Whether you want to "shop small" or hit the mall, a shopping trip to the Eugene - Springfield area is easy and fun! Most shopping destinations are near hotels, and with Eugene's network of bike paths and public transportation, it is easy to get around town.
Downtown Eugene & The Market District
Downtown Eugene is where you go for boutique shopping and special gifts. Plus downtown decorates for the season and lights up a Christmas tree in the park blocks. From classic toy stores to gourmet foods to fashion and fine art, downtown Eugene is a rewarding shopping destination.
5th Street Public Market gets into the winter holiday spirit with "snow" falling every Friday and Saturday at dusk (this kicks off with their event "Night of a Thousand Stars"). Ramble its charming maze of unique stores, restaurants, wine bars, coffee shops and boutiques. Standout shops include Will Leather Goods, Made In Oregon and Provisions. The adjacent Market Alley sports Nike, Euphoria Chocolate Co. and many more boutiques from baby clothes to essential oils. If you want to have a really posh shopping excursion, stay at the Inn at the 5th or The Gordon Hotel. Santa sets up at 5th Street Public Market too, so you can let him know what is on your wish list this year.
Saturday Market's Holiday Market
Lane Events Center
The Holiday Market is where you shop if you want to wow everyone at home with one-of-a-kind artisan crafts. Held at the Lane Events Center, this shopping event is Saturday Market's "best" brought indoors. Here the experience is awesome in its array of colorful crafts and art. Take your time and linger at each booth to talk with the person who beaded the earrings, made the fudge or stitched the scarf - it makes each gift more special when you can share its unique story. Add in live entertainment and the wholesome, appetizing food court and you've got a full day of satisfying shopping.
Springfield
Just across the Willamette River and Interstate 5 is Eugene's sister city with a plethora of shopping options. Springfield is known as an antiques and thrifting destination, as well as home to big box stores and popular chains. There are also one-of-a-kind boutiques in the historic districts that promise to delight.
Downtown Springfield
Main Street
Along Main Street in downtown Springfield discover boutiques, antiques and thrift stores. Tuck into a craft beer and burger at Plank Town Brewing Company, admire The Simpsons mural on the Emerald Art Center building and check out the Springfield History Museum. Nearby, browse the Urban Lumber Co. facility which repurposes and recycles wood salvage into artisan chairs, tables, bowls and more. PublicHouse, a church converted into a food hub, is a popular gathering spot after a day of shopping. Each December, Springfield hosts the "Oldest and Coldest" Christmas parade in the region.
Malls & Shopping Centers
The Eugene - Springfield area has three larger shopping centers that are not too big nor too small.
The Shoppes at Gateway
3000 Gateway St, Springfield
The Shoppes at Gateway are anchored by Target and Cabela's. Right off Interstate 5, Gateway heralds travelers with its towering torch monument. There are many hotels in the immediate vicinity, making it an ideal shopping destination. Enjoy family dining and a movie theater. Nearby at Crossroads Center is Best Buy and Michaels.
Valley River Center
293 Valley River Center, Eugene
Meet Santa Claus for photos! Valley River Center's indoor mall features a kids' play area, food court and movie theater. If you brought the kids, explore the Adventure! Children's Museum. Find The Duck Store and GameStop here too. Shopping at Valley River Center is a cheerful respite from any inclement weather, plus there are even more great shops in the mall's periphery and the parking is ample.
Oakway Center
2350 Oakmont Way, Eugene
Kick off the shopping season with a visit to Santa's reindeer (one day) and enjoy a rewarding shopping experience combined with outstanding dining. Oakway Center offers a mix of stores including Euphoria Chocolate Co., Nordstrom Rack, Pottery Barn, Old Navy and more. The shops cluster around an attractive courtyard lit by little lights and edged with restaurants. Stay at the Hyatt Place Eugene on-site.
Coburg Antiques District
Adjacent Eugene - Springfield to the north, the historic town of Coburg is your return to the 1800s. Technically Coburg is not Eugene-Springfield, but if antiques are on your shopping list, then this is an excellent destination. The small town is known for its many antique shops and festivals. The light parade graces the town in December, which pairs well with some poking around in the shops. Nibble fudge from the Coburg Candy Company and explore seasonal decor at Farmfancy.
Plan Your Holiday Shopping Trip
Take Amtrak into the heart of downtown Eugene, or if you drive in, there are free parking options. From the city center, LTD bus service connects you with all the other shopping hubs. Stay at one of the many hotels close to shopping districts. Check the performing arts schedule at the Hult Center, The Shedd or McDonald Theater to jazz up your excursion — there is always plenty of holiday programming from the Nutcracker Ballet to caroling choirs. Plan your visit to coincide with the region's best holiday events.
Other Great Shopping Communities & Holiday Markets
Do not forget these holiday hotspots! Cottage Grove and Creswell are charming historic towns within 30 minutes of Eugene. Packed full of boutiques, antiques and small town fun; plan a day to explore both the shopping scene and the historic landmarks around town. Veneta and McKenzie River host holiday markets and events, providing additional shopping opportunities. And Historic Old Town Florence on the Oregon Coast, just an hour from Eugene, serves up riverfront nostalgia, boutique shopping and a festive spirit — take in all the sights with a trip to the Heceta Head Lighthouse, the Sea Lion Caves and the Oregon Dunes.
Taj Barnhart Morgan is the Director of Content Strategy for Travel Lane County. A journalism graduate from the University of Oregon, Taj has two decades of special event management and hospitality marketing experience in San Diego, CA and Maui, HI. Passionate about mothering, and back to her Oregon roots, she is discovering the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region all over again through the eyes of her daughter.
