Kierland


Very few places in the United States are sunny all year round. Arizona is one of the very few places where the weather literally does not change. This, is the number one reason Arizona is the perfect location for outdoor shopping malls. Why spends hours on end in a stuffy, poorly lit indoor mall when we could all stroll down the main street of Kierland Commons located on Scottsdale Road and Kierland Boulevard. Outdoor malls like these completely change the shopping experience altogether. They attract not only the snowbird tourists we see during the winter, but the notorious, and all too familiar Scottsdale Mom.

In Arizona, malls transform from small air-conditioned buildings to architectural outdoor art. From live entertainment, to gorgeously lit outdoor sidewalks and fountains, outdoor shopping malls are one of our biggest attractions. When the sun is out and the birds are chirping, anyone would be happy to take a leisurely stroll walking past enticing shops and listening to uplifting music rather than running around a building like a mad women. Nestled in the heart of north Scottsdale and surrounded by other moneymaking businesses, Kierland Commons contributes to the wealth that is north Scottsdale. In this mall shoppers find all of the finest and most diverse shops from high-end fashion, to world-renowned bookstores, to cafés, ice cream shops, and even a fountain for the kids. Although there are many shops for men and women alike, the creators behind these shopping malls know that in the spring, it is more likely to find the guys at spring training games while girls have a day to shop. This fact alone is one of the reasons this shopping mall is so successful. When the weather is cold in the east, snowbirds flock to the west coast and when the California sun is too far, the Arizona shopping malls are welcoming them with open doors. Not only is the merchandise sold at this mall pleasing and affordable for the Scottsdale crowd, but also the entire mall as a whole is aesthetically pleasing. Beautiful flowerpots rich with colorful flowers line the sidewalks created by cobblestone pathways to guide shoppers to the next sale. And at night, although the flowers are shaded by the moons light, the artificial colors of blues, reds, greens, and yellows dance along the side of the illuminated building walls as the water spouts create a fountain show irresistible to every age group. These light shows are perfect for every night owl as the small local bars begin to surface and play their music to attract customers. While some may say it is the food or dining experience, the best part about this mall is demonstrated by the tank top and sandals worthy temperature its customers display. Yes, people can dress up for a night on the town but while the grownups flock to their favorite bar, the teenagers can watch a coming of age classic played in the miniature amphitheater while the lights are out. As the night continues more shops close and more restaurants open. And believe me when I say that every food group is represented. The variety provided by this mall is astounding. From Greek, to Italian to French, Chinese and American, whatever your taste buds are craving can be nourished and satisfied. Now for some who may not be familiar with his area, they may be ooing and awing at the light show, then crying and retreating at the price tag. Although the fashion and other merchandise sold at this mall are relatively high priced, the mall is located in the heart of north Scottsdale next to some of the most successful car dealerships in the state. I would recommend this mall to the snowbirds that bombard our state during the winter just as much as the locals that call this state home. As stated earlier, north Scottsdale is known for pretty packaging and a large price tag. Anyone coming from ASU or UofA will need to put in some time at work in order to afford the steep prices. Locals inhabiting Mesa, Chandler, and even Gilbert will also only find their way up to this mall on special occasions. Although the prices are steep and the car ride may be long, Kierland Commons is a fantastic getaway that will have its customers believe they have left the hustle and bustle of ordinary life and are now taking a stroll in their very own Mayberry street.