Shopping in Virginia

Fantastic Virginia shopping is one of the main reasons many people visit Virginia, from factory outlets, to antique shops, to gift shops, and Virginia Beach shopping, Virginia shopping is the ideal destination for treasure hunters. Weekends in Virginia will also give you the opportunity to flea market shop and hunt down unbelievable bargains.

For a great shopping mall in Northern Virginia, try the Ballston Common Mall in Arlington. This mall offers over one hundred specialty stores on four floors with an international food court on the ground floor and stadium-style movie theaters. This shopping mall in Northern Virginia also offers an art market and farmer's market as well as a public parking garage. Another fun shopping mall in Northern Virginia is The Antique Station, a mall featuring 80 + dealers selling 19th & 20th century period furniture, primitive items, porcelain & pottery, glass & silver, kitchen collectibles, quilts & linens, antique & costume jewelry, vintage apparel, toys, tools, pictures and more. Open 7 days/week (10-6 Mon-Sat, 12-6 Sun).

For coastal Virginia visitors, a shopping mall in Norfolk Virginia may be what you're looking for. The Waterside Festival Marketplace is a great shopping mall Norfolk Virginia offers that houses more than 120 shops and restaurants. Included in this shopping mall Norfolk Virginia are six full-service restaurants, dozens of specialty food shops, unique clothing and music stores, a book store, and pushcarts where independent merchants vend jewelry, handcrafts and specialty items. Live entertainment is also featured within the mall on the center stage and in an outdoor amphitheater for spring and summer concerts.

Virginia shopping is never complete without a Virginia Beach shopping mention. A visit to Virginia Beach shopping locations can include Atlantic Avenue, the location of numerous Virginia Beach shopping hot spots and restaurants, as well as Virginia Beach's Farmer's Market, a popular spot for tourist and locals. The Farmer's Market is a country-style, open-air market featuring a country restaurant, fresh and organic produce, dairy products, ice cream, a meat market, a bakery, feed and tack items, regional crafts, trading cards, an antique farm museum, and special events such as carnivals and flea markets. You'll also want to visit the Virginia Beach shopping extravaganza of Ten Thousand Villages, a store specializing in handicrafts fairly traded and imported from around the world. Open 10am - 7pm weekdays.

Other Virginia shopping spots are located in Richmond at the 1708 Gallery Shop where exhibitions range from in-depth one person shows of painting and sculpture to large comprehensive group exhibitions, and at the Everything Williamsburg shop in Williamsburg, Virginia. At Everything Williamsburg in Colonial Williamsburg you're sure to pick up a fun colonial souvenir for friends at home.

During your Virginia shopping vacation, always keep an eye out for great shopping locals tucked away in the nooks and crannies of each individual town. Virginia is a great place to find antique bargains as well simply because many early American objects found their first homes there after being shipped from Europe or the Orient. Don't be afraid to bargain at flea markets either, and bring an extra suitcase along on your trip just to lug back all of your treasures.

Shopping in Atlanta

Both Atlanta and Savannah are great cities for anyone who loves to shop. Whether you want to find high end fashion, souvenirs to bring home or any other sort of shopper’s delight, Atlanta and Savannah are equally enticing. While Atlanta shopping offers the highest number of Atlanta shopping options, Savannah shopping has many of Georgia’s most unique boutiques.

The most prominent area for shopping Atlanta is the area known as Buckhead, which is also well known for its exciting nightlife scene. Buckhead has not one, but two, major malls filled with department stores and high end shops for a fashion-lover’s perfect afternoon. The two major Atlanta shopping malls are called Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square. These Atlanta shopping malls actually face one another in heart of Buckhead, and ambitious shoppers have been known to tackle them both in the same day.

In addition to the two enormous Atlanta shopping malls, there are a number of small boutiques, art galleries and antique shops open for perusing. On the edge of Buckhead is Bennett Street, an area that is growing in popularity among Atlanta shopping enthusiasts. Shopping in Atlanta along Bennett Street showcases shops featuring small boutiques with jewelry, antiques and lots of other great specialty shops. The street itself even comes with its own fascinating history; it was once a supply path linking Atlanta to the surrounding countryside during the Civil War.

Although shopping in Atlanta can be a neverending adventure, the delights of Savannah shopping can be equally impressive. Perhaps the most popular place for Savannah shopping is River Street. River Street follows the path of the Savannah River, and is flanked on either side by great boutiques and quaint specialty shops. Clothing and souvenirs will be most easily found on River Street, and the area is an excellent place to spend a day enjoying Savannah shopping and eating in cafes that also line the river.

Travelers hunting for a deal will likely want to leave the heart of Savannah and head for the Savannah shopping outlets. Located on the edge of town, Savannah shopping outlets offer brand names and other prime retails shops for what is ofent a fraction of the department store price. If you do plan to head for the Savannah shopping outlet malls, try to avoid the weekend if at all possible. Locals love the outlets, as well, and Saturday and Sunday can be filled with people and difficult to navigate. In contrast, weekday shopping is quiet and can be quite enjoyable.

So, whether you will be in Savannah, Atlanta or both, you likely won’t have any trouble finding just the right sort of shopping venue to suit your needs. Great big malls and tiny little shops await travelers in either city, and shopping Georgia can be an event all its own.

Shopping in Illinois

One of the highlights of a Midwest vacation may be a visit to the shopping malls in Illinois. Depending upon where you are planning to go, you will find a number of great opportunities for shopping in Illinois. Here are just a few:

Woodfield Mall: Schaumburg Illinois

About 26 million people visit the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg each year to shop at some of the biggest department store chains in the country. These include Nordstrom, Sears, JC Penney, Lord & Taylor and Marshall Field's. There are 285 specialty shops and boutiques that surround the five anchor stores. Additionally, there are a number of interesting art galleries, jewelry dealers, shoe salons, booksellers and sports stores.

Gurnee Mills Mall: Gurnee Illinois

The Gurnee Mills Mall is huge. It consists of 1.7 million square feet of retail space that covers over 326 acres of land. With more than 200 stores, 20 eateries and the 20-screen Marcus Gurnee Cinema, the Gurnee Mills have been one of the most popular shopping malls in Illinois since the its opening in August 1991. Visitors appreciate the easy-to-read signs that indicate how to circle the complex by car and park near their favorite stores, such as JC Penney and Kohl's

Stratford Square Mall: Bloomingdale Illinois

Stratford Square Shopping Center in Bloomingdale is home to many major department stores. These include Carson Pirie Scott, JC Penney, Montgomery Ward, Marshall Field's, Sears and Kohl's. However, a unique feature of this mall is TV Land, which is a sitcom Nirvana for TV aficionados of old series like "Bewitched," "Andy Griffith" and newer favorites, "South Park" and "Seinfeld." TV Land also has sitcom-related T-shirts, trivia books and baseball caps. At Turtle Island, you can find Native American furniture, artwork, dolls and turquoise jewelry. If you get hungry, try the grilled veggie sandwich at the Great American Steak & Potato Company, located in the food court. After you finish shopping, take in a movie at the Cineplex Odeon Stratford Square Theaters. The Stratford Square is another example of the popular shopping malls in Illinois.

