Virginia Shopping Malls & Outlets

Tysons Corner Center in McLean is the largest shopping mall in Virginia and the 5th largest mall in the United States. Spanning over 2 million square feet, it features more than 300 stores, 40 dining destinations, and a luxury AMC Theatres. The mall includes major retailers like Apple, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and luxury brands including Gucci and Louis Vuitton. It's one of the largest shopping centers in the country and opened in July 1968 as Northern Virginia's first enclosed mall.

For outlet shopping, Potomac Mills in Woodbridge is the largest outlet mall in Virginia with over 200 stores. For Hampton Roads, Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach is the largest with 1,170,000 square feet of leasable space and 180+ stores.

Several Northern Virginia malls offer convenient Metro access, making car-free shopping easy from Washington DC and surrounding areas:

• Tysons Corner Center: Tysons Station on the Silver Line - just a 4-minute walk from the mall
• Fashion Centre at Pentagon City: Pentagon City Metro station (Blue and Yellow Lines) - directly connected to the mall
• Ballston Quarter: Ballston-MU Metro station - direct access from the station
• Springfield Town Center: Located near Franconia-Springfield Metro station (Blue and Yellow Lines)

The Silver Line extension has made Tysons Corner particularly accessible, with the mall just minutes from downtown Washington DC. This makes these shopping destinations ideal for tourists and residents without cars.

Virginia offers several premier luxury shopping destinations, with the highest concentration in Northern Virginia:

Tysons Galleria (McLean) is the premier luxury destination in the mid-Atlantic region. This marble-floored, three-story shopping center features about 90 stores, including over 30 exclusive-to-market designer shops. You'll find Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, Dior, Cartier, Prada, Saint Laurent, Emporio Armani, and Anne Fontaine.

Tysons Corner Center across the street offers a mix of luxury and mainstream retailers, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Apple, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Dyson, Peloton, and Shinola among its 300+ stores.

Short Pump Town Center (Richmond) features upscale brands like kate spade new york, Michael Kors, lululemon, and anchors including Nordstrom.

Premium Outlets offer luxury at a discount. Leesburg Premium Outlets features Burberry, Coach, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors. Williamsburg Premium Outlets includes Burberry, Coach, Hugo Boss, and Kate Spade with savings of 25-65% off retail prices.

Virginia has six excellent outlet malls offering designer and name brand stores with everyday savings of 25% to 65%:

1. Potomac Mills (Woodbridge): The largest outlet mall in Virginia with over 200 stores. Located outside Washington DC, it features Nordstrom Rack, Bloomingdale's Outlet, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, AMC Theatres with IMAX, and Round 1 Bowling. Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-6pm.

2. Leesburg Premium Outlets: Collection of 110+ designer outlets in a charming outdoor village atmosphere, just 20 minutes west of Dulles Airport. Features Coach, Burberry, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, and Williams-Sonoma. Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm.

3. Williamsburg Premium Outlets: One of Virginia's largest outlet centers with 135+ stores, located midway between Richmond and Virginia Beach off I-64. Features Ann Taylor, Burberry, Coach, Cole Haan, Hugo Boss, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Nike, and North Face in a beautiful boutique atmosphere reflecting colonial heritage.

4. Norfolk Premium Outlets: The newest outlet destination serving Hampton Roads with brands like A|X Armani Exchange, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren, COACH, Levi's, and Vans.

Virginia's 3-Day Sales Tax Holiday runs annually August 1-3 (the first Friday through Sunday in August), starting at 12:01am Friday and ending at 11:59pm Sunday.

What Qualifies:

• Clothing and footwear: $100 or less per item
• School supplies: $20 or less per item (notebooks, crayons, textbooks, musical instruments, computer storage media, lunchboxes, backpacks)
• Energy Star and WaterSense products: $2,500 or less for home/personal use
• Portable generators: $1,000 or less
• Gas-powered chainsaws: $350 or less
• Hurricane preparedness items: Batteries, radios, portable light sources, waterproof sheeting, first aid kits

Savings: Virginia's sales tax rate is normally 5.3%, with combined rates reaching 7% in some localities. This means savings of over 5% on qualifying purchases.

Online Shopping: Items purchased online, by mail, or telephone qualify if ordered during the exemption period, even if delivered later.

Extra Discounts: Some retailers offer additional savings during the tax-free weekend. Northern Virginia malls including Pentagon City, Potomac Mills, and Leesburg Premium Outlets participate with special events. Some stores offer up to 20% additional discounts on top of the tax savings.

The Hampton Roads region offers several excellent shopping destinations:

Lynnhaven Mall (Virginia Beach) is the largest mall in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area with 1,170,000 square feet of space. Opened in August 1981, it features 180+ stores, 17 restaurants, and an AMC Theatres with 18 screens and stadium seating. Anchors include Macy's, Dillard's, and JCPenney. Exclusive area stores include Build A Bear Workshop, Michael Kors, and L.L. Bean. Dave & Buster's opened in 2013. Located just 7 miles from the beach at 701 Lynnhaven Parkway. The mall underwent a 2014 renovation adding 29,000 square feet including a new ground-level food court.

