For over a century, Aberdeen has served as a shopping and service provider for over 80,000 people in Northeastern South Dakota and southern North Dakota. The tradition of completive retailing, enjoyable stores, and friendly merchants continues.

Retail activity is flourishing in the spacious Lakewood Mall and in dozens of new shops and businesses that have sprung up around the mall in recent years. The mall itself is home to two large department stores, a major discount store and over 40 specialty shops which includes a food court, restaurant/lounge and a nine-screen theater. Downtown Aberdeen is designated an historic district, with many of the community's most distinctive buildings and landmarks, interesting shops, four major banks, and a variety of service, retail and professional businesses can be found there. Downtown is also home to a lively collection of nightspots and restaurants. It remains a vital aspect of the community.

And along 6th Avenue businesses flourish - meeting the needs of residents and visitors alike with numerous convenience stores, retail chains, grocery stores, service industries, and more. Throughout the city, restaurants offer diverse cuisine in many different settings. There is fine dining and impressive wine lists to satisfy the most finicky palates, fast food when you're in a rush, and deli sandwiches at comfortable coffee shops. There are relaxed family-style restaurants, national chains and locally owned establishments.