Shopping in Chicago

There are a variety of locations for Chicago shopping. Your choice of Chicago shopping areas depends on what you are looking for. For high end shopping in Chicago, North Michigan Avenue is definitely the place to go. Whatever your age or preference, there's something along The Magnificent Mile for everyone. Kids will adore the Disney Store and American Girl Place, while their parents or single travelers will visit Niketown and the Apple Store. North Michigan Avenue is also the place for department store shopping in Chicago. This is where you will find stores like Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdale's and the Nordstrom flagship store. Designer boutiques, like Gucci, Ermenegildo Zegna and Tiffany & Co. can also be found on North Michigan Avenue.

Although shopping in Illinois may be an enjoyable experience, make sure that you spend some time exploring the exciting attractions in these wonderful cities.

Shopping in Louisiana

Louisiana has some great shopping from malls to quaint antiques, you can find it here. The best shopping in Louisiana are in the big cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge where you can find a plethora of shopping malls to choose from. The smaller cities have some quaint shops to get little souvenirs and antiques and the casino towns have some interesting souvenir shops inside the casino hotels.

New Orleans:

New Orleans shopping is the best shopping in Louisiana. You can find the traditional malls like the Esplanade and Clearview mall with the typical stores like Macy’s and Dillard’s. There is also the French Quarter Riverwalk Mall with Banana Republic, Chico"s, Gap, Victoria"s Secret, and more.

For the more upscale New Orleans shopping experience try the shops at Canal Place and pick-up elegant baubles at Saks Fifth Avenue and Gucci to name a few. You can also find L’Occitane, Williams Sonoma and several places to eat. This is the premiere location of Louisiana shopping so bring your cash and prepare to spend it.

Other good shopping in New Orleans can be found by wandering the streets of the French Quarter and traipsing down Magazine Street with its interesting boutique shops, art galleries, antique shops and auction houses, as well as a few Voodoo shops! There is also the Louisiana Music Factory where you can pick-up the best of the best CDs by New Orleans jazz artists.

Other Interesting shopping in New Orleans includes the historic French Market where you can pick-up local crafts, fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, sausages and other unique finds. Located right on the Mississippi, you can catch a snack at the nearby Café du Monde before heading over to St Charles square and looking at the booths of local artists wares in front of the impressive St. Charles Cathedral, one of the many great New Orleans attractions. Catch a New Orleans carriage ride after your shopping spree to enjoy the city from a historical perspective.

Some of the more interesting shopping in New Orleans can be found at the attractions like the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium of the Americas and the New Orleans ghost tour gift store!

More interesting shopping in Louisiana is fond at the many plantation homes, which often have gift stores selling antiques, dolls or other interesting souvenirs, like the Destrehen Plantation gift shop , which also gives period craft demonstrations.

In the nearby Metarie (between New Orleans and the airport) there is some of the best shopping in Louisiana at the 1,000,000 square foot mall that is a favorite destination of the locals with Dillard"s, JC Penney, Restoration Hardware, Williams-Sonoma, Banana Republic, Talbots, Old Navy & Pottery Barn. This is a great place to find all the classics, cool off and catch a movie.

More Louisiana shopping malls are in the big cities including the Mall of Louisiana and the Mall of Coutana in Baton Rouge, the Acadiana Mall in Lake Charles & Lafayette areas, and the Pecanland Mall in Shreveport.

Shopping in Louisiana is a fun experience if you know where to look, so check with you hotel concierge or search the internet before you go so that you can make the most of your Louisiana shopping or New Orleans shopping experience!

Shopping in Houston, Texas

Houston shopping sprees might be hard to avoid once you realize just how incredible the opportunities are. From Houston shopping malls to specialty boutiques to nationally recognized department stores, shopping in Houston is world class. A flood of independent shops and stores means that its easy to pick up unique and rare items, too, which can be very appealing to the discerning shopper.

Though the city’s shopping malls can be a convenient avenue to some hardcore retail therapy, don’t forget to explore the historic districts and downtown Houston for the more curious antiques, artwork, trinkets, and souvenirs. Rice Village is just the place to find those one-of-a-kind items. Situated beside the Museum District, where the best city museums are located, Rice Village features some of the best stores in Houston. It is a treasured historic area and an exceptionally popular shopping spot. Rice Village is home to nonpareil boutiques as well as anchor stores such as Eddie Bauer, Banana Republic, and the Gap. It also features great nightlife and an array of dining choices, all near downtown Houston.

A Houston shopping trip to the Galleria means hitting up the largest mall in the city. No other Houston shopping malls compare in scope and size to the Galleria. Upscale shopping is available at heavy hitters including Christian Dior, Gucci, Fendi, Versace, and Armani, set against a backdrop including a huge selection of dining, an ice rink, and two major Galleria hotels. Stores—some of the best stores in Houston—include Nordstrom, Macy’s, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, and Kenneth Cole. The Houston shopping experience at the Galleria is topped off with sunlit atrium, literally brightening up the entire affair.

Aside from the outstanding Galleria, there are many more Houston shopping malls to choose between. River Oaks Mall in the exclusive River Oaks neighborhood offers shops like Talbots and Chico’s, resale outlets, and art depots where visitors can paint pottery onsite and take it home. River Oaks is also laden with restaurants, making it easy to take a break and have a meal while enjoying a pleasant Houston shopping trip.

Houston Highland Village is the place to go when looking for retail giants like Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrell, and Restoration Hardware. The area fits the dual purpose of dining and shopping. There are salons and day spas, clothing stores, furniture shops, and jewelry stores. Lined by towering palm trees and otherwise beautiful, Highland Village provides many things to do.

Katy Mills is another prime Houston shopping center roughly twenty miles west of the city. It is worth the trip, offering some of the best stores in Houston along with other attractions, Katy Mills is an all-day affair. Visitors will find top shops including Anne Klein, Bass Pro Shops, Neiman Marcus, and Frederick’s of Hollywood, completing the list of more than 200 stores. There are also low-price retailers, specialty shops, and plenty of special theme restaurants. The modern and massive movie theater featuring twenty screens, along with other family entertainment options makes Katy Mills better than many Houston shopping malls.

Whether you’re seeking the best stores in Houston or simply want to have fun browsing and exploring, there are plenty of areas close to hotels, both airports, and Baytown that each offer their own unique appeal. Add in the Conroe Outlet Center, Downtown Houston Tunnels, and the Centre at Post Oak, and you’ve got a mix for one of the most ideal shopping tours ever.

Shopping in Colorado

While most people visit Colorado on an adventure vacation, many enjoy an occasional Colorado shopping excursion. Unlike New York, Colorado is not considered the fashion capitol of the world; so don't expect to find an overwhelming selection from the latest designers. However, if you do not need to be completely au courant, you will find some considerable bargains at the Silverthorne Outlet Stores.

Ski Country Shopping

Colorado shopping is best known for its multitude of stores that specialize in outdoor sport clothing and equipment. Since those who live here choose to do so because of the great outdoor lifestyle, most residents are always up to date on the latest outdoor equipment. As such, the most exciting Colorado shopping experiences can be found at the various consignment shops, which are located throughout the state.

