Shopping • November 2014
The Club’s guide to holiday shopping like a local
When it comes to a spot of festive retail therapy on holiday, it’s best to follow the lead of the locals – so we asked four insiders to share their tips on how to navigate their cities’ shopping streets, malls and markets
Austin, Texas
James Renovitch, social media editor, Austin Chronicle (@renovitch)
To shop like an Austinite, you amble down South Congress or peruse the 2nd Street District. Holiday shopping, however, is a different animal – and is best experienced at Austin’s holiday bazaars. The Blue Genie Art Bazaar hosts more than 150 artists ready to hock their handmade Etsy-type wares, such as screen-printed clothing, jewellery and arty homeware. For beer, hot food (think pizza and sandwiches from local outfits) and live music, check out the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar.
Oxfordshire, UK
Laura Fantacci, fashion blogger, Wearingittoday.co.uk (@WITblog)
Christmas shopping at Bicester Village is less stressful than tackling London’s high streets. Avoid the weekends, and go at the beginning of the week (Monday or Tuesday), when the shops tend to restock. For great unisex gifts, I always go to Smythson for its leather diaries, which are around 40 per cent less than the £50 price tags they carry in London – plus you still get the beautiful blue box and bag. And I always stock up on clothes for my daughter when Bonpoint has its sales after Christmas – there’s an additional 40 per cent off the already discounted 40 per cent.
Dubai, UAE
Cressida Meale, deputy editor Grazia Middle East (@CressiDeuxMille)
To say that Dubai is a shopping idyll would be an understatement: it is home to the biggest shopping centre in the world – The Dubai Mall – after all. If you’re popping in before Christmas, take advantage of the year-round tax-free electrical goods. And with most malls open till midnight on weekends, you’re never rushed either. Another date worth making a note of when planning your trip is 20 December – the anniversary of Dubai’s staggering Duty Free shop. Last year lucky travellers, of which I was one, received a very welcome 25 per cent off any purchase made that day. Merry Christmas indeed.
Prague, Czech Republic
Marketa Kucerova, concierge for Hilton Prague Old Town
Christmas Markets are key to any festive experience in Prague – the nicest is the one in the Old Town Square (29 November to 1 January). There is always a big Christmas tree in the middle of the square, and the stalls surrounding it are filled with handmade glass Christmas decorations (a great gift to take home), honey candles and wooden toys. Between shopping, make sure you try the local specialty drinks such as svark (mulled wine), Becherovka (a typical Czech herb liquor) and grog (made from hot local rum), and tuck into trdelnik, a traditional sugary pastry.
This article has been tagged Destination, Travel Tips