6 Best Shopping in South Strip, Las Vegas

Take some time to "eat, shop, and learn" (their tagline) at this vast Italian marketplace, an Italian grocery and food hall that occupies the main entrance to Park MGM. What are you eating, shopping, and learning about? A 12-seat Chef's Table allows guests to pay for a dining and learning experience with some of Eataly's great Italian chefs. Perhaps the highlight of the experience is a modest gift shop and extensive market that sells a variety of goods imported straight from the motherland. But visitors may be more interested in the Cucina del Mercato, numerous food stalls that serve everything from wine and cheese to meats, pizza, pasta, gelato, and Italian pastries. Other highlights, mi amore? Eyeball a replica of the famous bull mosaic in Milan (said to bestow good luck); drink wine poured "on tap"; sample the goodies at the Nutella counter (serving crepes, cookies, and croissants); and even purchase souvenir poker chips (sporting symbols of espresso, gelato, pizza, and Parmigiano Reggiano). And it's open until 2 am Fridays and Saturdays.

The largest collection of Guinness merchandise in one place outside Ireland can be found at this store in The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, where you can find all things that go with the dark Irish beer. Have etched Guinness glasses personalized while you restock your bar with coasters, bar mats, and an essential authentic pouring spoon for making a perfect black and tan. There's also a tasting bar, where visitors can sample brews or pay $20 to learn the six steps to pouring the perfect pint.

Every day till midnight, all manner of M&M's merchandise is sold here—a slot machine that dispenses M&M's jackpots is a best seller—and the popular candy may be purchased by the pound. Four air-conditioned levels of colorful, milk-chocolate goodies attract crowds of families with children (and strollers). Those who use the personalized printing machine can create and print custom messages on M&M's, or select from unique Las Vegas images (the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign or a deck of cards). NASCAR champion Kyle Busch hails from Las Vegas, and a full-size reproduction of his M&M's-sponsored #18 racing Toyota Camry is on display (floor 4) along with racing merchandise. About every half hour, the short 3-D movie I Lost My M in Vegas (G-rated, free), starring spokescandies Red and Yellow, is screened on Floor 3 until 6 pm.

"Mall" is a bit of a misnomer here, where stores are more like highly evolved interactive marketing concepts. First off, there's M&M'S, the four-story homage to the popular candy, where huge dispensers with every color and type line one wall. More sugar awaits you at the Coca-Cola Store, where the two sizes of Around the World samplers bring you eight or 16 colorful, international soda flavors. Be sure to get a photo of the 100-foot bottle of Coca-Cola outside. The flagship two-story Lids store has all sorts of team-branded merchandise. Post sugar buzz, you can head to the Hard Rock Cafe to browse the interactive video Rock Wall or buy T-shirts, Las Vegas–branded clothing, and souvenirs. The Showcase Mall's parking structure is right next to the MGM Grand; the best access is from the fifth floor, where a pedestrian bridge crosses into the mall. A less hectic option is to park at any of the surrounding hotels (MGM Grand, NY–NY, Park MGM) and walk here.

As you stroll from store to store, you can look at the most extensive collection of Guinness merchandise outside Ireland at the Guinness Store, or get a topper from fascinator to fedora at Chapel Hats. Beauty fans will love the all-natural Lush with its "cosmetic deli." You can also buy new sandals at Flip Flop Shops or surf gear at Ron Jon Surf Shop. Head to the Shoppes' website for coupons usable at many of the 40 shops and eateries.

Constructed to resemble Main Street America with open-air shopping and dining, this 100-acre complex contains more than 150 shops, including MAC and Sephora cosmetics, H&M, Apple, Saks Off Fifth, and Tommy Bahama. When you tire of shopping (or when the kids do, anyway), there's also a children's play area, a multiplex cinema, and rides on the Town Square train. Lazy Dog lets you bring Fido on the patio, while Yard House brings pub fare. There's also a Brio Italian Grill, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and several other on-site eateries, including a Whole Foods Market. The Stoney's Rockin' Country dance and live-music venue fires up the country tunes Thursday through Saturday. Need to make a quick stop? Town Square offers curbside parking so you don't have to schlep all the way from one of three parking garages to your shopping destination.