Shopping in Milwaukee - More Than You Bargained For

Milwaukee is home to a shopping mix that’s sure to please. History combines with sophistication while vogue and vintage fuse to create a unique retail scene reflecting the cultures and trends of this incredible city. One-of-a-kind specialty stores in easy-to-get-to neighborhoods near the heart of the city are sure to charm even the most discriminating of patrons while an awe-inspiring number of malls gives new meaning to the saying “shop ‘til you drop!”

Tucked away inside Milwaukee’s diverse neighborhoods are shopping hotspots sure to have fashionistas everywhere buzzing. With everything from traditional to trendy, Milwaukee’s neighborhood shopping offers a bevy of boutiques, slew of specialty shops and some of the hippest galleries around.

The SoHo of the Midwest

Turn-of-the-century buildings in the Historic Third Ward are home to sassy stores that add a unique twist to shopping. For more than 100 years, this area served as a hub for a bustling procession of grocery commission houses that provided the bulk of the city’s fruit and vegetable produce. Today, the wholesalers of “Commission Row” have given way to an intriguing mix of upscale shops, art galleries and sidewalk bistros.

Fred, Milwaukee’s go-to place for high fashion without high price tags, hosts Martinis with Fred the last Thursday of each month where customers can enjoy a cocktail and message when they shop. Or sip champagne while an expert brow artist works her magic at Blush Beauty’s one-of-a-kind brow bar.

Here you’ll also find The Milwaukee Public Market, a foodie’s delight and a celebration of Wisconsin’s rich agricultural and culinary heritage. This 22,000 square foot market features more than 20 specialty food vendors offering Wisconsin-grown products, gourmet and organic foods, coffee, cheeses and bakery. Sidewalk vendors add to the mix each weekend between May and October. Bon appetite!

A Step Back in Time

Take home a piece of Milwaukee’s German heritage from Old World Third Street, a three block historic landmark zone just north of downtown. You’ll discover some of the best wurst in the country at Usinger’s Famous Sausage. This Milwaukee mainstay makes it hard to choose by offering 70 mouthwatering varieties.

Just across the street you’ll find Mader's Restaurant, a Milwaukee tradition for over a century. Mader’s has been voted the most famous German restaurant in North America. You’ll want to be sure to check the first class collection of German steins at Maders Tower Art Gallery while you’re there.

And the aroma alone (not to mention the chance to bump into chefs from some of the city’s best restaurants) is worth a visit to The Spice House. The street’s Wisconsin Cheese Mart honors the state’s strong cheese-making tradition with one of the largest selections of Wisconsin cheeses in the world. A century ago, Wisconsin’s promising dairy industry attracted immigrant cheese makers from across Europe. Their expertise combined with Wisconsin’s climate lead to the production of some of the world’s finest cheeses.

A Tapestry of Styles

Just north of downtown, the city’s avant-guard mecca, Brady Street, anchors the Lower East Side. Its eclectic collection of boutiques and coffeehouses mirror the street’s bohemian background while savory eateries and ethnic grocery stores reflect Italian heritage. After dark, the street revels as a vibrant nightlife hotspot.

Under One Roof

In addition to specialty shop charm, Milwaukee offers those who like to find everything all in one place an impressive array of malls to visit.

Partake in elegant bargain shopping at The Shops of the Grand Avenue in the heart of downtown. Mall goers can peruse shops spanning four city blocks connected by a network of skywalks, making for a uniquely urban shopping experience. The mall’s luminous glass rotunda, terracotta balustrade and quatrefoil filigree were once the picture of Victorian opulence. There are hints of Old Milwaukee throughout — a portion of the mall once housed the Schlitz Palm Garden, a 19th Century entertainment emporium named after one of our famous beer barons.

New in fall 2006, Bayshore Town Center, LLC is a 45-acre pedestrian friendly shopping, dining and entertainment experience located just minutes from downtown. 1.2 million square feet of retailers, restaurants, office and residential space offer everything from the latest fashions and most inspired gifts to the perfect setting for a special-occasion meal. And the town square that hosts public events and concerts is a great place to catch a live performance or two.

Just west of downtown are two more shopping hot spots, Mayfair Mall and Brookfield Square. The recently remodeled and expanded Mayfair is located in Wauwatosa and has been voted Milwaukee’s number one shopping and entertainment destination for 11 years straight. Brookfield Square is currently undergoing interior and exterior renovations on its over one million square feet of space. With the addition of several restaurants and an upscale food store as part of its redevelopment, this mall is jumping into Milwaukee’s hot culinary scene.

Head south to Greendale for a visit to Southridge Mall. With over 130 shops, including four department store anchors, and a variety of eateries you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for.

The Word Is Out

Milwaukee’s growing, sophisticated retail environment has landed the city as #10 on the 2007 Women's Wear Daily list of the top U.S. metro areas ranked by the highest retail business growth from 2003 to 2006. Come and see what all of the buzz is about. There’s great shopping in store for you in Milwaukee!

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