smaller outlets.

Key areas

Downtown has several indoor malls, and the suburbs are similarly well catered for. The Terminal Tower at Public Square, which dates back to 1930, is one of the most iconic architectural works in Cleveland. Originally built on top of the Union Rail Terminal, the ground-level space has since been transformed into a shopping and entertainment complex, featuring top-end high-street retailers. Lorain Avenue is the main antiques district, while Tremont specialises in designer shops and boutiques. Most of the art galleries are clustered around Little Italy.

Markets

With its hundreds of stalls, West Side Market in the Ohio City district is one of the largest markets in the USA, and sells produce from organic vegetables to ethnic specialties. It has been in operation since 1840 and now has over 100 vendors, with an impressive degree of ethnic diversity. The Clark Avenue Flea Market runs from Thursday to Sunday and has around 60 traders. This market has interesting jewellery, antiques and collectibles if you’re a fan of browsing for bargains. The Lee Road International Market runs at weekends, and is good for discounted goods. The Bazaar is a collection of permanent stalls that deal in second-hand goods.

Shopping centres

On Public Square sits the US$400 million development called The Avenue at Tower City Center, whose lower level is a converted train depot. It houses various shops, including names like Brooks Brothers, Borders Express and Nine West. The USA’s first enclosed shopping centre, The Arcade, was built in 1890 on Euclid Avenue and has since been completely refurbished and renovated, offering three levels of speciality shops in an Atrium-style structure.

Factory outlet shopping is also popular in Cleveland. The Aurora Premium Factory Outlets, 549 South Chillicothe Road, has 70 outlet stores, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Liz Claiborne. Northeast Ohio’s largest factory outlet centre, featuring over 60 stores, is Prime Outlets at Lodi, 9911 Avon Lake Road, located in Burbank, a short drive southwest of Cleveland off I-71S.

Opening hours

Shopping malls are generally open Monday to Saturday 1000-2100 and Sunday 1200-1800.

Souvenirs

Cleveland-themed souvenirs popular with visitors include local sports teams shirts and accessorie; you’ll want to buy something brown and orange for the Browns games or something in red and blue for the Indians. The presence of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the city means that, of course, there is a strong market selling various rock and roll memorabilia.

Tax information

A state sales tax of 8% applies, which cannot be refunded. This is usually added at the point of sale, so will not be included on the price tag.