New York
The gold medal winner of shopping destinations, the world champion on department stores, New York is often attributed with being the number one retail therapy destination in the world. A magicians hat worth of tricks and treats for the avid shopper, beginners should be warned, this fast paced shopping experience is not for the faint hearted (or the faint walleted). With names like Macy’s, Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales dominating the metaphorical store skyline it’s hard to imagine another outcome apart from the one where you emerge, tired but bright eyed, from the depths of your final department store for the day. Laden with bags as you make your way back to your watering hole, the smell of promise in the air; the promise of more ‘wow’s, more ‘how much?’ and more testers then you could ever imagine.
CC image from leavingonajetplane.co.uk
Dubai
Tucked away not-so-discreetly in the Middle East, is the bustling city of Dubai. And more importantly then this, in the middle of Dubai, is the bustling Dubai Mall. A mecca of major fashion brands, the epicentre of all that’s wearable, where the air constantly buzzes with ‘good-buy’ vibes and the vibrations of credit cards as they are excitedly swiped. And in the heart of all this is Fashion Avenue, comprising of high and mid-fashion stores, showcasing everything and anything from the most enviable designer brands, to sought after one off pieces. Shop till you quite literally drop, either from sheer shopping exhaustion or under the weight of all your bags.
CC image by ~Pyb from Flickr
Cape Town
Maybe not quite as VIP as Dubai and New York, but never the less worth a spot on the guest list, Cape Town and in particular, the Victoria and Albert Waterfront offers a more relaxed approach to shopping. Where can you meander around the shops, picking up bargains and not-so-bargainous-but-must-have-none-the-lesses with mountain peaks looming in the distance? When can you stroll around in the sun, the bustling harbour creating a buzz around you, while also indulging in any number of leather goods, jewellery and sportswear (we feel it’s important to note here, that purchases available in Cape Town are not strictly limited to afore-mentioned items). And if fashion isn’t your bag, or indeed in your bag, then never fear! For where there’s a cheque book there’s a way! Cape Town also offers fascinating art markets, antique stalls and wine shops selling local and internationally acclaimed wines.
We could go on forever, listing destinations, our favourite fashion stores, favourite concession stalls and…. oh sorry, we could go on forever with our…erm.. listing, but we will leave the exploration up to you from here on in. Happy shopping.
CC image by RachelF2SEA from Flickr
This guest post is by Matt Coe. He works for Wanderforth Luxury Holidays for Holidays to New York.