Shopping in Des Moines

Where shopping and retailers are clustered together in Greater Des Moines (DSM), you’ll tend to also find established neighborhoods within walking distance, unique restaurants and fun entertainment, quaint coffee shops, vibrant nightlife, must-experience-for-yourself community events and the friendliest people. 

Local Shops and Main Streets Around Des Moines

DSM is home to lively main streets and town squares, where small businesses serve as the thriving heartbeat for each individual community around DSM. These locally-owned businesses offer excellent shopping in Des Moines, bring people together and help to establish their community’s one-of-a-kind identity.  

Whether you’re shopping for gifts, looking local for essentials, decorating or fixing up your home, or just doing a little retail therapy, great shopping options abound across the region.  

Charming Main Streets and Town Squares

• Adel Downtown Square
• Downtown Grinnell
• Downtown Marshalltown
• Downtown Pella
• Downtown Winterset
• Historic Valley Junction
• Indianola Downtown Square
• Oskaloosa Main Street
• Uptown Ankeny

Small Business Neighborhoods in DSM

• The Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand
• The District at Prairie Trail
• Highland Park/Oak Park Neighborhood
• Historic East Village
• Roosevelt Cultural District

And here’s a little insider’s secret: Several new shopping developments are also in the works at Johnston Town Center, Legacy Plaza in Newton and Waukee Towne Center.

Des Moines Malls and Major Shopping Centers

Jordan Creek Town Center is the largest retail destination in the state and among the top 25 largest shopping complexes in the U.S. Jordan Creek is a shopaholic’s dream, where you’ll find big-name stores like H&M, Von Maur, Anthropologie, Peleton, lululemon, DSW, Scheels, The Children’s Place and many more. The area is a known entertainment destination drawing locals and visitors to its 20-screen movie theater, special events like holiday tree lighting and summer concert series, as well as restaurants including Fleming’s Steakhouse, Bravo! Italian Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Changs — to namedrop just a few. You'll find several other shopping centers, big-box stores and restaurants in the area surrounding Jordan Creek Town Center. And the area just keeps growing: up next is a 226-acre entertainment district, complete with an indoor water park.  

The newest mega shopping mall in Des Moines is the Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona, bringing top-notch name brands in retail to the region with 36 stores and a footprint that is continually growing. Stores include outlets such as Michael Kors, COACH, Kate Spade and Eddie Bauer. The Outlets are in the Prairie Crossing development, complete with nearby restaurants, hotels and entertainment draws including Adventureland amusement park, Bass Pro Shops and Prairie Meadows casino, racetrack and hotel. 

More Malls and Shopping Centers in Greater Des Moines: 

• Marshalltown Mall
• Merle Hay Mall
• Penn Central Mall
• Southridge Mall
• Valley West Mall
• West Glen Town Center

Grocery Stores in Greater Des Moines

Stocking your pantry and fridge is easy in DSM, as there are many grocery stores throughout the Des Moines region. Hy-Vee and Fareway are two locally-owned and operated chains with locations across the region. You’ll also find national specialty chains like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Aldi and big box stores like Target and Walmart.  

Specialty stores like Gateway Market and international grocers like C Fresh Market, Hilal Market, New Oriental Market and La Michoacána Mexican Groceries dot neighborhoods throughout the region as well.  

Find Local Shopping in Greater Des Moines 

The Greater Des Moines Partnership member business directory has a robust listing of shops and other businesses to help you find a retailer for your specific needs. The area Chambers of Commerce directories are also a great resource for finding exactly what it is that you’re looking for.  

To keep the love local, check out The Partnership’s DSM Local guide, too.