Recycle Ski & Sport in Frisco Colorado is famous for being one of the best places to find used ski and snowboard equipment. In some cases, the equipment is only one year old, but residents who need funds to buy their new gear often sell their old equipment at great prices. Located at 842 North Summit Boulevard in Frisco, Recycle Ski & Sports is also a great place to find inexpensive second hand ski clothes.

Speaking of ski clothes, if your travel plans are bringing you to Aspen, you will want to dress the part. Unfortunately, not many people are willing to part with the $1,000 needed to purchase a stylish and elaborate Bogner one-piece ski suit. The good news is that if you are willing to make a stop in Frisco, you can find this type of ski clothing at Rags to Riches, located on Main Street. Anyone who owned Bogner prior to moving to the Summit County area of Colorado would promptly bring said one-piece to Rags to Riches and sell it on consignment. It's a win/win scenario. Locals sell their one-pieces to get money for new gear, and visitors get to buy Bogner for less than $100.

The former owners of Rags to Riches eventually opened Alpine Accents. This Main Street Frisco furniture store quickly became a Colorado tradition, for visitors and local alike. They sell spectacular pieces of furniture on consignment, and the prices are incredibly low. This is another Colorado shopping win/win scenario. People who move to the area often find that their larger pieces of furniture just do not fit in their new, smaller condos. As a result, they put these pieces up for sale so they can afford their new downscale lifestyle.

As long as you are in Frisco, head over to the Frisco Mall on 409 Main Street. Although the shops may vary, some, such as the Southwestern Art Shop on the ground floor have become a Summit County tradition. Even people with little appreciation for Native American art fall in love with the paintings created by owner Mark Ortiz. Of course, if you are really interested in shopping for art, you should head to the galleries in Breckenridge. If you get a chocolate craving while you are there, pay a visit to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. In fact, chocoholics will be pleased to discover that there are Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores all throughout Colorado.

Colorado Springs Shopping

When you finish exploring the Colorado Springs attractions like Pike's Peak and the U.S. Olympic training center, you might want to take a Colorado Springs shopping excursion. The Colorado Springs shopping malls provide visitors with an interesting variety of stores. For example, the Citadel Mall is where you will find the traditional stores such as Victoria's Secret and Express. If you are looking for an untraditional but upscale Colorado Springs shopping experience, check out the shops at the luxurious Broadmoor Hotel. Here, you will find bookstores, watch stores and other interesting surprises.

Colorado Mills Shopping Center

If you are seeking a complete shopping experience, plan to visit the Colorado Mills Shopping Center in Lakewood Colorado. This is where you can find just about any of the big chain stores. The Colorado Mills Shopping Center also features an interesting variety of special programs. For example, St. Anthony's Hospital sponsors Mills Milers, which is a mall-walking program. Got kids? The Mills Movers is a walking program for moms with strollers.

Shopping in New Zealand

New Zealand shopping might or might not be the main focus of your New Zealand vacation, but either way, it's a joy to discover. Sure, most of the New Zealand travel brochures highlight the country's natural beauty and it's wealth of outdoor activities, and for good purpose, but the New Zealand shopping also deserves a nod. The best shopping in New Zealand can be had in its major cities and tourist destinations. From high-quality glass art works, to a special book that you though you'd never find, New Zealand shopping can unveil a range of delights. If you want it, you can probably find it while shopping in New Zealand, so save up some extra shopping funds before your New Zealand trip, and help yourself to a few choice goods along the way.

Before you do any shopping in New Zealand, you'll have to familiarize yourself with the New Zealand currency. The New Zealand dollar is the New Zealand currency, and it comes in 100 cent denominations. You can exchange any foreign currency you might have at the Bank of New Zealand. You'll find a 24-hour branch at the Auckland Airport, and it's conveniently located in the arrivals area. Other banks and various hotels can also change your money into New Zealand currency. Banks tend to offer the best exchange rates, and should you use your credit card, you'll also get a good rate. You can also get some New Zealand currency from the numerous ATM machines found around the country and at all the major tourist areas.

The largest city in New Zealand is Auckland, and if New Zealand shopping is on your itinerary here, you'll enjoy a myriad of great shops and shopping areas. High Street is the place to go for high-culture fashionables, and you'll find a nice array of upscale boutiques in the suburb of Parnell. In downtown Auckland and at the Auckland Airport, you can hit the DFS Galleria for duty free shopping that is sure to put a smile on your face. Designer boutiques, luxury accessories, and fine jewelry are just some of what makes shopping at the DFS Galleria such a joy. If you want to do some Auckland, New Zealand shopping at a nice, big mall, you can always head to St. Luke's Shopping Centre. In east Auckland, the Botany Town Centre is a shopper's haven, boasting not only more than 150 stores, but award-winning architecture as well. If you are having a good time in the capital city of Wellington, you can enjoy an experience that is certainly on par with Auckland. The Lambton Quay shopping area is not only one of the top shopping places in Wellington, it's one of the best in the country. A myriad of interesting shops await you here, and they are involved in just about every business or industry, from fashion to literature. Willis Street also offers some great shops in Wellington, and the Cuba Mall is the place to head if you are up for some more risquÉ stores.

If shopping in New Zealand is your goal and you have a nice budget to work with, Queenstown just might offer the most elitist kinds of shops. Though you are paying high prices here for a lot of the goods, they are top notch. As the saying goes, "you get what you pay for". Sometimes you just have to shell a little extra out to get something that is actually worth buying. Anyways, if your South Island trip doesn't take you to Queenstown, but to Christchurch instead, worry not, the shopping here is worthy of satisfying even the most seasoned shoppers. Fans of the arts will surely not want to miss the Christchurch Arts Centre Galleria. On the weekends in Christchurch, the Arts Centre Market offers an eclectic mix of goods, to say the least. You can find a bunch of nice boutique shops in Christchurch, some of the best of which are found on Victoria Street, at Merivale Mall, and at Cashel Mall. Further north on the South Island, the popular vacation destination of Nelson is consistently recognized for its arts and crafts shopping. Many artists live in the area, and you'll find plenty of pottery studios here. A nifty arts and crafts item from Nelson, New Zealand is not only bound to spruce up your home. It will also probably make for a most interesting conversation pick.

The Maori culture of New Zealand is a part of the country's greater culture, and if you're up for a unique New Zealand shopping experience, you can always head to the geothermic, tourist-satisfying city of Rotorua. You'll find the greatest concentration of Maori people here, and if you can't make one of the Maori art festivals or events, worry not, as you can pick up their hand-made wares any time of the year. Shopping in New Zealand certainly is a joy, and as you can see, there are some wonderful places to spend your newfound New Zealand currency. Keeping your eyes out always for good deals and interesting items can add excitement to your New Zealand vacation, even if you're just perusing one of the shops at one of the many great New Zealand museums.

