I am looking for suggestions of cities anywhere in the USA for a 4 day shopping trip for my mom and I.
We both love to shop and are tired of the limited selection of womens apparel and accesories the stores in our area have to offer (we live in western Canada). We are not looking for pricey boutiques or local vendors/specialty shops just an area with good prices and lots of stores to shop at! Thanks for your suggestions!

Northern NJ (specifically Paramus - although not a touristy area at all) has a LOT of stores - 2 huge malls, 2 smaller malls, and a good deal of specialty stores up and down the highways in town. Paramus is a short drive to New York City if you'd like to check out some of the stores there too, and then 1 hour west into Pennsylvania there are some excellent outlets. There's also no tax on clothes in NJ and PA. Hope that helps somewhat.

I have to agree that Paramus/ North-east New Jersey is the best place for clothes shopping in the country. Within 15 minutes driving of each other are a few HUGE malls- Macy's, Bloomingdales, Saks 5th Ave., Nordstrom's can all be found in addition to all the other major women's outfitters. The two major roads are Rte. 4 and Rte. 17. There is NO sales tax on clothing in NJ. there is also a big outlet mall in Seacaucus, NJ (about 20 min. from Paramus). Manhattan is also only 20 min. from Paramus for more variety/ unusual and trendy outfits. I'm originally from this area and whenever I go back with my wife, she's like a kid in a candy store. Downtown SanFrancisco is also a women's clothes shopping paradise (lots of great stores in a very compact area- almost walking distance if you're ambitious), but there is an 8%25 sales tax. On the other hand you also get to enjoy San Fran. and from where you are in Canada, there probably would be good deals on flights.

Oh, no question about it. I have lived all over the United States and the shopping mecca is definitely Washington, DC and Northern VA for accessability, selection, and low sales tax (around 4 or 4.5 percent.) You can fly into Ronald Reagan airport and take the walkway right over and hop on the metro to your hotel. Get off at the Pentagon City stop. It lets you out right inside (underneath) the Pentagon City mall which is enormous. You can stay at the Ritz-Carlton right there in the mall! From your prime location all you have to do is go downstairs and the metro will take you to everywhere you want to be, and you can walk from there. Crystal City, King Street in Alexandria, downtown D.C., out to Chevy Chase (my personal favorite) or the Galleria at Tyson's Corners. There is a shuttle from the metro to get you to that one, which runs all day. Tyson's is so big it is actually two malls split on each side of a road. Macys, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks, and other large stores I can't remember. You name it. Wonderful shopping, and so easy to get around. When you are ready to leave hop back on the metro and ride a couple of stops up to the airport again. If you need any more info, feel free to e-mail me directly.

I am so intrigued with this discussion. Please let us in on your final decision.

I believe it is called the Mall of America in Minneapolis and it is the second largest shopping mall in the world. I was told this by the bus driver on my way there. There is an amusement park built in the middle of the mall including a rollercoaster. Travel agencies run excusions that fly in and out of Minneapolis for the shopping at the mall. There is a shuttle service that runs from the major hotels back and forth to the mall. If you want the largest selection under one roof, this is where you will find it. I am sure they have a brochure listing all the stores and restaurants.

For anyone who loves shopping, you really must see the Mall of America in Minneapolis. It's got alittle bit of everything, and you'd need 4 days to experience it all. Check out their website at www.mallofamerica.com/ There is a free shutle from the MSP airport, and several hotels across the street. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to hike. There are lots of good restaurants and even night-clubs. If you are looking for the ultimate, covenient, all inclusive shopping, this is it. Good luck and happy shopping!!

I deferred to my wife on the shopping issue. We have personally been to all the areas mentioned- D.C., N.J. and Minneapolis. While the Mall of America is definitely a marvelous structure with something for everyone, but if your priority is shopping and selection, it doesn't compare to D.C. and N.J. Some of the major department stores are found in (at least) duplicates in these areas, hence more competition and real bargains to be found. Gigi forgot to mention Potomac Mills in the D.C./ Northern VA area, which is a phenomenal outlet. My wife considered the D.C. area and N.J. to be a toss up, but there is the small advantage of zero sales tax in NJ. Happy hunting- let us know where you decide to go.

BTW- I forgot to ask- what is the largest mall in the world? I thought Mall of America was the largest (or is that only the largest in the U.S.)?
I've heard the 2nd largest mall is King of Prussia mall outside Philadelphia and the 3rd is Garden State Plaza in Paramus. Also- one downside to Paramus- all stores are closed on Sunday. (Not so for NYC or Short Hills mall or Willowbrook mall which are all within a half hour driving).

Wow! I am so impressed with all of the suggestions I have received! It looks like we will have to fly across the continent to get the bargains! Only true shopaholics would travel to such lengths and that definetly describes us! To whoever may be tracking this little saga - how far are these NJ/Northeastern US locations from Montreal Canada? It is one thing to look on a large map - but I can't really tell! (I have relatives in Montreal - we may be able to fly there and rent a car - but I don't know far we would have to drive) Thanks again!

Montreal to Northern Jersey is about a six hour drive, a straight shot down from the Canadian Border on Route 87- down to near the New York/ NJ border where you will get the Garden State Parkway (GSP), which goes right into the heart lf Paramus (three malls can be accessed right off GSP).

kig of prussia, pa!! outside of the city is one of the largest malls on the east coast...the court and plaza at king of prussia. there is nordstrom, macy's, strawbridges, neimans, sears, penneys plus hundreds of stores. about an hour away is lancaster and reading with many outlets and discount shopping.
1-1/2 hours away is flemington nj with more outlets.
happy shopping!

I would definitely agree with the last poster. The
King of Prussia Mall is HUGE and so plush, and the
proximity to Lancaster (home of a popular Amish settlement) is also a plus. I live in northern Delaware, and we are well known for having NO sales tax on anything! The nearby Christiana Mall has a decent selection, with a Macy's, Strawbridge's, and Lord & Taylor, plus a number of smaller stores. If I were you, I'd stay in Lancaster (it has SO many hotels and motels) and take trips to King of Prussia , Christiana, and possibly the Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Plan to drive a lot, and have a great time!

to the top. Any more suggestion or feedback on these locations?

If you live in western Canada, then why not go to West Edmonton Mall, reputedly the largest mall in the world. Ask any travel agent about promotions -- you can probably get a good deal that includes airfare, hotel (which is at the mall and includes theme rooms), and other goodies. It is owned by the same company that owns the Mall of America, which was patterned after it.

Amber, why come to the US we've heard the shopping in Montreal was so great my sis and I were even considering a long weekend in your country? I live in Va so my preference is of course the Northern VA and DC area. Tysons Corner is my fav, about a 3 hr drive from NJ. HOwever my favorite stores at that mall are the pricey one you weren't looking for Neiman Marcus and Saks. But our outlet mall, Potomic Mills that someone already mentioned is a retail mecca. It is about a 40 min drive from DC.I think it is rated as VA second tourist attraction. Well have fun whereever you decide