text: While the idea is not new an updated outdoor shopping center that mimics a European outdoor shopping and residential district Kierland Commons is similar to West Village in Dallas TX or Santana Row in Santa Clara CA however in the Scottsdale version it is completely stripped of any personality and design perhaps to better blend in with the desert environmentnnThe usual suburban chain stores can be found at this shopping center ranging from Smith and Hawken Banana Republic Barnes Noble and the like though there are a select few independent retailers which make a trip to this center a little more interesting Parking can be difficult however there are lots that line the backside of the center as well as valet parking across from the center park People watching is quite entertaining from the kiddies that frolick in the fountains to Barbies desert siblingsnnThe independent dining options are a little more interesting such as The Green House and Zinc Bistro though again the usual unimaginative chains are represented here including PF Changs and The Cheesecake Factory nnWhile I do not find most of the retail offerings at Kierland Commons to be particularly compelling to make multiple repeat visits I will return for the more independent dining options