It is important to find all of your needs in one place rather than to travel to several different locations, especially with the gas prices climbing. When thinking about a mall that has everything from parking to food to children’s play areas, these Charlotte area shopping centers immediately come to mind. These malls offer the best floor plans, boutiques and atmosphere to take the stress and driving out of your day of shopping.

Concord Mills Mall
8111 Concord Mills Blvd.
Concord, NC 28027
704-979-3000
www.concordmills.comHours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Concord Mills has a circular floor plan with everything located on one floor, which means shoppers are able to walk past every store that this mall has to offer without having to worry about taking strollers on elevators and escalators. The food court is located in the center of the mall out of the way from stores and has ample space to eat comfortably. Concord Mills not only offers a wide range of department store outlets including Nike Factory, Old Navy, Saks Fifth Avenue and Children’s Place, but it also has a few small boutiques such as Silvina, Papaya and Crazy 8. This isn’t just a shopping mall; the center also houses a AMC Theatre, Dave & Busters Arcade and a NASCAR Speed park so that you can make a day at the mall into a family outing. Concord Mills is in an ideal location across the street from another shopping promenade with a few extra stores and restaurants that might interest you.

Birkdale Village
8712 Lindholm Drive
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-895-8744
www.birkdalevillage.netHours: Vary by store

Birkdale Village has earned a place as a top shopping mall because it has several family and locally owned shops, including Bevello, Julie’s Boutique, Jewel Box, Belle Ville Boutique, and Poppies. Shoppers will also find large chain stores like Victoria’s Secret, Pier 1 Imports, Talbots, American Eagle Outfitters and Banana Republic. Each shop has its own entrance, and because of this each venue operates on different hours. This shopping promenade has a high couture and sophisticated line offered through several different stores such as Bevello and Julie’s Boutique. It also offers the best atmosphere with an enjoyable outdoor walk, allowing you to take in the wonderful aromas coming from different bistros in the Village. The dining areas here offer outdoor seating, perfect for sunny days. Parking is free within the village not only in a parking lot, but also in front of certain shops, a free parking structure and additional parking on Townley Road.

Related: Best Boutiques In Charlotte

Carolina Place Mall11025 Carolina Place ParkwayPineville NC 28134
704-543-9300
www.carolinaplace.comHours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Carolina Mall has the best options for department stores, boasting a Dillard’s, Sears, JCPenny, Belk and Macy’s. Having each one of these stores available in one shopping mall allows it to accommodate every family on any budget. The mall also offers a variety of family owned shops such as CC’s, a brand new accessories store that offers trendy, unique and affordable jewelry. Terra Ethnic Concepts and CoCo Mari are also family owned stores that can be found within this mall, and you’ll also find a food court with a great variety. Carolina Mall is conveniently located across from The Centrum shopping center that offers additional stores that might be on your list of errands for the day. The lighting of this building is also a bonus; this mall is the brightest and has the best energy throughout.

South Park Mall
4400 Sharon Road
Charlotte NC 28211
704-364-4411
www.southpark.comHours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun – 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

South Park Mall offers high end boutiques and big name department stores such as Nieman Marcus and Nordstrom, and also makes available all of the high end items that are not accessible in other shopping malls. This mall is surrounded by several other shops such as Crate & Barrel, Dicks Sporting Goods and Eye Candy Boutique, and family owned boutiques like Copacetic. Other eateries that aren’t in the food court like California Pizza Kitchen, Cheesecake Factory, San Antonio’s Modern Mexican and Maggiano’s can also be found here. Although these venues are not located in the mall, they are in the same lot as South Park Mall. This mall has a relaxing area with a fountain to sit and people watch as you take a minute to think or give your toddlers a break before continuing to shop. South Park Mall is very refreshing and a great change of scenery from the traditional fast paced malls.

Northlake Mall6801 Northlake Mall DriveCharlotte NC 28216
704-921-2000
www.shopnorthlake.comHours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Northlake Mall has many unique features including a ticket master location, movie theatre and the best play place for children. Northlake is the home to not only chain stores like New York & Co, Pacsun, Lane Bryant, but is also the home of family owned businesses  like Spring Tailor, Sanrio Boutique, Silvina and Touch of Glitter, providing customers with several different options from the usual places. The food court is spacious and inviting, providing ample dining options. Northlake also has a Live Well Carolinas, which is part of the Carolina’s Medial Center. Shoppers can opt to  have their blood pressure tested and attend different free informational meetings regarding health and wellness.

Related:  Best Kitchen And Bath Shops In Charlotte

Tazia has many talents and skills from Fashion Design to Pattern Making. When she is not writing she teaches pattern making on the weekends and also designs clothing for her own personal line. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina where she is continuing her education and following anything Fashion where ever it leads, always discovering new shops and local trends. Her favorite finds are always hidden treasures, pieces that hold longevity and one of a kinds. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.