You know that feeling when you walk into a store and it just smells like 2005? Not in a bad way, but in that specific, nostalgic "mall" way. Garage Clothing at West County Center in Des Peres, Missouri, has that vibe, but the clothes are decidedly more Gen Z. If you've lived in St. Louis for more than a minute, you know West County Mall is basically the holy grail of shopping in the county. It's cleaner than most, the parking isn't a total nightmare if you know the back way near Nordstrom, and it’s where the "good" versions of stores usually land. Garage is no exception.
Located on Level 1, Garage sits in a prime spot for anyone doing a loop of the mall. It’s tucked in there near other heavy hitters like H&M and Hollister, which makes sense because the demographic is basically the same. People go there for the denim. Seriously, the denim.
Why Garage Clothing West County Mall stays busy
It’s actually kinda wild how Garage has stayed relevant while other mall brands from the early 2000s have folded or moved entirely online. They’ve leaned hard into the "soft aesthetic" and streetwear-lite trends. At the West County location, you’ll notice the inventory moves fast. If you see those wide-leg cargos on a Tuesday, don't expect them to be there by Saturday afternoon. The St. Louis crowd—especially the high school and Mizzou/SLU college students who trek out to Des Peres—keeps the turnover high.
The store layout at West County is pretty standard for the brand: bright lights, loud music, and a lot of mirrors. It’s tight, though. If you’re claustrophobic, maybe don't go on a Saturday at 2:00 PM. The fitting rooms are the real battlefield. Honestly, the lighting in there is better than most, which is a low bar to clear, but it matters when you’re trying to decide if those low-rise flares are a good idea or a terrible mistake.
The Denim Situation
Let's talk about the jeans. Garage is famous for their "Baggy" and "Straight" cuts. At the West County Mall spot, the denim wall is usually the most organized part of the store. Most people don't realize that Garage is a Canadian brand (part of the Groupe Dynamite family), and their sizing can sometimes feel a bit different than American Eagle or Levi’s.
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- Most styles have a decent amount of stretch, but the rigid 100% cotton pairs are the ones that actually last.
- The "Luxe Stretch" line is basically leggings disguised as jeans.
- You’ll find lengths are generally geared toward a taller demographic, so if you're under 5'4", prepare to cuff them or visit the tailor down the road.
The Reality of Shopping at West County Center
West County Center isn't just a mall; it's a social hub for the 314. When you're headed to Garage, you're navigating a specific ecosystem. You have the moms power-walking in the morning and the teenagers taking over by 4:00 PM.
If you want a peaceful shopping experience at Garage clothing West County Mall, you go on a Monday morning. Right when the doors open at 10:00 AM. It’s eerily quiet. The associates are actually able to help you find a size in the back instead of just pointing vaguely toward a pile of messy shirts.
Speaking of the staff, they’re usually pretty chill. Unlike some high-end stores in the mall where the employees act like they’re guarding the Crown Jewels, the Garage crew is mostly just there to fold hoodies and keep the playlist going. They’re helpful, but they won’t hover. That’s a win in my book.
What about the prices?
Garage isn’t "cheap," but it’s not "expensive." It sits in that middle ground. You’re looking at $50-$70 for a good pair of jeans. Hoodies usually run around $45. The "BOGO 50% off" sales are the lifeblood of this store. If you pay full price at Garage, you’re doing it wrong. Just wait a week. They rotate sales so frequently that it’s almost a guarantee that whatever you want will be discounted shortly.
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Navigating the West County Mall Layout
If you’re driving in, don't bother with the main entrance by the fountain unless you like circling for twenty minutes. Park in the garage near JCPenney or the deck by Nordstrom. Garage is located on the first level, fairly central.
It’s interesting to see how the store has adapted. Post-2020, they leaned heavily into "athleisure." The West County location has a huge section dedicated to seamless tops and gym-to-street wear. It’s basically Lululemon looks for about a third of the price. Is the quality the same? No. But for a trendy top you’re going to wear for one season? It’s perfect.
Common Misconceptions
People think Garage is only for 16-year-olds. That’s not really true anymore. While the marketing definitely skews young, their basic tanks, oversized blazers, and heavy-duty winter coats are actually pretty solid for anyone in their 20s or 30s looking for staples. The "Storm" jacket line they carry in the winter is surprisingly warm for a fashion brand—it actually holds up against a brutal St. Louis February.
Another thing: the return policy. It’s 30 days. Don’t lose your receipt. They’ve become stricter about it lately. If you bought something at the West County location, it's way easier to return it there than trying to navigate the online mail-in process, which is a notorious headache.
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Practical Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you're heading to the mall specifically for Garage, do a quick check of the "Collect in Store" option on their website first. It’ll tell you if the West County location actually has your size in stock.
- Check the App: The Garage app often has "app-only" coupons that the cashiers won't tell you about unless you ask.
- Timing is Everything: Avoid the Friday night rush unless you enjoy being elbowed by middle schoolers.
- Inspect the Seams: Because it’s fast fashion, sometimes a button is loose or a thread is hanging. Check your items before you hit the register.
- Join the Loyalty Program: It’s called "Garage Collective." It’s free, and you get a discount on your birthday. If you’re spending $100+ on a haul, that 10-20% off makes a massive difference.
When you’re done at Garage, do yourself a favor and walk over to Auntie Anne’s. It’s a mall tradition for a reason. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, grab a coffee at the Starbucks near the center court.
Shopping at Garage clothing West County Mall is a specific experience. It’s fast-paced, trendy, and very "St. Louis County." As long as you know the sale cycles and avoid the peak hours, you’ll find some of the best-fitting denim in the mall without having to deal with the chaos of more crowded shopping centers. Check the racks, stay for the sales, and always, always try the jeans on first.