Fiji Shopping

Fiji shopping is one thing you must not forget to do while you are vacationing or you will be disappointed when you get home and realize that you missed a bountiful array of duty free shopping in Fiji. You can easily find a currency exchange so you can carry around Fiji currency to all those quaint and charming shops scattered about Fiji that do not except your own currency or any type of credit card. However, if you prefer to use your own currency or credit card instead of Fijian currency then you can stay with the larger stores and shops in the bigger towns.

Fijians love to barter, so when you start at the first Fiji market get ready to bicker over prices. You never know; if you happen to have Fiji currency you may even get a better deal than if you used a credit card.

The most popular shopping in Fiji is found in Fiji shops that offer traditional artifacts that are designed by locals. Fiji shopping is not only fun but is a great way to find several treasures to take back home to family and friends. You may even wish to bring some Fijian currency home for a collector of world coins, so try not to spend all the Fiji currency you have.

Fiji shops offer a wide variety of items from Fiji artisans such as clothing made from masi or tapa cloth, several woven items, and beautiful carvings. Shopping in Fiji would not be the same if you did not venture off to this local Fiji shops to find such gems as carved cannibal bowls, forks, crockery, and clay pots. These local Fiji shops are home in the smaller villages along the Sigatoka River.

If you prefer woven items such as fans, purses, mats, or baskets you will love the unique design offered by Fiji shops that create these items from kuta, which is a reed that is grown locally. The best Fiji shop offering these unique items can be found at the Copra Shed Marina in Taka's Gift Shop.

Fiji shopping has to include a Fiji market that offers spices for you to take home and enjoy. Some of the popular spices you can purchase with Fijian currency or in some cases your own currency are cardamom, pepper, ginger, and cinnamon. In most cases, you find the best-priced spices at the Fiji municipal market.

Before you leave for home, you have to find a Fiji market that has black pearls on display. These beautiful and exotic pearls are home in the waters of Savusavu Bay. Of course, you will have to pay quite a pretty penny for just one, as the price can be in excess of $4,000. Even if you do not wish to spend such a large amount, you have to admire the beauty of these black pearls.

If you are searching for a more affordable souvenir, you should look for a sports wear Fiji shop offering bula shirts and a wide-ranging selection of swimwear. These types of Fiji shops offer several different items that would be perfect to take home to friends or family members without costing you large amounts of money. Remember, all the Fiji shops offer duty free shopping, with the best shopping for souvenirs in Fiji found at the Fijian Cultural Center and Marketplace close by the Pacific Harbour International Resort.

Shopping in Australia

Whether you plan to spend a little time in Australia or a lot, you'll likely want to bring something home to commemorate your trip. Shopping in Australia offers a wide range of local markets, specialty boutiques, and Australia gift shop options, and you'll be sure to find something unique. Be sure to include Aboriginal art in your tour of the many shopping centers throughout the country.

Shopping in Australia

Shopping in Australia can encompass high end labels as well as indigenous and local markets. All of Australia's major cities offer shopping centers with one popular Australia store after another. One of the most popular Australia store groups for international travelers is Melbourne Central, a large center with over 200 shops. Other cities have main shopping centers, as well, such as the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney. The Queen Victoria Building is a beautiful landmark, and offers shopping with popular labels and high end fashion. Another popular Australian store group can be found at Rundle Mall in the city of Adelaide. Within each of these shopping centers, travelers will find Australia gift shops, where you'll be sure to find something unique to bring home for family and friends.

Australia Local Shopping

Australia local shopping can include many of the high end malls listed above, as well as Australia local shopping markets. One of the loveliest Australia local shopping markets is the Rainforest Market in Cairns. After a day spent touring the Daintree Rainforest, a stop at this local market is a beautiful way to pick up a unique souvenir to remember your experience. If it is a farmer's market you seek, the Country Fair on the Mornington Peninsula is the perfect place to shop locally grown food and household items.

For a more modern flair, the Paddington Market on Oxford Street offers an eclectic mix of organic foods, massage, jewelery, clothing, and art. The Paddington Market is truly an outdoor Australia gift shop. For yet another unique outdoor Australia gift shop area, stop by the Hobart Salamanca Market. Located in Tasmania, and hosted every Saturday, this market showcases some of the unique art, wildflowers, and plant life that can only be found on an island as unique as Tasmania.

In general, you will want to plan for some market stops, as well as mall stops, when planning your shopping in Australia. This way you will be sure to gather items from all of the many walks of life within Australia, and see a bit of all that shopping in Australia has to offer.

Shopping in Argentina

Shopping in Argentina is a hot bed for your shopping extravaganza. It has everything from those hole-in-the-wall street markets, where you might a rare jewel for a relative at home to the ritzy brand names that we all have grown fond of. While shopping in Buenos Aires Argentina you may notice a European flair, but that is because Buenos Aires is known as a Latin Paris. The architecture is been heavily influenced by the Europeans, so you might forget where you are until you hear the Spanish colloquial. Those grand boulevards full of antique shops, boutiques and galleries are just around the corner.

The first place you might start shopping in Argentina is at the winding streets of Arroyo. Breath in the culture and architecture as you browse through this small part of the country. You may try your shopping eye at San Telmo where there is a Sunday flea market. Train your bartering skills to get those cheap prices for those unique authentic souvenirs to take home with you to share with friends and family something exotic from Argentina. Another place to barter are the Sunday antiques fair at Plaza Dorego.

Just when you wallet and credit cards are getting warmed up, visit downtown at Calle Florida. Most visitors take their shopping ventures here to this grand pedestrian mall. It is known for its boutiques, which sell leather goods and furs. For some this mile long shopping expedition might get tiring, but the architecture integrity will amaze you and keep you engaged until the final lap down this long shopping runway. You'll know when the end is near when you encounter Plaza San Martin, which is named after Argentina's national hero. Besides passing beautiful architecture and boutiques, you will see department stores, banks, and clubs that were built in the beginning of the twentieth century. The only problem with this expansive shopping paradise is that fact that it sells at New York prices. But that only means expect the best. Another place to go shopping in Buenos Aires Argentina is at Patio Bullrich. You cannot go wrong here, for it less crowded and a little cheaper than calle Florida. The shopping does not end there. You will want to spend some time at Avenida Alvear, where you will walk among retail's biggest giants including Louis Vutton and Georgia Armani among others. You have the best chance of bumping into a celebrity at Avenida Alvear. It may feel like Paris, but it is most notably none other than Buenos Aires. Enjoy it.

Shopping in Buenos Aires Argentina is the perfect place to shop and tantalize anyone's taste for architecture. You will want to keep shopping in Argentina just to see more artistic workmanship around the corner.

Shopping in Alaska

An Alaska shopping experience is not like your typical mall excursion. Shopping in Alaska is more like a discovery tour into the state’s history and culture. Wherever you go, you will find a diverse selection of unique products and crafts. These may include:

• Beautiful gold nugget jewelry and other small items carved from jade.

• Unique handmade Alaskan clothing and toys.

• Intricately woven baskets composed of beach grass, bark or baleen.

• Sumptuous Alaskan delicacies such as canned and smoked salmon and wild berry products.

• Native seal oil candles, beaded mittens and miniature hand carved totem poles.

