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Columbus is known for its incredible shopping and wealth of locally owned businesses that offer independently designed clothing, handcrafted accessories and artfully created home goods.

While large shopping hubs like Easton and Polaris certainly have local shops peppered in their offerings alongside big-name brands, many of the city’s boutiques are clustered in neighborhoods throughout the city.

Just a two-hour drive from Cleveland, Columbus is the perfect place to hit the shops this holiday season. 

Short North Arts District

USA Today named High Street in the Short North Arts District among “10 great American shopping streets,” stating, “There’s nothing else like it in the United States.” Filled with one-of-a-kind shops, from homegrown stores that have gained national recognition – like Homage – to specialty women’s fashion stores like Pivot, and shoes for everyone on your list from Sole Classics, there’s something surprising around every corner in the Short North. If you like some extra holiday cheer with your shopping, stores will stay open late and offer special deals during the Holiday Hop on the first Saturday in December.

German Village

Known as one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in the country, the already-idyllic German Village is even more charming during the holidays. Paper lanterns and strings of lights line the streets and lead the way to a variety of shops, including one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores – The Book Loft – with 32 rooms of books for every reader on your list. For some truly unique gifts, don’t miss shops like Helen Winnemore’s (the oldest American craft gallery in the U.S.) or The Red Stable. 

Grandview

Head to this trendy, walkable community just west of downtown brimming with unique shops. Grandview is largely known for its bounty of secondhand stores, featuring fine antiques to everyday wear and everything in between. In a less than one mile stretch along 5th Avenue between Grandview Mercantile and the Alternative Resale Shop, you’ll hit more than enough stops to outfit all your gifting needs. Grandview Avenue is lined with more modern boutiques, like Vernacular, Greendigs and Cub Shrub, for clothing, accessories and home goods. And don’t miss THREAD, a women’s fashion and home décor boutique.

Clintonville

If you’re in need of something out of the ordinary, head up High Street from downtown to Clintonville, known for its collection of unique shops, many of which are women-owned! A few of our favorites include Rock Candy Healing Stones, The Brass Hand, Sewing Hive and Boomerang Room Vintage. Wild Cat Gift & Party is known for its quirky gift options and has everything you need for holiday gifting. 

Downtown Dublin

The northeastern Columbus suburb of Dublin has a bustling shopping district in its downtown area. Be sure to stop by Bend Active for some stylish Ohio State fitness gear and Coast Wine House to pick up a bottle for the host at your next holiday gathering.

Olde Towne East

On the east side of downtown, Olde Towne East has been steadily growing its retail offerings. Grab some caffeine from Upper Cup Coffee Co-op then hit the shops. Be sure Hosful Collective, Yelo Aple and AJ Soseby are on your list to help shop for your most fashionable friends. 

Common Thread

Columbus has a new fashion district in the heart of downtown. Common Thread is a result of a partnership between Columbus Fashion Council and the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation giving visitors and residents the opportunity to shop big names in fashion such as Alex Vinash New York, Encinas Designs, Joan Madison Couture, Xantha Ward and more.

For more holiday shopping in Columbus, visit our ExperienceColumbus.com.