12 Best Shopping in Las Vegas, Nevada

A majestic replica of Michelangelo's David in Carrara marble marks the entrance to the Appian Way Shops, which are fronted by a massive King Baby, with its wealth of rock-and-roll handcrafted sterling silver pieces with elements of precious stones. Carina can spiff up your wardrobe with brands such as Joseph Ribkoff, Miss Me, and Alberto Makali. Misura fills the same niche for men, with fashions and accessories from brands including Hugo Boss, Fossil, and Tommy Bahama. If you work up an appetite while shopping, know that the Appian Way Shops is bookended by temptations—at one end stands Aubi & Ramsa, offering alcohol-infused ice cream for those 21 and older, and at the other Dominique Ansel, with pastries and sandwiches. Nobu's just across the Appian Way.

Housing an exquisite collection of first-edition titles in pristine condition, this antiquarian bookstore carries an ever-changing selection that might include such classics as Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat, Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's, and A Farewell to Arms, inscribed by Hemingway himself. A small folio 1575 edition of The Bishop's Bible has woodcut illustrations, and a copy of the second American edition of On the Origin of Species is accompanied by a letter signed by Charles Darwin himself. Historical documents showcase the original signatures of Jung, Edison, and presidents Lincoln and FDR, among other notables. Special binding services are also offered. You may have seen this bookshop on the History Channel's Pawn Stars.

Like many an indoor mall, Las Vegas's first (it opened in 1968) was in danger of becoming a "ghost mall" before new owners began a transformation. Bygone anchor stores such as Sears and Dillards were replaced with more activity- and entertainment-oriented draws: a Galaxy cineplex touting the city's largest indoor movie screen, a SeaQuest Aquarium, and John's Incredible Pizza, overflowing with rides and bumper cars. The latest addition plays to the changing demographics of the neighborhood: the Mercado is a separately themed area styled like a street market, hosting small-business food and retail vendors.

The M stands for Mars, the name of the family (headed by Ethel in the early days) that brings you Snickers, Milky Way, Three Musketeers, and M&M's. Come here for two special reasons: one, to watch the candy making, and two (more important), to taste free samples in the adjoining shop that was recently renovated. As for the other half of this place's name, yes, there is, indeed, a cactus garden—Nevada's largest—with more than 300 species of succulents and desert plants. It's at its peak during spring flowering but also takes on a holiday spirit when it's lit up during the Christmas, Easter, and Halloween seasons. The factory tour and gardens are free, but if you forget to go, Harry Reid International Airport features branches at all gates after airport security.

This enclosed mall in northwest Henderson boasts dozens of stores and boutiques, a large food court, sit-down restaurants, such as the Brazilian steak house Rodizio Grill and Gen Korean BBQ House, and seasonal carnivals. There's also a children's play area and a kiddie train to keep the little ones entertained.

Like its northern sister outlet, this branch has a vast selection of popular brands such as Fossil, Lucky Brand, Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Journeys, Nautica, Nike, Skechers, Wilsons Leather, and Zales at up to 65% off. But these shops, 2.5 miles south of the Strip, are indoors and air-conditioned, with plenty of free on-site parking. Stop at the Information Center for a layout and listings brochure, which includes coupons and daily specials. Moreover, AAA card members receive a free discount card for additional savings. Some stores offer student discounts as well. The Disney store, Carter's, and Gymboree stock stuff for kids. Regional buses will pick up or drop off shoppers at Silverton and South Point hotel-casinos, as well as from several on-Strip locations. (Call RTC at 702/228–7433 for information.)

Every day till midnight, all manner of M&M's merchandise is sold here—a slot machine that dispenses M&M's jackpots is a best seller—and the popular candy may be purchased by the pound. Four air-conditioned levels of colorful, milk-chocolate goodies attract crowds of families with children (and strollers). Those who use the personalized printing machine can create and print custom messages on M&M's, or select from unique Las Vegas images (the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign or a deck of cards). NASCAR champion Kyle Busch hails from Las Vegas, and a full-size reproduction of his M&M's-sponsored #18 racing Toyota Camry is on display (floor 4) along with racing merchandise. About every half hour, the short 3-D movie I Lost My M in Vegas (G-rated, free), starring spokescandies Red and Yellow, is screened on Floor 3 until 6 pm.

This multilevel Nike theme park features attractive displays, inspirational slogans, and giant swoosh symbols amid the latest cool technology in athletic shoes. Flashy and crowded, it's full of "Nike athletes" yelling into two-way radios. There are two other stores in the suburbs and two local outlet stores.

"Mall" is a bit of a misnomer here, where stores are more like highly evolved interactive marketing concepts. First off, there's M&M'S, the four-story homage to the popular candy, where huge dispensers with every color and type line one wall. More sugar awaits you at the Coca-Cola Store, where the two sizes of Around the World samplers bring you eight or 16 colorful, international soda flavors. Be sure to get a photo of the 100-foot bottle of Coca-Cola outside. The flagship two-story Lids store has all sorts of team-branded merchandise. Post sugar buzz, you can head to the Hard Rock Cafe to browse the interactive video Rock Wall or buy T-shirts, Las Vegas–branded clothing, and souvenirs. The Showcase Mall's parking structure is right next to the MGM Grand; the best access is from the fifth floor, where a pedestrian bridge crosses into the mall. A less hectic option is to park at any of the surrounding hotels (MGM Grand, NY–NY, Park MGM) and walk here.

The focal point of Caesars Entertainment's 300,000-square-foot entertainment district is the High Roller, the world's tallest observation wheel at 550 feet. There's also a zip line (the only one on the Strip) and, of course, shopping. A boutique specializing in Harley-Davidson merchandise brings the iconic American brand to the Strip. Chilli Beans brings sunglasses and Brazil's largest eyewear brand. Goorin Bros. fulfills all your headgear need, and Havaianas can replace those flip-flops you blew out. Pick up some sweets at I Love Sugar, Sweet Sin, or Honolulu Cookie Co.

Constructed to resemble Main Street America with open-air shopping and dining, this 100-acre complex contains more than 150 shops, including MAC and Sephora cosmetics, H&M, Apple, Saks Off Fifth, and Tommy Bahama. When you tire of shopping (or when the kids do, anyway), there's also a children's play area, a multiplex cinema, and rides on the Town Square train. Lazy Dog lets you bring Fido on the patio, while Yard House brings pub fare. There's also a Brio Italian Grill, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and several other on-site eateries, including a Whole Foods Market. The Stoney's Rockin' Country dance and live-music venue fires up the country tunes Thursday through Saturday. Need to make a quick stop? Town Square offers curbside parking so you don't have to schlep all the way from one of three parking garages to your shopping destination.

This store is for the music lover who enjoys shopping for movies and tunes the old-fashioned way—thumbing through physical copies of albums, CDs, and DVDs. As streaming pummels compact discs into extinction, Zia's vinyl selection has reemerged to claim at least an equal amount of floor space. With DVDs and Blu-rays also on life support, Zia—which bills itself as "The Last Record Store"—is now the rare place to find obscure cult movies, which are now only remastered in small batches. Zia now devotes more of its huge floor to games, books, T-shirts, and novelties; not unlike a bigger, hipper Spencer Gifts. There's also a more compact location in west Las Vegas at 1216 S. Rainbow Boulevard.