ALTHOUGH nowadays we can get most things from all over the world through online shopping, there’s still magic to be had in shopping overseas, and that purchase you make somewhere special is guaranteed to remain a favourite.
The best shopping cities in the world have it all. Whether you’re into weekly flea markets and farmers markets, local goods from artists and craftsmen, or luxury goods from Gucci and Louis Vuitton, travelling the globe puts amazing deals at your fingertips.
1. New York City
From the hustle and bustle of yellow cab-filled streets, sidewalk hustlers and endless sirens, shoppers can get respite with collections of every designer in one place and frequently on sale. You can find every major fashion and retail outlet in NYC, along with thousands of boutique, vintage and hard-to-find shops that simply do not exist anywhere else. There are malls like Time Warner Centre, boutiques in SoHo, high-end brands on Fifth Avenue, pop-up shops in Bryant Park and Union Square, and flea markets in Brooklyn.
2. Paris
Paris is the world’s fashion capital, and for good reason. With a focus on designer labels, the city is home to high-end fashion labels such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent. Paris’ Golden Triangle, which encompasses the Champs-Elysees in the 8th Arrondissement, offers the best of Paris shopping and is where the beautiful Christmas Market runs in January. For a real fashion buzz, visit during Fashion Week, every February–March and September–October, or the couture shows in January and July, when the streets are alive with outrageous ensembles.
3. Milan
Home to luxury fashion houses like Prada, Valentino, Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and much more, the main shopping area in Milan is known as the Fashion Quadrangle. But Milan isn’t only about the price tags. The city also boasts wonderful Christmas markets, bazaars and excellent sales during January-February and July-September. From high-end designer labels, this is a leather lover’s paradise — particularly if you make your way to Via Francesco Crispi, near the Trevi Fountain, where leather stores are lined up and overflowing with bags, gloves, jackets and shoes in multiple colours and styles that will last a lifetime.
4. Mexico
Mexico is America’s manufacturing hub and one of the world’s most amazing, and cheapest, shopping destinations. Mexico is a great place to find cheap designer goods from designer labels that manufacture locally. Find these brands at cheap, wholesale prices. Big brands that manufacture in Mexico include Nike, Patagonia, Land’s End, LL Bean, Mancandy, Lorena Saravia, CIHUAH, Philips, Siemens, Nokia, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and many more. You can also find amazing deals at local markets and shops on pottery, jewellery, blankets, baskets, dolls, toys, and traditional handicrafts.
5. Hong Kong
For bargain hunters and high-end fashion lovers, Hong Kong should be at the top of your list. Millions of people around Asia and the world flock to this tiny island every year to pick up a great deal or find something unique. Fantastic markets such as Jade Market, Temple Street Night Market and the Ladies Market are renowned; Kowloon’s Nathan Road is a major retail strip with everything from massive department stores to local goods; and Times Square is a must-see. Many people also travel to Hong Kong to have clothes specially made, and there are many quality tailors throughout the city.
6. London
London is one of the best cities in the world and, accordingly, has some of the best shopping. From Oxford Street, with famous department stores such as John Lewis and bargain fashion like Topshop, to elegant Regent Street’s mid-priced fashion outlets, to Bond Street and Mayfair, with big names like Burberry and Tiffany & Co., to Carnaby Street’s independent brands, to Camden’s set of alternative fashion shops; and to Notting Hill’s vintage and antique offerings, London is a shopper’s paradise.
7. Bangkok
Bangkok is the other top shopping city in Asia. Over the years, Bangkok has become home to innumerable shopping complexes and rambling markets, and the vibrant Southeast Asian city has everything you might want. The largest and most well-known department store, MBK, boasts more than 2,000 stores with a huge variety of products and price points. The sixth-largest mall in the world, aptly named Central World, is a must for international-branded clothes and sportswear and Chatuchuck Market is one of the biggest markets in the world, with more than 15,000 booths divided into 27 sections.
