Las Vegas Shopping

Shopping: The word alone can get pulses racing and hearts beating among even the most seasoned retail warriors. Oftentimes the word conjures up images of a nattily dressed woman with a big smile on her face, laden with colorful shopping bags and baubles of all shapes and sizes. But let the lady buyer beware - men are proudly joining the ranks of power shoppers and are just as likely to brave the crowds at Las Vegas shopping centers and malls to get the best buy and the most bang for their hard-earned bucks. Still, it pays to shop smart: call ahead and do a little research on the Web for the items you want. Check out sites with user reviews and be sure to compare prices before you race to the department store. Take a minute to do a little legwork and breathe before you buy - you'll potentially save lots of time and money on scoring that must-have item.

If the Shoe Fits

By all means, wear it! Whether you need a pretty pair of strappy sandals or sturdy steel-toed work boots, Las Vegas shoe stores carry everything from dress shoes by popular designers such as BCBG and Via Spiga, to athletic footwear from Adidas, Asics and Nike. Specialty stores such as those that cater to runners often have trained sales staff on hand to help you find just the right shoe for pounding the pavement on your morning run, while shops that specialize in custom made shoes and boots cater to those with hard to fit feet. No matter what the style, Las Vegas shoe stores can help you put your best foot forward.

The Boys are Back

The popularity of men's magazines - called "lad mags" by some - including FHM and Stuff have made something of a new niche market out of men's shopping. No longer regulated to power tools, work clothes and pricey electronics, more and more men are standing in line to get designer men's clothing such as those must-have Michael Kors pants, watches from Kenneth Cole and TAG Heuer, or edgy and hip cuff links from Britain's Ben Sherman.

"If They Would Just Stay Little..."

The Carter's Clothing Company, a popular maker of children's clothes and infants wear, made this tagline famous by lamenting the wish of many a parent who watches their little ones grow out of their clothes seemingly overnight. Many Las Vegas department and discount stores carry a wide variety of boys' clothing, from suits to swimwear and everything in between, to keep your growing young man outfitted in the latest styles. And many major clothing stores including The Gap and J. Crew offer trendy girls' clothing and accessories as well so that your little princess is decked out in style. And, if your kids don't respond to retail therapy quite as well as you do, be sure to stop into Las Vegas toy stores to brighten their day and bring a smile to their little faces.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

While it may be true that men are becoming less retail repressed and more shopping savvy, they have a long way to go before they're ready to compete in what some consider to be a full on contact sport. The best retail Rolodex includes the best places to buy everything from jeans and other women's clothing, to linens and things made of fine Egyptian cotton, housewares and more. The femme fatale of fashion even knows where to score the latest in maternity clothes and other necessities for the mom-to-be. To the seasoned shopper, there's no such thing as a "hard-to-find" item. If it exists, the retail pro knows where to find it, or knows the name of a Las Vegas personal shopping service that can get it for you.

Gifts and Gadgets

Though many would argue the point, there's more to shopping than buying clothes, shoes and the latest shade of iPod mp3 player. Florists and gift shops are great places to go when you need an exceptional gift for a special occasion. Travelers appreciate visiting local shops that carry one-of-a kind souvenirs that are perfect for their loved ones back home. Whatever gift or gadget you need, chances are a Las Vegas gift store has just the right item at just the right price.