When you are shopping in Alaska, be sure to look for the “Made in Alaska” logo, which will confirm the authenticity of the product you are considering buying. On your Alaska shopping excursion, you might find products that display a sliver logo. This indicates that the item is an authentic Alaskan handicraft.

If we were to review every Alaska shopping opportunity, we would have to write a book! So, for your convenience, we’ve highlighted some of the most interesting Alaska shops.

Simply Sterling

Simply Sterling designs sterling jewelry that is inspired by petroglyphs. They are located in Wrangell Alaska

Blue Heron

The Blue Heron in downtown Ketchikan features a variety of typical Alaskan food products. These include syrups, Alaskan vinegar and salmon.

Lynch and Kennedy

Lynch and Kennedy in downtown Skagway describes itself as a store for those who are looking for “something different.” They feature fine gold quartz and gold nugget jewelry, Native arts and crafts, collectibles, handmade women"s clothing and home items.

Picture Alaska Art Gallery

The Picture Alaska Art Gallery in Homer features paintings and crafts by local artists and craftsman. If you like wearable art, the Upstairs Boutique above the gallery has an interesting selection.

Juneau Alaska Shopping

Many of the items you may find on a Juneau Alaska shopping expedition have been inspired by the area’s magnificent coastline and skyline. On a walk through the streets of downtown Juneau or the Mendenhall Valley shopping districts, you will find a variety of gifts that are unique and typically Alaskan.

There is no telling what you might find on a Juneau Alaska shopping excursion. There are a variety of shops that display limited edition designer jewelry and beautiful Native Alaska design jewelry. Native carved silver bracelets with totemic designs are popular items from Juneau. These distinctive bracelets often bear the animal representation of the wearer"s moiety and clan house.

Sculpture and carved totem poles are popular pieces for collectors of Alaskan artwork. The totems were originally created to tell the stories of Alaska"s Native people. Sometimes, totemic designs are also featured on bent wood boxes as well as ceremonial paddles and Tlingit halibut hooks.

No matter where you go in Alaska, you will find items that will become cherished memories of this special vacation.

Shopping in Canada

From haute couture to beaver pelts and gold nuggets, the variety of shopping in Canada will suite anyone's taste.

Robson Street in downtown Vancouver, BC has a long tradition of shopping history. Named after John Robson, B.C. Premier from 1889-1892, Robson Street shops started to spring up after the train tracks were laid along it in 1895. Post World War II, Robson Street became known as “Robsonsstrasse”, as a result of the many European pastry shops, delis and boutiques that opened.

Today, Robson hosts some of the hippest shopping in Canada, from top-end vintage to fresh-off-the-runway. A large number of international students now populate the surrounding areas, and the influences are easily seen. Korean barbeques and Japanese noodle shops are numerous on the street, even more so as one walks west towards English Bay.

Perhaps the most famous of Canadian shopping is in West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta. Much more than just a mall, West Edmonton Mall is also an amusement park, ice skating rink, movie theatre, concert hall and much more. There are over 800 stores and services, 100 choices for getting a bite to eat, plus eight top-notch attractions. This is arguably the most impressive of Canada shopping, spanning the equivalent of 48 city blocks. When it's cold out in Edmonton, the West Edmonton Mall is a warm mini-city of fun and shopping.

You may be surprised to know that the world's largest and longest underground shopping complex is in Toronto, Ontario. Famed for entertainment, the Toronto Entertainment District is also famous for spectacular shopping in Canada. Called PATH, this underground shopping complex holds more than 1,200 shops and services. It's even in the Guinness Book of World Records! PATH stretches out 10 kilometers (6.5 miles) and holds a hotel, one-of-a-kind shops, games, restaurants and entertainment. Canada shopping all in one long, underground stretch, this is what PATH offers.

For very unique Canadian shopping, head up to the Yukon to the Log Skyscraper Trading Post. Located in Whitehorse, Yukon, the Log Skyscraper is a four-storey log building located in the downtown district. The actual trading post is a two-storey log structure, right in from of the Skyscraper. Martin Berrigan, a Yukon pioneer in the 1940's built both structures. They are now designated as a Municipal Historic Site and are the most photographed building in the Yukon Territory.

At the Trading Post, shoppers can buy anything from a Klondike gold nugget to a lynx fur. Local handicrafts, Northern books and candy can also be purchased.

Orlando Shopping

The Orlando shopping scene is an expansive one, so if you like to shop, it's just one more reason to take an Orlando vacation. Whether you like hitting outlet stores or you prefer to check out boutique shops, you can have it your way when it comes to shopping in Orlando. At Disney World alone, you will find a seemingly endless amount of opportunities to shop until you drop, and you could easily fill the better part of a day perusing the goods at an Orlando mall. With so many shopping possibilities in Orlando, it can be easy to go a bit overboard with your spending. It can definitely be hard to pass on some of the more unique goods that you'll find here, which include the more distinctive souvenirs at some of the major theme parks.

One of the best places to do some Orlando shopping is Downtown Disney, which can be found at the Walt Disney World Resort. A large, outdoor complex, Downtown Disney features three main areas, each of which boasts its own flavor of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. From boutiques where you can get a makeover to unique candy stores, the Downtown Disney shops have it all. You can also find unique toy stores here, a huge music store, a bath and body shop, and even a budget shop where surprise grab bags are among the goods. Should you head over to the House of Blues when you're visiting downtown Disney, you can do some shopping at the HOB Company Store. Harley Davidson fans won't want to miss the Harley shop, which in addition to selling things like t-shirts and collectibles, also displays some pretty cool motorcycles. There are too many different shops in Downtown Disney to fully cover, and your Disney shopping options only get more complete when you check out the other stores at the various Disney theme parks and resorts. Don't forget that you can always break for a viewing of the Cirque du Soleil show, La Nouba, when hanging out at Downtown Disney.

The Blue Man Group, which is another top Orlando show, takes place at CityWalk, which is another great place to find some unique Orlando stores. CityWalk, which is a definite hotspot for entertainment, is located at the Universal Studios Resort, and in addition to an array of great array of shops, this 30-acre complex also features scores of restaurants, live music venues, some sizzling clubs, and a large cineplex theater. It's also here where you'll find the largest Hard Rock Café in the world! From the latest in teen fashion to the best cigars, you will find a lot of diversity at the CityWalk shops. Start your Orlando shopping experience here, and you might not even need to go anywhere else. In addition to shopping at Disney World and Universal Studios, those who are looking to pick up some unique souvenirs or gifts can also see what other theme park franchises have to offer. At Sea World, for example, you can find plenty of unique goods that will be hard to find anywhere else.

In addition to Downtown Disney and CityWalk, International Drive is one of the best places do some serious Orlando shopping. This renowned avenue basically cuts through the heart of the main theme park area, offering proximity to such parks as Sea World, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure. Not only does the area around International Drive feature some of the best Orlando stores, but it is also home to a bunch of restaurants, some interesting attractions, and more than a handful of hotels. Many shoppers who come to International Drive are interested in hitting the outlet shops. The best outlet malls in Orlando can be found just off the southern stretch of International Drive, while the Pointe Orlando area boasts some interesting specialty shops, not to mention some hip clubs and some tempting restaurants.

