Shopping
Today it is prestigious to buy goods abroad, but some 20 years ago, it was associated with checkered bags and bales brought to Baku by enterprising people. But time has passed and the 90s are already behind us. Now every year, during the sales season, people rush to get to the main shopping centers for “their” branded handbag, purchased literally for a pittance. After all, discounts sometimes reach up to 70% and this is a great opportunity for those who want to save money and at the same time stay on the wave of world fashion.
We will tell you about the most famous but at the same time profitable destinations for fashion lovers.
The main 3
France, Spain, Italy: these are leading countries that dictate their own rules in the world of fashion, adored by tourists not only because of the excellent climate, sun, azure shores of the Mediterranean Sea and an impressive number of museums.
The mother of the fashion world, Italy, every year attracts shopping lovers to the vastness of its outlets, factories and shopping centers. And a couple of times a year there are seasonal sales that last for two months. (January-February, July-August) During this period you can buy excellent designer clothes of the highest quality with a 70% discount. You can get clothes of this quality for literally pennies. The capital of the fashion world is, of course, Milan and all the main stores and centers are concentrated there. Seravalle, Franciacorta, Fidenza Village, Vicilungo and FoxTown.
Spain is considered the most comfortable zone for fans of “mass” shopping. In Spain you won’t find ubiquitous luxury boutiques, but in all the malls you will find a huge assortment of stores of more affordable and accessible brands. Prices for all brands, even designer clothes, are lower than in Milan or New York. The best shops for shopping are the El Corte Ingles center.
France has never been a particularly cheap destination, so you are unlikely to be able to save money on shopping. Shopaholics primarily come here for luxury and quality. The most important feature of French stores is cosmetics and perfumes. Next, after a small gap, comes clothing and accessories. The main boutiques of France are concentrated in the center of Paris. The most famous of them are Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann, Bon Marche. And for lower prices and discounts, hurry to La Vallee.
But it’s not just the big three that have captured the hearts of shopaholics. There are countries in Europe where you can safely update your wardrobe in a more relaxed environment. Let's start with “serious” Europe and first of all pay attention to Andorra. Since this country is located on the border with Spain and does not have its own international airport, you can get there by driving when you are in Spain. Believe me, this small kingdom can compete with its neighboring state for the right to be the most budget-friendly country for shopping. The whole secret is that tax freedom is a status, and all stores adhere to this rule.
Calm and comfort
Of course, Germany cannot be included in the big European trio in terms of variety and chic stores, but among us, of course, there are admirers of local German brands that adhere to a practical and simple style. Shopping in Germany is always a sign of top quality. Prices are at the average European level, but during New Year and summer discounts prices are reduced by one third.
Austria offers its customers a wide selection of high-quality, inexpensive stores. Almost all popular brands of clothing, shoes and accessories are represented in Vienna. Close to the capital, there are some attractive places with good prices on goods, but, alas, you should not expect any big discounts. The most impressive outlet in Austria is Parndorf, located near Vienna. This is a beautiful shopping area of small shopping streets and centers. Unlike Vienna, the cost of goods is lower than in the capital.
But Greece is the number one place for shopping fur and leather. For “soft gold” it is advisable to get there in the summer. Not only because of the excellent summer discounts, but also in order to combine pleasant things with an even more pleasant moment - the beach season. It's great there. This will make your trip even more unforgettable. For fur coats, hurry to Kastoria (here is the main “sacred” place for fur lovers - the Edik center) and Paralia Katerinis (despite the fact that the assortment is not large, but the prices are favorable). They also bring leather goods, shoes, gold, and jewelry from Greece.
East is a delicate matter
Ah, east! - at one time, this slogan inspired tourists of different interests - beach lovers, exotic fruits and, of course, shopping lovers. The most famous destinations in this business are, of course, Türkiye and the UAE.
We can say that Türkiye is an “alphabet book” for shoppers. Here you can purchase a product for any budget - from cheap textiles to the latest collection of famous brands. From this point of view, Istanbul leads the whole country: shopping centers, the famous Closed Bazaar (Kapali Chapshi), Laleli shopping street, shops and boutiques. Prices for world-famous brands will not be different from European prices, but twice a year boutiques offer incredible discounts on clothes and accessories from the previous collection. As for domestic brands in Turkey, for many years now it has won the love and recognition of many buyers with its beautiful design, high quality and affordable prices.
Shopping in the UAE is exciting and profitable (of course, if your goal is not to buy a diamond necklace or a Bentley). The main goods that you will purchase in the UAE will be products from world brands: shoes, clothing, accessories, perfumes, watches. All this is presented in all shopping centers. You will be able to “catch” the most favorable prices at the shopping festival, which is held in June and February, as well as at the “Summer Surprises” festival in June and July. Discounts on fashion items up to 70%. In addition, you may get lucky and receive one of the most expensive gifts if you want to participate in the lottery. Don't miss the opportunity to shop at the world's largest duty free stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Simple Asia
When many of you hear about shopping in China, you probably involuntarily imagine mountains of fakes at low prices and poor quality. But don't rush to judge. Today, China is still cheap, but rest assured that you can get high-quality products while shopping in Beijing. Don't forget about your favorites - Shanghai and Hong Kong. Discounts in China are not as widespread as in European countries, but unlike them, they happen not only twice a year, but also on various world and sacred holidays. There are many reasons for discounts. Therefore, it is convenient to update your wardrobe in China all year round (not only local brands, but also global ones), replace outdated electronics (it should be noted for skeptics, not fake) And to make your shopping easier, many stores will help you fill out all the necessary paperwork and deliver the goods to your Houses.
"Heavenly Delight"
The south of Asia, nicknamed paradise on Earth, attracts a stream of tourists from all over the world, mind you, not only for relaxation by the sea as in paradise, but also for convenient shopping. True, shopping is not yet the main feature here, but this is rapidly changing and every year it is becoming an increasingly important part of the trip. The best places to buy goods are in Malaysia and Thailand.
In relation to the rest of the world, Malaysia is dominated by computer innovations, electronics and other unusual “smart” devices. All this is available and especially profitable in large malls in the city of Kuala Lumpur, especially at the peak of the summer season, prices are lower than the year-round cost by a third.
Thailand is especially loved for its hardware stores, watches and accessories, mid-range international brands and furniture items. The best shopping centers are located in Bangkok and Pattaya. The main large centers are concentrated in the tourist areas of Phuket, Koh Samui and other resort areas. As for the most accessible shopping time, in mid-June, during summer discounts, this is more significant and is considered a significant event throughout the country.