Explore Shopping

Huntsville, Alabama—known as Rocket City—isn’t just a hub for aerospace and technology; it’s also a top shopping destination in North Alabama. From malls to unique local boutiques and farmers markets, both Huntsville and nearby Madison offer a wide variety of shopping experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Malls and Major Retail Centers

Huntsville boasts several popular shopping centers. Bridge Street Town Centre is an open-air mall featuring retailers like Apple, Anthropologie, and Pottery Barn, plus restaurants, a movie theater, and scenic walking areas. Parkway Place Mall, conveniently located on Memorial Parkway in Huntsville, offers major department stores like Belk and Dillard’s, along with a mix of specialty shops. Valley Bend at Jones Farm in Huntsville and Clift Farms in Madison are large, open air centers with attractions like Target, Hobby Lobby, restaurants, and movie theatres, and even a Costco (at Clift Farms).

Historic Area Shopping

Downtown Madison and Five Points in Huntsville offer specialty shops, restaurants, and walkability in quaint, attractive historic settings. Downtown Huntsville is best known for its restaurants.

A New Thing…

A new type of development is gaining traction and bringing more shopping with it. Providence was the first multi-purpose development, with its park-and-walk shops and restaurants on ground level, offices on other floors and residences and hotels in the same complex. Now, Mid-City in Huntsville and Town Madison in Madison are eclipsing anything the metro area has seen before. New ones are opening or going up in several places, most notably in downtown Huntsville near Big Spring Park.

Farmers Markets and Specialty Foods

Fresh food enthusiasts can explore Huntsville’s and Madison’s farmers markets for locally grown produce, baked goods, and artisan products. The Huntsville Farmers Market and seasonal markets in Madison provide residents and visitors access to North Alabama’s local flavors and handmade goods. Some even have live music. Check them out here.

Shopping Tips for Newcomers

Check hours: Many local boutiques have limited schedules, especially on weekdays.

Explore multiple areas: Downtown Huntsville, Madison’s town center, and suburban shopping districts all offer different experiences.

Combine shopping with activities: Many retail areas are near parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it easy to plan a full day out.

John Henson