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Best Shopping Malls In The Los Angeles Area

Two young women with shopping bags.
credit: istockphoto

Calling all shopoholics, discount divas, and fashion queens – Los Angeles is the Mecca for shopping malls. According to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), shopping centers have existed in some form for more than 1,000 years as ancient market squares, bazaars and seaport commercial districts. Today, shopping malls have everything you need, packaged neatly into one destination. From luxury to big box retailers, LA's shopping malls cater to everyone's wallets. Happy shopping, mall rats.

Topshop Topman LA Grand Opening At The Grove
(credit: John Sciulli/Getty Images)

The Grove
189 The Grove Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 900-8080
www.thegrovela.com

Since opening in 2002, The Grove has welcomed thousands of starry-eyed tourists who come for the shopping and flip-flop-clad locals who stroll in for the Farmers Market. The Grove offers great shops, including J.Crew for both men and women, a Topshop, Zara, Anthropologie, as well as plenty of food, a movie theatre and many other shops.

Westfield Century City Mall
(credit: Marco D./yelp)

Westfield Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 277-3898
www.westfield.com

After a long awaited reopening (technically it never closed), Westfield Century City is back and is bigger and better than before. The mall, which closed down many of its shops in 2015/2016 to help it undergo a huge expansion. The updated mall is simply incredible. Wit a $800 million face lift, the mall has completely transformed into an even larger outdoor shopping mecca in the heart of Los Angeles. Along with an outdoor event area (named "the Terrace"), the mall added room for 70 new shops and restaurants. With a brand new look, shops like Macy's reopened in a huge space next to Bloomingdales, and eateries like New York's famed Eataly is expected to open as well. Shops include Kiehl's, H&M, J. Crew, Free People, Bloomingdales, Macy's, Madewell, Nordstrom, See's Candies, Sephora, Apple, The Container Store, Tiffany & Co, Zara and many others. The mall also offers a huge gourmet food hall, along with other restaurants like Surgarfina, coffee shop La Colombe, Shake Shack, Toscanova, Take A Bao, Rock Sugar and Yogurtland. And, a total bonus – Gelson's Supermarket is also on the property and you can valet your car while grocery shopping - talk about convenience.

Shopping & Style Malls, Woman Shopping
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Glendale Galleria
100 West Broadway
Glendale, CA 91210
(818) 246-6737
www.glendalegalleria.com

Traditional in every sense of brick and mortar, Glendale Galleria, located just a short distance from Downtown L.A., Burbank and the San Fernando Valley, is about to embark upon a brand new look. The Galleria is ditching its 1970s style and getting a Bloomingdale's. With easy parking, both self and valet offered, Glendale Galleria's stores run the gamut from the higher end shopping options such as Michael Kors, Coach, BOSS Hugo Boss and Nordstrom to something for everyone including JCPenney, Target, Williams-Sonoma, Joppa and a Disney Store.

Shopping & Style Mall, American At Brand
Photo Credit: americanaatbrand.com

The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
(818) 637-8982
www.americanaatbrand.com

Get the best of both worlds while you are visiting Glendale, also known as The Jewel City. The Americana at Brand is just steps away from Glendale Galleria. With boutiques including Kate Spade, Anthropologie, Juicy Couture, Madewell and J. Crew, Urban Outfitters and Tiffany & Co., The Americana is a true shopping experience for the fashion savvy. The restaurants are also a draw – try sushi at Katsuya, the upscale Korean counter Ahn Joo, or Frida Mexican Cuisine (the other location is in Beverly Hills). Top off the shopping day with a flick at Pacific Theatres 18-Plex.

Related: Best Places In Los Angeles For A Makeover

Shopping & Style Malls, Citadel Outlets
Photo Credit: citadeloutlets.com

Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90040
(323) 888-1724
www.citadeloutlets.com

The only outlet mall in L.A., Citadel Outlets is often referred to as the mall off the 5 Freeway with the Assyrian facade, or as natives might say, it's the original site to the Samson Tire and Rubber Company, which opened in May 1930. Regardless, this mall definitely nails it for awesome discounts and deals on name brands. Visit Citadel Outlets for stores like American Apparel (yes, they have the basics and more 30 - 70 percent off the regular retail prices), Vince Camuto (aisles and aisles of runway-style shoes and accessories), Zales The Diamond Store (you never know what a true bargain hunter will find), Billabong Outlet (for the true Cali dudes), Tillys (perfect for teens) and a Starbucks (this one serves their signature fresh fare).

Shopping & Style Malls, Fashion Island
(credit: shopfashionisland.com)

Fashion Island
401 Newport Center Drive,
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 721-2000
www.shopfashionisland.com

The allure of Fashion Island is well worth the drive to Orange County. A stroll through Fashion Island gives you that "vacation vibe" that will take you through the whole day of shopping. Start with breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien (be sure to sample the Brunette spread on their fresh baked breads), shop your heart out at the bevy of department stores Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Bloomingdale's Home Store and Macy's, lunch at P.F. Chang's or The Cheesecake Factory overlooking the Pacific Ocean, an afternoon snack at Native Foods Café (try the Peanut Butter Parfait with the Boogie Bar crumble filling and a Chai tea), more shopping at boutiques such as Ella Moss, Roberto Coin, Rebecca Taylor, American Rag Cie, The Apple Store, a dinner reservation at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar or Canaletto Ristorante Veneto, and then kick back and catch the latest flick at Island Cinema.

Related: Best Place To Buy A Guitar In Los Angeles

Jennifer Geisman is a freelance writer and faithful beauty junkie living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
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