In addition to hitting the outlet malls in Orlando, those looking to do some mall shopping can always head over to the Mall at Millenia, where luxury brands abound. Top designers, such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton have shops at this upscale Orlando mall, and if you're looking for jewelry, you might start at the Park Promenade Jewelry store. The department stores at the Millenia Mall include Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Neiman Marcus. You can find the Mall at Millenia just east of Universal Studios at 4200 Conroy Road . After you hit this sleek Orlando mall and the aforementioned shopping hot spots, you might not only be out of energy, but also out of cash. Should you still have reserves left, you can always continue your Orlando shopping experience at the Orlando Airport . Some of the most unique Orlando stores can be found at the Orlando Airport , and if you missed the chance to shop at the main theme parks, you will find some Disney, Sea World, and Universals Studios shops here.

You can also check out nearby Kissimmee before you leave if you still have that shopping itch. In Kissimmee , you can always find some interesting souvenirs and gift items, not to mention some of the best discount hotels in the area. Those looking to extend their shopping in Orlando experience even more can also visit Winter Park , which can be found just north of Orlando 's downtown area. Some upscale retail shops and a cobblestone street help to make Winter Park an attractive place to hang out, and after you hit the shops and maybe grab a bite to eat, you might see what the art galleries have on display.

Miami Shopping

Miami Shopping


Miami is a favorite shopping destination for travelers from across the world due to the variety of Miami stores on offer here. Miami shopping includes exciting indoor and outdoor malls as well as small and exclusive boutiques. A mall in Miami will typically have many upscale restaurants and shops for tourists and locals to indulge in as well, which means that a trip to one of Florida's great shopping centers can easily be worth a day of your vacation.

Lincoln Road is a wonderful Miami shopping district as it has some of the best retail shops you could dream of. One of the great things about shopping here is the fact that it’s closed to traffic; you can stop at every corner and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee without trouble. The Miami stores and cafes here are open until late for enthusiastic, nonstop shoppers as well. All in all, with its palm trees and art deco buildings, Lincoln Road offers a very unique shopping experience.

Another great mall in Miami is the ever-popular Dolphin Mall. Sawgrass Mills, CocoWalk, Aventura Mall, Bayside Marketplace and Dadeland Mall are all also major shopping malls in the city. Collins and Washington Avenue between themselves make up the upmarket designer shopping district and constitute some of the best shopping in Miami, while Espanola Way is a great alternative if you tire of the other places.

The Falls offers a fantastic view of a waterfall along with some really great shopping. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs from the beach or the latest Armani or Chanel, you can buy it all at this mall in Miami. Miami stores in general offer other products of all kinds, so if you want a nice new collar for your pet or a pearl necklace for your mother, it’s all there waiting for you to pick it up. What’s more, if you’re watching the budget, there are several outlet malls that allow you to do some Miami shopping without leaving a large crater where your bank balance should be.

Everyone wants a good deal in Miami, and with some searching, you are likely to get one, due in large part to the plentiful outlet malls in Miami. Local handicrafts and artisan products such as guayabera, bustelo coffee and handmade cigars, Patron Saint candles, and Mariquita Perez dolls are among many such indigenous products you will be able to buy at Miami stores. Art collectors and people who love buying furniture will also love shopping in Miami. All in all, your purchases are things to treasure and keep as mementos of your lovely Miami vacation.

After your busy day of shopping in Miami, relaxing in one of the city’s great spas is a great way to unwind. These offer a range of treatments, from yoga to massages and water aerobics. You can also explore the array of amazing restaurants and cafes that comprise Miami’s dining options. Or you can simply head back to your luxury Miami hotel and go through all your new purchases.

Jacksonville Shopping

Shopping not only interests anyone who loves to shop but also anyone curious about a certain destination. Popping your head into the small, mom and pop shops as well as specialty stores, boutiques, and other locally run small businesses tells a fairly accurate tale about a city and its community. The huge variety of stores in Jacksonville definitely reveals specific traits about the city and its people. The large number of malls in Jacksonville is a sure sign that locals love to shop! They also want access to name brands and top-market products. Scores of independent stores and specialty shops reveal telltale characteristics of a strong local community that has plenty to offer both visitors and locals. Unusual finds, unique gifts, necessary basics, and scores of other products are all available while shopping in Jacksonville.

The many malls throughout the city make Jacksonville shopping and excellent way to beat the heat, explore numerous stores under one roof and enjoy many other things to do inside several city malls. Avenues Mall in Jacksonville is one of the top malls in the city. Situated in the well-known Baymeadows and Mandarin neighborhoods in south Jacksonville, Avenues is an upscale shopping mall and the second largest in the city. Two stories brimming with a multitude of popular stores comprise the mall, with a canopy of skylights and two broad glass domes overhead. Bright and refined featuring wide open spaces to accommodate large crowds, this is one of the best malls in Jacksonville to find popular anchor stores like Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic and Brookstone.

Another of the extremely popular malls in Jacksonville includes Regency Square Mall. This hot shopping stop is any retail-lovers dream destination, offering some of the best shopping in Jacksonville to boot. Regency Square sits between the beaches and downtown, home to many popular Jacksonville attractions and city hotels. It is the biggest, as well as the oldest regional Jacksonville shopping mall. Though not as shiny and new as Avenues, nor as refined, Regency Square Mall fills a need as home to many popular stores in Jacksonville like Bath & Body Works, Old Navy, World Foot Locker, The Disney Store, and KB Toys. It features a newly renovated food court in a full nautical theme, a popular indoor kid's train ride, and is surrounded by other strip malls, dining options, big box stores, and a colossal movie theater.

There are several other Jacksonville shopping districts that are worth a look, especially if you're searching for a unique gift. Aside from the many Jacksonville malls, other local favorites include the Bayard Antique Village, the entertainment complex of Jacksonville Landing, upscale shopping in Riverside, and Sugar Bear Antique Mall. San Marco is another great shopping area highlighted by upscale homes, a collection of exclusive boutiques and plenty of great restaurants located in 1920s Mediterranean style buildings. For a great choice in unique stores in Jacksonville, as well as fantastic dining options, head to Five Points Historical District, Jacksonville's preferred nightlife district where restaurants, coffeehouses, shops, and nightclubs abound.

Daytona Beach Shopping

Daytona Beach shopping has something for everyone, and there are quite a few interesting things that you can pick up during your visit. Buying at least one t-shirt almost seems mandatory when visiting this coastal city, and you can find the best t-shirt shops in the beachfront area. A stroll along the boardwalk will reveal some souvenir shops that you might explore if you want to get some touristy stuff. Be prepared to blush at least once when browsing the goods at the t-shirt shops, as some make some pretty strong statements. There's more to Daytona Beach shopping than t-shirts and souvenirs, and the unveiling of the new Ocean Walk Village near the Main Street Pier has done well to expand the shopping options.

