IL's 10 Favorite Shopping Havens
Date: 10/09/2007By Molly O'Donnell
For those with a passion for purchasing and collecting, haggling and bargain hunting, it can be difficult to narrow down the abundant treasure troves of the world to a few havens of shopping bliss. In this report, we've searched the globe to find the best shopping havens for the mavens of the mall. Every major continent is represented in the quest to find the perfect something. From rare antiques to high-end fashion, and from unique and quirky souvenirs to lush fabrics, you're sure to be enticed by at least a few destinations….each one offering an opportunity to create an extraordinary memory…
London
The winding, twisting paths between the markets that line Carnaby Street in London are host to everything from vintage clothing to amber jewelry. You can find the perfect authentic Audrey Hepburn overcoat or get your nose pieced. Fashion at the market is eclectic with hippy summer dresses, trashy t's, and high-end, crushed-velvet smoking jackets. The common thread is that if you're hunting for something, you should be able to find it at a deep discount if you wander through the markets for long enough. Seen as passé in some rarefied fashion circles, the markets at Carnaby still hold a sway and romanticism that lends the finds you pick up there a worthwhile intrinsic value, in the remembrance of the day you spent in a fascinating place. Because these shopping havens have somewhat been supplanted by markets on King's Road in the mind's of fashionistas, you can shop pretty comfortably during the week without being mobbed by tourists or career bargain-hunters, which makes the experience much more enjoyable. Under the bridge where vendors sell delicious-smelling meat pies, you may still be able to catch a glimpse of the tiny '60s auto painted in swirling psychedelic colors. You need not go to Barclay Square to enjoy the wonderful pass-time of people watching. From a bench you'll see the world walk by: neo-punks with mohawks, old ladies carting groceries, bobbies on their beat, businessmen swinging briefcases, and someone from every ethnicity residing in Old London Town.
Saturdays on Portobello Road are a feast for the senses. Street vendors sell fresh groceries, prepared foods, souvenirs, as well as unique antiques and gifts for which the market has become famous. Collectors can acquire anything imaginable at the marketplace: antique keys, porcelain, furniture, jewelry, walking sticks, and print-setter's boxes. There is also a lovely array of maps, prints, and shadow boxes with articulated butterflies. Fear not, if antiques don't stimulate your curiosity, you'll still find some other wonderful buys at Portobello with sales on fashionable clothing and contemporary gifts, in addition to charming restaurants and pubs. The market stretches so far down the road, you could spend the whole of an enjoyable day wandering in and out of stalls and shops, and come away with some significant loot.
Mexico
Hand-carved wood furniture can be outrageously expensive, but in Michoacan you can pick up gorgeous items for a fraction of the cost you would pay for the same piece stateside. Sturdy and elegant dining room sets with colorful depictions of everything from hummingbirds to exotic flowers will make you the envy of all aesthetic appreciators in your circle of friends.
In Oaxaca the region is famous for its black, hand-sculpted pottery. If you want your decorative elements to beg the question "where on earth did you find this?" this is an excellent place to find high-quality pottery at a more-than reasonable price. There's no look quite like it in the world.
Finally the town of Puebla is famous for the beautiful Talavera. Talavera is the colorful yellow, blue, and white ceramic that originated in Spain and is famous for its elaborate designs and intricate patterns. The best part about buying directly from the artisans who craft these items is that price is flexible depending on their workflow, so you can always ask for a better deal than even they offer. Make no mistake though; importers of these items you see in American boutiques and shops are marking their tags up buy a minimum of 50%. So get the romantic and light-hearted look, and leave with some cash in your billfold.
China
From the moment you arrive in China, you'll probably be accosted with offers of everything from bootlegged DVDs to faux designer watches. But, some amazing shopping can be had if you're armed with the right knowledge. The Chinese are known for their stunning, ancient art of calligraphy. In order to preserve the writing of age-old texts, the rulers ordered calligraphic engravings on stone steles. If you visit the Forest of Stone Steles Museum (established in AD 1087 and situated on Sanxue Street, near the south gate of Xian City Wall), you'll be amazed at the intricate and subtle beauty that these writings produce. Scrolls based on the ancient stone calligraphy are available for purchase at the temple. Attracted to the writing of centuries of dedicated disciples, but only have time to visit Beijing? Replicas and antiques of various scrolls and engraved stones can be found in the busy shopping districts of Liulichang Antiques Street and Pan Jia Yuan Antique Market. These markets attract not only the usual tourists, but also native Chinese eager to get a bargain and retrieve a nostalgic piece of their country's history. Beijing all by itself could be the perfect city for your shopping extravaganza. Explore over 900 years of history and get a buy that you're sure to cherish. More recent authentic antiques, such as the hilarious Mao watch (featuring the former head-of-state's waving palm in place of a second hand) can be found in the markets as well. Propaganda given in levity could make your favorite history buff a very happy souvenir recipient.
