Variation on a theme: These shops are all about ambience

Jennifer Prosser

Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2001 | 9:28 a.m.

In a town where the Eiffel Tower, New York skyline and Venetian canals reside in the same ZIP code, if you don't have a hook, you don't have a sale. For years, Vegas megaresorts have been transforming the typical shopping center into a multi-sensory themed experience. Now, smaller shopping centers are following suit.

Shops to check out include The Alien Store, which offers paraphernalia from the X-Files, Star Trek, Star Wars and Area 51 with T-shirts, posters, lunchboxes, clocks and limited edition prints. Don't miss the alien CD holder and end table near the back wall, priced at $249 and $219. Swatch proves it wasn't just an '80s fad; it's still got some of the coolest watches around. And the Country Rock & Roll store showcases autographed guitars, life-size cardboard cutouts, Gibson guitar ties and many lower-priced items, such as magnets and personalized photo albums. The Tower Shops at Stratosphere are open from 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily. (2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd., 702-380-7777 or 800-99-TOWER)

The store offers various tchotchkes to make your Vegas experience memorable, including the typical T-shirts, magnets, etc., but the best stuff is on the second floor. After exiting the escalator, cross the rope bridge, and you'll find a section filled with gifts of a southwestern flavor. The dinnerware is remarkably well priced; you'll pay $11.95 for an earthenware bowl and spoon. You'll also find handsomely-packaged food items and metal sculptures here, as well as live cacti that run from $6.95-$9.95. The Grand Canyon Experience is open from 8 a.m. - midnight daily. (3785 S. Las Vegas Blvd., 702-597-3122)

Speedo Authentic Fitness is the best place in town for lightweight jackets, workout gear and other accessories. Gary's Island/Dick's Last Resort offers tropical-inspired clothing. And you'll find children's clothing, dolls, and stuffed animals at Kid Vegas. The shops are open 11 a.m. - midnight daily. (3700 W. Flamingo Road, 702-252-7777 or 800-752-9746)

Next door, at Toon Town, you'll find merchandise from all your favorite cartoons - Sesame Street, Scooby Doo, Looney Tunes and South Park. There's usually something discounted in here - last time we found an adorable Grover necklace marked down to $2.99. The store is open daily from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. (702-382-0032) And for kitsch gifts aplenty, visit Bonanza General Store, where among other things you'll find liquor decanters and miniatures sold in ceramic bowling pins and dice. Open 8 a.m. - midnight daily. (702-384-0005)