In addition to shopping for t-shirts at the beachside Daytona Beach shops, you can also hunt for jewelry, grab a few home decor items, or even pick up some antiques. The options have expanded in recent years, and you can always waltz on over to the Ocean Walk Village if you want to peruse the goods at upscale stores in Daytona Beach. Ocean Walk Shoppes is the name of the shopping area at Ocean Walk Village, and it's the place to go if you are interested in shopping at some good boutique stores in Daytona Beach. In addition to a fine collection of stores, Ocean Walk Shoppes also boasts restaurants and a movie theater.

Crossing over to the mainland side of Daytona Beach, you can do some shopping on the side while you enjoy a leisurely stroll on Beach Street. This is one of the city's best avenues, especially for walking and shopping. Head to the section of Beach Street between Orange Avenue and Bay Street if you want to do some Daytona Beach shopping, as it is home to clothing shops, art galleries, antique stores, collectibles dealers, and even a shop that revolves around magic. If you get tired while shopping on Beach Street, you can always stop at one of the cafes to break for a cup of coffee and maybe a quick snack.

Daytona Beach is home to some big annual events, and two of them revolve around motorcycles. Both Bike Week and Biketoberfest attract thousands of visitors to the city every year, and if you want to fit in during these events, you can always hit the Harley Davidson Store on Beach Street. This is definitely one of the more popular stores in Daytona Beach. In addition to a large retail shop, the Harley Davidson Store also features a diner where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch. There are also plenty of bikes on display here, and if you like motorcycles, you're bound to find yourself admiring them.

It's not all about the Daytona Beach shops when it comes to shopping in the city that dubs itself the "World's Greatest Beach." The Daytona Flea and Farmers' Market, which is open on the weekends the year round, is one of the more enjoyable places to do some Daytona Beach shopping. There are more than 1,000 covered booths here selling virtually everything under the sun, and you can also head indoors to peruse the goods that the collectibles and antiques dealers are hawking. You never know what you might find at the Daytona Flea and Farmers' Market, and it's easy to get stuck here for hours. You can find this large flea market on Tomoka Farms Road about a mile west of the Daytona International Speedway.

While the destinations listed above are some of the best places to go shopping in Daytona Beach, they aren't the only places. Next to the Speedway and the Daytona Beach International Airport is the Volusia Mall, which offers up its fair share of Daytona Beach shops, many of which you might recognize, such as Bath & Body Works and Abercrombie & Fitch. Other malls in Daytona Beach that you can visit include Bellair Plaza and the Sunshine Park Mall. The former is the beachside area's largest shopping center, and its casual atmosphere is inviting. As for the Sunshine Park Mall, it features retail stores and restaurants, not to mention supermarkets if you want to pick up some food items. You can find the Sunshine Park Mall at 2400 S. Ridgewood Avenue.

Shopping in Florida

In Florida, even shopping can be a thrill ride. Whether the amusement park atmosphere of an Orlando mall or the ultra-chic boutiques of Palm Beach, Florida shopping offers something for everyone.

Theme Shopping

Can't get enough of the Mouse? Welcome to The World of Disney, the planet's largest Disney character store, in Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney Shops. Nearby, you'll find theme shops for Cirque du Soleil, House of Blues, Planet Hollywood, Harley-Davidson, and the amazing LEGO Imagination Center.

Fort Lauderdale's Los Olas Riverfront might be considered a Florida mall theme park, with its Spanish tile roofs, sunny courtyard concerts, and the adjoining trendy venues along the Riverwalk and Las Olas Boulevard.

At the Shops of Paradise at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, you'll find unique Florida shopping for Native American art and rare exotic seashells.

The Perfect Florida Mall

With flagship retailers, funky boutiques, weekend farmer's markets, and rollerblading beautiful people, the eight-block pedestrian mall on Lincoln Road in South Beach has been the model for half a century for what malls around the world aspire to be: the place to be.

Discount Outlets

Love to see "originally priced at" on a tag? Sawgrass Mills Mall, west of Ft. Laudedale, features discount outlets like Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nordstrom Rack, OFF 5TH Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, and Kenneth Cole.

Near Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores features discount shopping at Old Navy, Eddie Bauer, Nike, Sony, and the Gap outlets.

Haute Boutiques

If you're a regular on Rodeo Drive, you'll feel right at home at Bal Harbour Shops in Miami Beach, a Riviera-style mix of palm trees, fountains, and A-list stores including Cartier, Christian Dior, Escada, Fendi, Hermes, Prada, and Tiffany.

Tuscan ambiance abounds at the Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables, featuring Artefacto, CH Carolina Herrera, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Roberto Cavalli, and La Perla.

For over half a century, the Palm Beach set has frequented posh Worth Avenue shops, such as Chanel, Giorgio Armani, David Morris Jewelers, Dunville's L'Antiquaire, and Emanuel Ungaro.

Shopping By Design

Miami's 18-square-block Design District has opened the world of interior design to the public, with dozens of leading-edge furnishing showrooms and art galleries, including Holly Hunt, Odegard, and Art Basel. Art Night events are held the second Saturday of each month.

Funky Chic

Everything from kitschy boutiques to mid-century antiques can be found at Miami's still up-and-coming Biscayne Corridor neighborhood, on Biscayne Boulevard between 50th-79th Streets.

Start your eBay empire at Ft. Lauderdale's sprawling Swap Shop, featuring homemade crafts, garage-sale bargains, and a farmers market.

Online shopping

Care to do your Florida shopping before or after your trip? All things Disney can be purchased at www.disney.com. Indian River oranges, tangelos, and ruby red grapefruit can be sent to your door from www.halegroves.com. Select fine Key West cigars from www.thompsoncigar.com. Or try online shopping at a hot South Beach boutique at www.tomasmaier.com.

Los Angeles Shopping

The Los Angeles shopping that is available in the city is as varied as its rich ethnic heritage, and some of the best places to shop In LA can be found in some of the many ethnic neighborhoods. These are also great places for dining on ethnic specialties, for attending special events and holidays, and for visiting some of the city's attractions and landmarks. Many of these neighborhoods represent the largest population outside of their country of origin - largest concentration of Mexicans outside of Mexico, largest concentration of Koreans outside of Korea, and so on. The shops in LA's Chinatown, Little Ethiopia, Little Korea, and the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic District will net you some truly fascinating souvenirs. Other stores in Los Angeles that offer more traditional souvenirs can be found in Venice and Santa Monica near the beaches, destination for so many tourists. The shops and stalls along the Venice Beach Boardwalk in particular offer many handcrafted items.

Good Los Angeles shopping can found everywhere in this vast, sprawling city, but some areas are known more as the best places to shop in LA than others are. For a variety of good stores and chic boutiques, try the pedestrian only Santa Monica Third Street Promenade, where you can find name brand stores like the Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Radio Shack. You can also find unique stores such as Anthropologie and the Rip Curl Surf Center. This is also the site of two important Farmers Markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It's a one-stop destination, with numerous restaurants and cafés, and there are nearby hotels as well as nightlife.

