The Vegas Strip gives you good reason to shop till you drop

The Vegas Strip has come a long way from souvenir and sundries shops.

Imagine a lively, international-inspired marketplace with a midnight light show and music presentation; a fully landscaped outdoor plaza with trees, native desert flora and a metropolitan vibe; a multi-level mall complete with grocery stores (no reason to leave the Strip anymore).

Each of these shopping concepts are coming within the next two years, and they’re going to be game-changers.

The grand shopping experience started with The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Fast forward 20-plus years and you have The LINQ promenade, a 300,000-square-foot outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment plaza.

As more malls hit the Strip (there can never really be too many), Vegas will revolutionize the way visitors see shopping. It’s more than just apparel, accessories and shoes; it’s a complete experience with restaurants, markets and entertainment.

Whether you’re a hardcore shopper or looking for a full-on, crazy-fun experience, get ready for a jam-packed shopping itinerary.

Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s
Slated to open: December 2014

Located center Strip, directly across the Bellagio fountains, the 55,000-square-foot Grand Bazaar Shops is modeled after the world’s greatest open-air markets. Think Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Seattle’s Pike Place Market, India’s spice markets and night markets in Asia. More than 150 shops will be easily accessible from Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo, Harrah’s and via bridge from Bellagio.

Get excited: Who doesn’t love a good bargain? You can actually bargain bazaar-style at select retailers, transforming your Las Vegas shopping experience into a fun, interactive one. Additionally, the Swarovski store will present a crystal starburst light and music show every midnight. It will be like New Year’s Eve, every night of the week.

Tropicana Dreams
Slated to open: Late 2015/Early 2016

The south end of the Strip is in for some big changes: The $100 million Tropicana Dreams will be a three-level building spanning more than 300,000 square feet of shopping and dining. Tropicana Dreams will have about 30 stores targeting toward a middle market. Love the outdoors? There will be two restaurants, both featuring al fresco dining on an outdoor terrace. The second level will have pedestrian bridges connecting to Excalibur and MGM Grand. There will also be a convenience store and a pharmacy.

Get excited: Tropicana Dreams is designed to resemble Florida’s South Beach, so you’ll have that tropical vibe year-round.

The New Shops at TI
Slated to open: December 2014

Most 21-year-olds celebrate at the hottest Vegas nightclubs. TI on the other hand, is celebrating its 21st birthday with a three-story, 40,000-square-foot shopping mall. Referred to as TI’s “retail-tainment center,” it will be located on the northeast corner of the hotel. While stores have yet to be announced (other than hints of retail shops and a car sales room), you can buy groceries and packaged liquor at the new CVS. There will also be a front entrance, making it easily accessible for those walking on the Strip.

Get excited: Not to worry, pirate fans: The Sirens of TI may be long gone, but the iconic ship is here to stay.

The Park at Monte Carlo and New York-New York
Slated to open: 2016

Outdoor shopping centers are definitely setting a trend in Las Vegas. The Park, which will connect Monte Carlo and New York-New York, will have plenty of spots to relax and ample shade ideal for the hot summer months. Catch up with friends and people watch from The Park’s patio-style seating. For a more peaceful respite, kick back among the secluded areas and enjoy the scenery. The Park’s atmosphere will be reminiscent of major, artsy cities like Seattle, Santa Monica, San Francisco and Chicago. Peaceful elements include a 100-foot-tall water wall, native desert plants and LED displays.

Get excited: Look forward to acoustic guitarists and live street performances performing along The Park. Vegas is finally getting a true city vibe on the Strip.

— From Vegas.Buzz