Clothing -- Vallarta's single true department store is LANS, with branches at Juárez 867 (tel. 322/226-9100; www.lans.com.mx), and in Plaza Caracol, next door to the supermarket Gigante, in the Hotel Zone (tel. 322/226-0204). Both offer a wide selection of name-brand clothing, accessories, footwear, cosmetics, and home furnishings. Along with the nationally popular LOB, Carlos 'n' Charlie's, and Bye-Bye brands, Vallarta offers a few distinctive shops.
Contemporary Art -- Known for sustaining one of the stronger art communities in Latin America, Puerto Vallarta has an impressive selection of fine galleries featuring quality original works. Several dozen galleries get together to offer art walks almost every week between November and April.
Jewelry & Accessories -- Much of the silver sold on the beach is actually alpaca, a lower-quality silver metal (even though many pieces are stamped with the designation ."925," supposedly indicating true silver). Prices for silver on the beach are much lower, as is the quality. If you're looking for a more lasting piece of jewelry, you're better off in a silver shop.
