Shopping in Memphis

Shopping in Memphis offers everything from great value outlet stores to modern shopping malls.

Key areas

Bargain hunters should head for Tanger Outlets Southaven at 5205 Airways Boulevard, south of Memphis in Southaven, Mississippi. Opened in November 2015, it's the first outlet mall in the Memphis metro area and the place to find discounted brand-name goods. For musical souvenirs, it is worth visiting Shangri-la Records, 1916 Madison Avenue, which is an Aladdin's Cave of vinyl records, cassettes and CDs. The most famous shop in Memphis is A Schwab, on Beale Street. This old-fashioned emporium seems to have changed little since it opened in 1876. Those determined to buy an Elvis souvenir should head to Elvis: Past, Present, and Future, formerly Graceland Plaza opposite Graceland. Following a makeover, it's opening in spring 2017 with 200,000-square feet of entertainment space, museums, shopping and dining.

Markets

On the third weekend of each month, the city's largest flea market, the Memphis Flea Market, is held at the Agricenter, 7777 Walnut Grove. Open Saturday 0800 to 1700 and Sunday 0900 to 1630.

Shopping centres

The malls worth heading to are located outside the centre, southeast of the city at Carriage Crossing, 4674 Merchants Park Circle; and east of the city at Wolfchase Galleria, 2760 North Germantown Parkway.

Tax information

There is no state income tax in Tennessee, which means that sales tax is high at 9.75% and there is no way to reclaim it. Prices in shops are quoted without this tax added on, so shoppers should always bear this in mind before purchasing anything.

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Featured Hotels

Gen X Inn

A chic boutique-style hotel in Midtown from the Best Western chain. It's in the heart of the Medical District and less than one block from Interstate 240, ideally located on the trolley line and only two miles from downtown. The décor in the 32 rooms is knowingly contemporary, and the king and queen rooms feature complimentary WiFi and cable TV. Breakfast is included and there's an exercise room and free parking.

The Guest House at Graceland

As part of the Graceland complex's renovations, the somewhat dated Heartbreak Hotel closed down but instead Elvis fans can opt for more luxurious accommodation with a stay at The Guest House, opened in October 2016. This 450-room resort was built to feel like an extension of the Graceland mansion itself with a touch of Southern colonial style to its exterior and décor and furnishings inspired by retro opulence from Presley's homes in Memphis and Palm Springs.

River Inn of Harbor Town

This 28-room boutique bolthole opened in 2007, one of the few properties on the well-to-do island of Harbor Town. For dramatic views of the city skyline and the Mississippi, you could do worse than their rooftop terrace. This Memphis hotel is a mix of European and Old South chic, with lavish sitting rooms to lounge in. A chocolate and glass of port wine await you as you retire to your room at night.

Madison Hotel

Transformed from an original bank building, this Memphis hotel now boasts Beaux Arts architecture and 110 well-appointed rooms. The interior has been transformed: for example, the fitness centre occupies the original bank vault and includes an indoor heated lap pool. One of the hotel's best features is its rooftop terrace. In the summer on Wednesday to Saturday nights, parties there feature live DJs and afford sunset views over the Mississippi.

The Peabody

The South's 464-room Grand Hotel is the epitome of elegant Southern hospitality, and the social hub of Downtown Memphis. This 1869 historic landmark was restored to its original splendour in 1981. See once, but only once, the famous Peabody Ducks' twice daily march at 1100 and 1700 to and from the marble lobby fountain. Sunday brunch and Thursday-night rooftop parties for dancing under the stars are the social highlights.

Days Inn Memphis at Graceland

Elvis fans on a budget should take a look at the Days Inn for an adequate alternative to the expensive Guest House at Graceland. With 60 rooms not far from the airport and a short walk to Graceland, the hotel has a guitar-shaped outdoor pool and inclusive WiFi, breakfast and parking.

Introducing Memphis

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