Whether it�s a last minute replacement suit, an entire wardrobe or a special gift, Long Beach offers an eclectic array of shopping opportunities in a variety of settings, including �main street� style shopping districts, open air malls and specialty theme centers. In fact, the hosts of the popular daytime television talk show The View named Long Beach the fifth best place to shop in the world-- and to get all the ladies to agree on something is quite a compliment!

Downtown Long Beach
Welcoming visitors from around the world, downtown Long Beach�s Pine Avenue offers shoppers an exciting mix of retail shops, restaurants and entertainment activities. In addition to nationally recognized retailers, such as Z Gallerie, the avenue is lined with a number of small, one of a kind shops and boutiques, including Shades of Afrika, American Jewelry Inc., Belts and Buckles and Toys and others.

CityPlace, the urban retail development in the heart of downtown Long Beach, is anchored by Nordstrom�s Rack, Wal-Mart, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Anna�s Linens and Ross Dress for Less. This shopping center is located just a short distance from the city�s major hotels and convention center and promises something special for everyone who visits.

In addition to CityPlace and Pine Avenue, downtown shoppers are also invited to check out the East Village Arts District. Encompassing a six block area bounded by Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach Boulevard, Sixth Street and Alamitos Avenue, the East Village features a wide selection of antique shops, galleries, specialty boutiques and restaurants.

The Pike at Rainbow Harbor, toward the beach when heading to Pine Avenue, offers retail shores such as Long Beach Clothing Co, Borders Books & Music and the Gump Store at Bubba Gump�s Shrimp Co.

Those looking for something completely different might want to check out funky Fourth Street. Featured on CNN�s �BizBuzz� as the Retro Wear Capital of Southern California, Fourth Street (located between Junipero and Cherry Avenues) features one of the largest collections of vintage clothing stores in the region. Stores such as MEOW and the Assistance League Thrift Shop are favored by Hollywood wardrobe consultants and New York fashion designers alike. The popularity of the offbeat shopping district has given rise to a number of other retail shops, including antique stores and collectible boutiques.

Belmont Shore and Naples

Located just minutes southeast of downtown Long Beach is Belmont Shore and Naples, representing the quintessential Southern California shopping district where visitors will find a variety of well-known retailers, including the Gap, Banana Republic, White House/Black Market and the Body Shop. The area is also well known for its shops and boutiques specializing in everything from swimming and surfing apparel and accessories to the latest European clothing and jewelry designs. Shops such as Jenny G, Francesca's Collection and Romance Etc. will entice the female shopper. Visitors are also encouraged to sample the area�s numerous coffee houses, restaurants and pubs.

Just east of Belmont Shore and Naples lie two of Long Beach�s premier shopping centers�The Marketplace and Marina Pacifica Mall. Located at the southeast and northwest corners of Pacific Coast Highway and Second Street, respectively, the open air centers include a number of high quality retail shops, boutiques, restaurants and movie theaters. Whether shopping or dining at The Marketplace's many fine restaurants, its central waterscape provides a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. The nearby Marina Pacifica Mall includes such nationally known retailers as Barnes and Noble, Pier 1 Imports and Loehmann�s.

Shoreline Village
Long Beach�s waterfront shopping center is home to many stores and restaurants including The Village Hat Shop, which boasts the country�s largest selection of hats under one roof, Pirate�s Cove which offers a vast array of treasures featuring nautical Long Beach and California memorabilia, collectibles and film and Purple House, where you�ll go plum crazy over the sea of purple bath products, home d�cor accents and accessories that are offered.

Los Altos Center
Situated in the suburban East Long Beach, at Bellflower Boulevard and Stearns Street, Los Altos Center and Los Altos Market Center provide shoppers with a blend of national and local stores and shops. Los Altos Center is anchored by Target and surrounded by several small apparel and specialty shops. Across the street lies the 285,000 square foot Los Altos Market Center. The center features Sears, Circuit City, Bristol Farms, Borders Books & Music and CompUSA.

Long Beach Towne Center
Visitors to Long Beach will be able to shop the city�s largest shopping center. Located at Carson Street and the 605 Freeway in Northeast Long Beach, the site features promotional retail stores such as Wal-Mart, Old Navy, Ross Dress for Less and Anchor Blue, as well as other large and small scale retail operations. The complex also includes a multi screen movie theater and other entertainment oriented attractions.

Lakewood, Stonewood and Los Cerritos Centers
Located just minutes from each other, Lakewood Center, Stonewood Center and Los Cerritos Center offer more than 600 specialty stores and more than 140 fashion destinations.

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Media Contacts:
Bob Maguglin
(562) 495-8345
bobm@longbeachcvb.org
-OR-
MeganRodriguez
(562) 495-8326
meganr@longbeachcvb.org