A City Where People SHOP

Downtown Saint Paul retail is emerging in response to the growing number of downtown employees, residents, and visitors. Retail is an integral part of the downtown experience, and its success requires a safe and vibrant street scene.

Capital City Partnership and the City of Saint Paul are continuing to develop a retail revitalization strategy that will attract new retail options – as well as strengthen downtown Saint Paul’s existing retail – to create an exciting urban retail experience, meet people’s needs, and establish a critical mass of retail options in the downtown core.

In preparation for the 2008 Republican National Convention,
Saint Paul launched a short-term downtown retail strategy which resulted in 19 short-term leases and 13 extended leases through the holiday season. This strategy provided small companies an opportunity to showcase their business and test the retail market in downtown.

Downtown Saint Paul retail and dining is currently anchored by Macy’s department store and has an assortment of specialty boutiques and unique gift shops, coffee shops, a drug store, service businesses, and the Saint Paul Farmers’ Market. With the entertainment traffic fueling the need, we will continue to see an infusion of retail and dining options that will knit the downtown together.

Downtown Saint Paul is home to some of the metropolitan area’s top restaurants, such as The Saint Paul Grill, Kincaid’s, Pazzaluna, Meritage, and Sakura, as well as new restaurants such as POP! Saint Paul’s European charm and historic riverfront ambiance creates a desirable dining destination that is rich in cultural cuisines. Downtown dining also includes a nostalgic experience at Mickey’s Diner – a classic 1930’s railroad dining car that is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The development of new urban bars and restaurants has followed Saint Paul’s investment in arts, culture, and entertainment. A new expanded retail/restaurant area continues to develop along West Seventh Street to support the emerging entertainment district, anchored by the Xcel Energy Center and RiverCentre.