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The city's true shopping experience dwells in its plethora of independently owned, unique boutiques. To get a real feel for the city, browse the funky stores along South Congress, the record shops on South First, or the vintage boutiques around North Loop. For something more upscale, visit the hip downtown storefronts of 2nd Street District and explore the high-end galleries, antiques, and home-furnishings emporia of the West 6th. Out in Northwest Austin and Round Rock, upscale shopping malls and outlet stores are plentiful.
In the 2nd Street shopping district, Prize has branded itself as “an urban department store” where you’ll find women's clothing and menswear, ultra-modern furniture, and super-chic coffee table books. Although you likely wouldn’t trade a trip to Prize for one to, say, Texas-grown Neiman Marcus for basics, the store has boutique-like finds that, we'll say it, take the prize.
