See why The Summit Birmingham is now a top 10 U.S. retail center

The Summit Birmingham is celebrating yet another win. The open-air shopping destination on Highway 280 was just named the 10th best retail center experience in the U.S. for 2025 by Chain Store Age.

The annual list highlights shopping centers across the country that set the standard in customer engagement, innovation, and community-driven experiences.

Here’s why The Summit made the cut—plus a peek at the newest stores you can shop on your next visit.

The Summit Birmingham draws over 9M visitors a year

The Summit is known near and far for its luxury retail, elevated dining and hospitality. But did you know it was also one of the first outdoor lifestyle centers in the U.S.? 

Nearly three decades after its opening, it remains one of Alabama’s most-visited retail destinations, drawing in over nine million visitors each year. 

“The Summit continues to deliver an unmatched experience in Alabama, and this recognition reflects years of investment in elevating how our guests shop, dine and gather.

The center’s success creates lasting impact for Birmingham by attracting new brands, generating economic benefit and drawing millions of visitors each year.”

Carver Boynton-Pearson, General Manager, The Summit

Why The Summit Birmingham attracts so many

Here are some key reasons The Summit Birmingham continues to draw in crowds, according to Chain Storage Age:

• Exclusive tenants: More than 60% are unique to the Birmingham market.
• National debuts: In the past two years, The Summit has welcomed 13 first-in-state openings, including BOSS, Culinary Dropout, Alo Yoga and Gorjana.
• Ongoing reinvestment: From pedestrian upgrades that make shopping easier to enhanced entertainment spaces, there’s always something new happening.

Recent remodels + expansions:

• Apple
• Lululemon
• Kendra Scott
• Pottery Barn
• Williams-Sonoma

The AMC Summit 16 Theater also underwent a $5.1 million renovation with upgrades to seating, flooring and concessions. 

Shop The Summit Birmingham 

Now that we’ve sparked your shopping mood, here are the latest openings and more:

• Lululemon celebrates grand opening of new space at The Summit
• Abercrombie & Fitch is coming to The Summit this fall—here’s what to know
• Boll & Branch opens its first Alabama location at The Summit

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