If you want to rub elbows with the very wealthy and famous, you will want to do at least a little window shopping at the stores in Los Angeles that line famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills—the street where Julia Roberts had her famous shopping spree in the film Pretty Woman. Some of these stores are so exclusive, that the average client drops a cool $100,000 per visit and must make an advance appointment to be served. Here you will find a who's who of elite stores, including Bulgari, Christian Dior, Ferragamo, Prada, Lladro, and many more.

There are large shopping centers in Los Angeles all over the city that are home to more affordable names. The Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks (in the San Fernando Valley between Beverly Hills and Burbank) is typical. It is part of the Westfield Group that has several shopping centers throughout the country. They are generally anchored by one or more large department stores, like Bloomindales or Macy's, and then have numerous other retail outlets with clothing and shoe stores, home furnishings, jewelry, electronics, book stores and stationers, several restaurants as well as a food court, and often even movie theaters. You will find that some of the Los Angeles shopping centers are quite famous. These include the Beverly Center (between Beverly Hills and Hollywood), the Sherman Oaks and Glendale Gallerias, and the Grove near the Petersen Automotive Museum.

One of the best places to shop In LA for an authentic flavor of the city is the Los Angeles Farmers Market. An integral part of the city's history, this vibrant, bustling marketplace has been going strong since 1934 when a group of farmers showed up on the empty field and displayed their fruits and vegetable on the tailgates of their pick-up trucks. Today, you will still find stall after stall of fresh produce, as well as shops selling souvenirs, handmade candles and soaps, toys and children's clothing, jewelry and accessories, antiques, sunglasses, and seasonal items. You will also find numerous dining spots with everything from pizza and burgers to authentic Cajun gumbo and a real Argentina barbecue. It is located in the downtown area with easy access to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Sunset Boulevard. Many iconic stores in Los Angeles are, in fact, located on Sunset Boulevard. More stores that were originally opened to serve the large student population of UCLA can be found in Westwood. Finally, if you need a little pampering after a day of shopping, you will find day spas located in or near virtually all the main shopping areas.

Austin Shopping

Austin shopping can fill hours on end, and it seems that every year, the options only get more expansive. The Downtown District is one of the best places to start when looking to do some shopping in the Texas Capital, and if you haven't been Downtown in a while, you might notice some fresh shopping hot spots, such as the one that is expanding around Congress Avenue on West Second Street.

The 6th Street Entertainment District is the top spot for Downtown Austin shopping, with the shops ranging from specialty stores and boutiques to antique shops and art galleries. The West End is also worth exploring, thanks to its book, computer, music, and handicrafts stores. The prime Downtown shopping area is relatively easy to get around when traveling by foot, and there are plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants to choose from when you need to take a break.

The Downtown District isn't the only place to look when trying to find a good shopping center in Austin. In the Lamar District to the near west, for example, there is a satisfying array of specialty shops that are of the one-of-a-kind variety. After exploring the Lamar District, those who are looking for a good shopping center in Austin might head to North Lamar and 38th Street. A renowned food store can be found in this shopper-friendly area, and visitors can also check out a number of specialty shops that sell anything from cosmetics to cameras. Should you head west on 38th Street, you will eventually come across a pair of smaller shopping centers that offer specialty stores and boutiques.

Another interesting shopping center in Austin can be found just north of town near the University of Texas at Austin. Guadalupe Street, or The Drag as it is locally known, is home to some interesting shops that cater mostly to students. Beads and books figure among the goods that are for sale along The Drag, and when the weather is nice, people often take to selling jewelry, t-shirts, and other items in an open-air area named Renaissance Market.

When shopping enthusiasts aren't hanging out to the near north of the Downtown Austin, they might wander down to the near south. As you cross the river and exit Downtown Austin on Congress Avenue, you eventually come into South Congress, which is also known as SoCo. The shops along South Congress include a variety of antique stores, clothing shops, boutiques, and art galleries. The first Thursday of every month is arguably the best time to go shopping in South Congress, as that's when the monthly street festivals takes place. These festivals offer live music and other entertainment. It is worth noting that the Congress Avenue Bridge that you use to get to South Congress is also known as the Austin Bat Bridge. Between March and November, more than a million bats roost under the bridge, and their evening flying displays have become a popular spectacle with residents and visitors alike.

A good collection of Austin Texas malls help to round out the shopping options in the Texas Capital, and there are a bunch of farmers markets that spring up all over town from March to November. Northwest Austin is where the best malls can be found, and they include the Arboretum, the Gateway Complex, and the Arboretum Market. Northwest Austin, it should be noted, is often referred to as South Dallas and is an upscale area with ample shopping opportunities. The Austin Texas malls are not only home to a variety of shops. They also offer an array of restaurants, and if nothing else, their air-conditioned environs can prove inviting during the hot summer months.

In addition to spending some time at the Austin Texas malls, shoppers who are looking to get the full experience in Austin can also check out the city's farmers markets. The Austin Farmers Market is arguably the best of the bunch. Held at Republic Square Park in Downtown Austin, this market is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. between the months of March and November. In addition to perusing the food-related goods, those who attend the Austin Farmers Market can expect to enjoy various workshops, cooking demonstrations, and live music. There are also plenty of kid's activities to keep the little ones content.

Akihabara Tokyo Electronic Gadget Shopping - Japan

Akihabara (秋葉原) ("Field of Autumn Leaves"), also known as Akihabara Electric Town (秋葉原電気街 Akihabara Denki Gai), is an area of Tokyo, Japan. What make Akihara so famous is AKihabara or Akiba is the central of Electronic shops in Japan.

Akihabara is the biggest electronics shop district in the world and one of the most important Japanese pop culture springs. Akihabara dreamed place for gadget, technology, anime, video games, robots and manga lovers.

Akihabara is the otaku of those who interested in Cosplay, Anime, Manga, and video playings. We can see the latest fashion in Japanese Electronic goods.

Major stores in Akihabara :

1. Ishimaru Denki
Operating ten stores across Akihabara, including the Main Store, Number One branch and Ekimae branch for electronic equipment, the Pasokon branch for PCs and the Game One and Soft One to Three branches for CDs, DVDs, games and anime related goods

2. Sofmap
Sofmap operates as many as 16 shops in the Akihabara area including multiple branches, which specialize in used computers. The stores are numbered from 1 to 14 plus the main store and the Kakuta branch. A duty free floor can be found in store number one.

3. Laox
Operating eight stores in Akihabara, including the Main Store, Computer branch, Duty Free Akihabara branch and Watch & Camera Branch, the Gakkikan branch for music instruments and three Asobit City branches for hobby and game related products.

4. Yamada Denki - Labi Akihabara
Yamada Denki operates a "LABI" store just across the street from the Akihabara Electric Town exit of JR Akihabara Station. It specializes in personal computers, pc accessories, and household electronics.

5. Akky
Akky operates three duty free shops in the area around Akihabara Station: Akky Main Store, Akky II and Akky III. Products on sale include a variety of electronic equipment for overseas use, including cameras, computers, televisions, DVD players and software.

6. Yodobashi Camera
The Shinjuku based discount electronic store giant Yodobashi Camera opened its huge Akihabara branch in September 2005. Unlike most other electronic shops, it is located on the east side of Akihabara Station, in the new Yodobashi Akiba Building.