Lake Como, Italy
Exquisite villages surround lovely Lake Como, just outside of Milan's haute couture scene in Northern Italy. Como is one such place that shopper's dare not overlook while on the continent. Fine and luxurious fabric appeals to almost everyone. Since the 14th century (when silk worms were first imported), 80% of Europe's silk comes directly from Como. Boutiques in the town's center sell high-quality silk products. Great buys include scarves, ties, and shirts. Not quite ready to give up the high fashion of Milan and Paris? Outlets that supply the big fashion houses can be found in several locations in Como (Viale Geno 6; Frey, via Garibaldi, 10). There's also a factory outlet just outside of Como at viale Risorgimento 49/51 in Mornasco. So you can get the latest styles at a fraction of retail. A Saturday market offers a wide assortment of food and clothing, and once a month an antique market pops up on Sunday. Relax and enjoy a day of perusing with the breathtaking backdrop of blue waters, wooded countryside, and opulent architecture in this resort community.
Antigua, Guatemala
Open-air artisan markets for unique jewelry, clothes, huipils (traditional, Mayan, baby-swaddling ponchos), and other linens. Strolling down the cobblestone streets of tropically warm Antigua feels like stepping into another era. Lush greenery surrounds this Guatemalan town, which seems as untouched by time as anything that could be recreated on a movie set. The gorgeous Spanish architecture of turrets and scrolling embellishments are complemented by sprawling city parks, squares, and bustling marketplaces filled with everything from hand-woven huipils to unique and striking jewelry. Wandering through the stalls of the Mercado de Artesanias, you'll find Mayan women weaving brightly colored blankets on creaky handlooms. Gladly cart off a beautiful, flowered coverlet in shades of violet and indigo, thinking gratefully about how much you'd pay for such an item stateside. Everything in the markets is a steal, with 7.65 quetzales per U.S. dollar, you're sure to find something you can't leave without. So if you come, bring an extra suitcase…or just buy one in any of the various open-air markets. They have everything imaginable for sale, including delicious empanadas.
Australia
In Sydney, Paddington (or Paddo) is a terrific place to begin a shopping expedition.
With quaint and colorful townhouses converted into quirky and fun shops, picking up a unique bobble should be a cinch. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Village Bazaar draws a crowd to the grounds of the Uniting Church in Australia. Vendors make up more than 120 stalls selling handmade crafts, antiques, clothing, imported treasures, and art. With a festive atmosphere and a cheerful frenzy surrounding you in your hunt, a bargain is surely within arm's reach. One of the best places in Australia to find authentic goods at bargain prices, the Bazaar is a definite must for the shopping aficionado. The next stop on your shopping journey through Paddington should be Oxford Street and its side streets, where you'll discover antique shops, boutiques, bookstores, jewelers, and record stores. For the art fanatic, some of Paddo's best shops include the Australian Centre for Photography (257 Oxford St.) and the Coo-ee Aboriginal Art Gallery (98 Oxford St.) for art from local artists and over 30 aboriginal communities. For the chocolate addict, samples of homemade Russian chocolates are calling your name from Paddington Chocolates (180 Salisbury Rd.).
If your shopping adventure takes you into Melbourne, your Mecca is located between Swanston and Elizabeth Streets, on Collins and Bourke. Myers, Australia's biggest department store, located here in the heart of the city. Bourke Street is a nearby pedestrian mall, where the biggest concern besides how to get everything home is how to avoid the speedy tram that plows through daily. To find treasures made by Australia's original inhabitants the aborigines, 130 Little Collins Street130 Little Collins Street is your best bet. Here paintings and drawings are available at reasonable prices.
Lausanne, Switzerland
The streets of Lausanne offer every imaginable thing to those who appreciate and seek out quality. The city center is home to all sorts of shops, including venues offering food products, fashionable clothing, books, the world famous Swiss watches, and much more.
Make sure you fit a visit to one or more of the city's fabulous and varied markets into your stay. The close proximity of the countryside, vineyards, and lake to Lausanne has encouraged the growth of open-air markets in the city's center. The markets' color brightens the usually urban atmosphere. The City Centre Market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and offers a wide selection of mouth-watering food products, as well as some non-food items. For antique lovers and dedicated bargain hunters, the Flea Market (at Place Chauderon) runs on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., bringing out a wide variety of antique and second-hand articles. If you want a special, hand-made memento, a crafts market is held in the Place de la Palud on the first Friday of every month as well as the first three Fridays in December.
However, in Lausanne, you need not search around for excellent shopping experiences or go very far. There all kinds of shops right downtown-grocers, watchmakers, opticians, and pharmacies are all just a stone's throw from the underground station, bus stop, or parking lot. Storefronts with interesting bobbles are everywhere! At Bon Génie Lausanne department store (10 Place St-François), peruse clothes for men, women, and children, as well as sensuous perfumes, cosmetics, and designer accessories. Every type of shopping seems available in Lausanne, with the added benefit of its being slightly less in the fray of Zurich's busy banking community.
