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Shopping in San Diego

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San Diego Shopping

San Diego's retail venues are as diverse as the city's vibrant neighborhoods. From La Jolla's tony boutiques to the outlet malls at San Ysidro, you'll find stores that appeal to every taste and budget. Trendsetters will have no trouble finding must-have handbags and designer apparel at the world-class Fashion Valley mall in Mission Valley, a haven for luxury brands such as Hermès, Jimmy Choo, and Carolina Herrera. The upscale mall with more than 200 retailers is anchored by six department stores including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue. La Jolla's chic boutiques offer a more intimate shopping experience along with some of the classiest clothes, jewelry, and footwear in the county.

Into kitschy gifts and souvenirs? Seaport Village has an abundance of quirky shops that won't disappoint, plus you'll be able to enjoy the coastal breezes while you shop for that Coronado Bridge snow globe. The Gaslamp Quarter, downtown's trendy hot spot, is where you'll find independent shops selling urban apparel, unique home decor, and vintage treasures. If you can't find it in the boutiques, head for Westfield Horton Plaza, the downtown mall boasting more than 120 stores and 22 eateries. Nearby Little Italy is the place to find contemporary art and home decor.

The beach towns have the best swimwear and sandals, and Uptown is known for its mélange of funky bookstores, offbeat gift shops, and nostalgic collectibles. Old Town is a must for pottery, ceramics, jewelry, and handcrafted baskets.

Shopping hours vary, but malls and major shopping centers typically stay open until at least 9 PM and independent stores are usually open from 10 to 6 daily. Visit www.sandiego.citysearch.com and www.signonsandiego.com for more details on local shops and sales. The San Diego Union-Tribuneand the San Diego Readerfrequently offer discount coupons.

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