Town Center of Virginia Beach is a 36-acre mixed-use lifestyle center with 450,000+ square feet of retail, 162,000 square feet of entertainment, and live music performances. Features unique boutiques, restaurants, and outdoor plaza entertainment about 4 miles from Lynnhaven Mall.

Patrick Henry Mall (Newport News) is the only enclosed mall between Norfolk and Richmond, opened in 1987. Located on Jefferson Avenue with direct I-64 access, it maintains above 95% occupancy and offers diverse retail and entertainment options.

MacArthur Center (Norfolk) is the premier shopping destination in downtown Norfolk with shopping, dining, and entertainment. The City of Norfolk purchased it for $18 million. Additional options include Peninsula Town Center (Hampton), City Center at Oyster Point (Newport News), Greenbrier Mall (Chesapeake with 114+ shops), and Chesapeake Square Mall (nearly 100 stores).

Yes! Virginia malls offer numerous family-friendly features and activities:

Play Areas: Many malls including Fair Oaks Mall and River Ridge Mall have free play spaces for kids. All major malls are stroller-friendly.

Interactive Experiences:

• LEGO Discovery Center Washington DC: Springfield Town Center (opened August 2023)
• Build-A-Bear Workshop: Lynnhaven Mall and Spotsylvania Towne Centre
• Children's Science Center Lab: Fair Oaks Mall - STEM-focused interactive space for ages 2-12, admission $15/person
• Hill City Aqua Zoo: River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg
• Short Pump Express: Trackless train at Short Pump Town Center ($3 fare, open to all ages)

Entertainment Venues:

• Dave & Buster's: Fair Oaks Mall, Lynnhaven Mall, Springfield Town Center
• Round 1 Bowling & Amusement: Potomac Mills
• Movie Theaters: AMC Theatres at multiple locations, including 18-screen IMAX at Lynnhaven Mall
• Ice Skating: Seasonal rink at Reston Town Center

Charlottesville Downtown Mall features a children's museum, toy store, and 30+ family-friendly restaurants in a pedestrian-only setting stretching eight blocks.

Richmond offers diverse shopping experiences from upscale open-air centers to traditional enclosed malls:

Short Pump Town Center is Richmond's premier shopping destination - a 1.3 million square-foot open-air lifestyle center located in Henrico County between Broad Street and I-64. Opened September 4, 2003, it features 140+ premier shops and restaurants including kate spade new york, Michael Kors, TUMI, Sephora, Madewell, Free People, lululemon, Athleta, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, LUSH, PANDORA, and Tommy Bahama. Anchors include Nordstrom, Macy's, Dillard's, and Dick's Sporting Goods. The center features beautifully landscaped walkways with hanging lanterns, tranquil water features, heated pavilions, and outdoor fireplaces. The Short Pump Express trackless train ($3 fare) connects points throughout the center. Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-6pm. Phone: (804) 364-9500.

Chesterfield Towne Center serves the south Richmond metropolitan area with convenient access from I-95 and I-295. This traditional enclosed mall features department stores and specialty retailers.

Stony Point Fashion Park is an upscale open-air shopping center featuring high-end retailers and dining in a park-like setting.

Regency Square is a long-standing enclosed mall serving central Richmond with traditional retail offerings.

Yes, the vast majority of Virginia shopping malls offer free parking:

Northern Virginia:

• Tysons Corner Center: Fee-free parking while you shop, dine, or watch movies
• Fair Oaks Mall: Free parking in lots and garages
• Springfield Town Center: Ample free parking available
• Potomac Mills: Free parking for all visitors
• Fashion Centre at Pentagon City: Free parking (also Metro-accessible)

Richmond Area:

• Short Pump Town Center: Ample free parking throughout the center
• Chesterfield Towne Center: Free parking

Hampton Roads:

• Lynnhaven Mall: Free parking specifically mentioned
• Patrick Henry Mall: Free parking available

Outlet Malls:

• Leesburg Premium Outlets: Free parking
• Williamsburg Premium Outlets: Free parking

Exception: Charlottesville's Downtown Mall has paid parking garages and lots, though rates are reasonable and many restaurants and stores offer validated parking for two hours. During special events like "Magic on the Mall," parking at Market and Water Street garages is complimentary from 5-9pm.

Mall hours vary by location, but here are typical operating hours for Virginia shopping centers:

Most Indoor Malls (Standard Hours):

• Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm
• Sunday: 11am-7pm

Potomac Mills (Woodbridge):

• Monday-Thursday: 10am-8pm
• Friday-Saturday: 10am-9pm
• Sunday: 11am-6pm

Short Pump Town Center (Richmond):

• Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm
• Friday-Saturday: 10am-8pm
• Sunday: 11am-6pm

Leesburg Premium Outlets:

• Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm
• Sunday: 10am-7pm

Important Notes:

• Individual store hours within malls may vary
• Holiday hours are often extended, especially during Thanksgiving weekend and December
• Some anchor department stores may have different hours than the mall itself
• Always check the specific mall's website for current hours, as they can change seasonally
• Restaurants and entertainment venues (movie theaters, Dave & Buster's) often stay open later than retail stores