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Shopping Overview

Since its resorts began multiplying in the 1930s and 1940s, Phoenix has acquired many high-fashion clothiers and leisure-wear boutiques. But long before that, Western clothes dominated fashion here -- jeans and boots, cotton shirts and dresses, 10-gallon hats, and bola ties (the state's official neckwear). In many places around town, they still do.

On the scene as well were the arts of the Southwest's true natives -- Navajo weavers, sand painters, and silversmiths; Hopi weavers and katsina-doll carvers; Pima and Tohono O'odham (Papago) basket makers and potters; and many more. Inspired by the region's rich cultural traditions, contemporary artists have flourished here, making Phoenix -- particularly Scottsdale, a city with more art galleries than gas stations -- one of the Southwest's largest art centers (alongside Santa Fe, New Mexico).

Today's shoppers find the best of the old and the new -- all presented with Southwestern style. Upscale stores, one-of-a-kind shops, and outlet malls sell the latest fashions, cowboy collectibles, hand-woven rugs, traditional Mexican folk art, and contemporary turquoise jewelry.

Most of the Valley's power shopping is concentrated in central Phoenix, downtown Scottsdale, and the Kierland area in North Scottsdale but auctions and antiques shops cluster in odd places -- and as treasure hunters know, you've always got to keep your eyes open.