Canada
A seven-mile mall beneath Montreal is a shopper's paradise-and a wonderful shelter from the city's harsh winter elements. Designed by architect I. M. Pei-who was also behind the Louvre's magnificent glass pyramid-the underground facility contains interesting shops, sports facilities, theaters, exhibits, and restaurants. The center of the complex is Place Ville Marie, where a sculptured fountain is surrounded by elegant boutiques. With over 280 stores, there's bound to be something for even the most hard-to-please shopper.
During the warmer months, Montreal is a shopping haven of the most satisfying kind. Discover wondrous items around every corner, while experiencing a divine French atmosphere without the long flight. One such oasis is the Marché Bonsecours (350 Saint-Paul St. E) where beautiful arts and crafts abound. The breathtaking, neo-classical architecture of the façade is only bested by the art of Québec artists, designers, and artisans. The building houses 15 boutiques, including the Conseil des métiers d'art du Québec (Québec's Craft Council). Get an original piece of art and support the ever-burgeoning art world of our kind neighbors to the north. On any given day, you can spot glass blowers at work in the gogo glass boutique or enjoy a delicious treat in one of the three restaurants and café-terrasses.
Toronto's downtown shopping at Eaton Center (Yonge St.) is shaped like a large ocean liner, with exposed ductwork, greenhouse glazing, metal railings, and sculptured geese swooping from the glass-domed ceiling. More than a feast for the eyes though, the Eaton Center contains amazing stores like Simpsons and Eaton's. With 300 shops and boutiques on three levels, you may never want to leave.
International and local designer selections abound at the twice-annual Toronto Fashion Week (usually in March), where top European and American designers (as well as the hottest new designers) debut their fall and spring collections. But for the year-round fashionista, Queen Street West Shopping District will not disappoint. Here you'll enter boutique nirvana, where edgy accessories, jewelry, and clothing are in abundance. Queen Street West is by far considered the hippest and most cutting-edge place to get a fabulous new look. Rest assured that if you can't make it to these spots, you'll find something nearby in one of Toronto's many unique shopping districts that dot the city, each offering its own distinctive appeal.
India
Relish a region that dates back at least 5,000 years. In Delhi, an awe-inspiring market Chandni Chowk can be a tremendous reward for a weary traveler. Beset by bustling crowds and busy stalls that spring up among narrow streets, the market is a delight of assorted marvels. Shop for everything from fragrant oriental spices to rich brocaded saris. The market has so much to offer, there's seemingly no end to the procurable collectibles and the services available-you can even have your hair cut. Bright colors, new aromas, savory delicacies, and a plethora of fascinating architecture, music, and dance all make India's capital a rich and diverse corner of the world and a shopping excursion the perfect escape.
Calcutta is home to New Market that has more than 2,500 stalls, making it India's largest. Southeast of Delhi, Calcutta offers a different slice of Indian life and culture, with out of the ordinary items available for consumption. Hagglers sell cheap items like tin cookware as well as fine silks and craftwork. The market is also called the Sir Stuart Hogg Market and fortunately is open from early morning until about 8 p.m. So there's plenty of time to find exactly what you want at the best price.
South Africa
It is always a joy to go to the Waterfront in South Africa's Cape Town. Browsing is in and of itself a markedly intriguing experience in Cape Town. The city has intricate streets, enticing markets, and elegant shopping centers that offer a tremendous variety of goods. All in all, shopping here is a splendid way to spend an entire day, without spending the entire contents of your purse. Cape Town is renowned for its beautiful antiques-from jewelry to rare books-that can be found in the stalls along Church Street, or behind the shop windows of the original Victorian buildings lining Long Street. A block or two further, Greenmarket Square is host to the city's favorite flea market, where you can find a bargain or just enjoy some worldly people watching. The downtown area is extremely cosmopolitan, but you can also walk along and browse at the dozens of informal markets and pavement traders, selling a vast array of products. Strolling to the sound of djembe drumming that often fills the air gives you the sense that this is the soul of Cape Town. At the Pan African Market and other local African art stores (African Image), the best indigenous craftwork can be had for a fraction of their imported kindreds' cost. Collectable wines, jewelry, and leather goods of the finest quality are nearby to most major hotels. Although for a wider selection of handcrafted goods, you may want to visit the Khayalitsha Craft Market or the Philani Flagship Project in Crossroads for beautiful hand-printed fabrics. On Sundays, there is also a huge flea market in Seapoint, which vends African curiosa, jewelry, and food.
Alternatively, if you need to find something to wear, one large and impressive shopping mall is Cavendish Square. A little further outside Cape Town, you'll find a number of factory outlet stores in Woodstock and Salt River, where you can pick up some very nice clothing. Generally, shopping malls in South Africa are mixed, with varying price levels and styles, which makes it a wonderful shopping destination for many different kinds of travelers. IL
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