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“Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping.” – Bo Derek
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Most people enjoy shopping. In fact, they derive so much joy out of it that they’re willing to travel all over the globe for some retail therapy. After all, it does work every time!
There is something therapeutic about walking into a store and picking out a brand new pair of Manolo Blahniks. Maybe it’s the sight of them; or perhaps, it is their smell. It could also have something to do with the way they make you feel once you put them on.
Of course, the shopping cycle would be incomplete if you picked up a pair of sexy kicks without getting yourself a stylish new dress, a few accessories, gears, bags, cosmetics, and so on!
So, is there a place where you can get the best of all of these? Of course, there is. In fact, there are several such places, all of which offer unmatched shopping experiences.
Mentioned ahead are a few fantastic global shopping destinations that every die-hard shopper ought to make their way to.
Hong Kong
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Hong Kong is an eternal shopping paradise. It offers a host of fabulous retail outlets to choose from. You can begin your spree at The Landmark Hong Kong Shopping Mall, which is well-known for offering the ultimate shopping experience. It houses the best fashion labels such as Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Dior and Gucci. It goes without saying that all of these come with a hefty price tag, so be prepared to splurge.
Head to the Harvey Nichols store if you’re in the mood to indulge some more, or if you’re looking to simply window shop.
If luxury shopping isn’t what you had in mind, do not miss LAB Concept in Admiralty. It’s a fantastic alternative to the high-end shopping malls in Hong Kong, and specializes in modern fashion items and also offers beauty products, music, and books.
Waltz through Cheung Sha Wan Road for off-the-rack fashion options or visit Cat Street for some interesting jade jewellery and antiques. Give the Temple Street Night Market a miss at your own peril.
If you’re among those who prefer customized clothing, then the Kowloon area in Hong Kong has your needs covered. The skilled tailors here will craft clothing to fit you to perfection.
Dubai
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The delightful Dubai is known for its beauty, luxury and the annual shopping festival. It is an ultra-luxe world not only for the countless rich Sheikhs living there, but for anyone who loves shopping in opulence. Whatever you need, you can buy in Dubai.
The bright and shiny Dubai is often referred to as the shopping capital of the Middle East. After all, it has over fifty malls with the Dubai Mall being the world’s largest mall in total area. Don’t miss the annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January, which is all about package deals and discounts (up to 70% on electronics, clothing and other popular items). In fact, stores all over Dubai slash prices during this time.
Gold is abundantly available here and sold copiously. Abu Dhabi is just a two-hour drive away if you’re looking to visit local markets for some attention-grabbing merchandise.
Tokyo
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Japan’s exotic culture makes Tokyo one of the most striking shopping destinations in the world, not just for electronic goods, but also for fashion. It houses some of the most legendary labels and has a buzzing retail scene.
A Bathing Ape (BAPE), WTAPS, NEIGHBORHOOD, and other Japanese brands may be a tad eccentric, but have a universal appeal. Another Japanese label, COMME des GARÇONS (French for ‘Like Boys’) regularly produces some of the most avant-garde collections in the modern high fashion arena.
Ginza, particularly the Dover Street Market area, is an affluent shopping district in Tokyo which should not be missed, and neither can retailers like the POOL Aoyama and UNITED ARROWS LTD.
If your style preferences hover around the unusual, yet trendy and interesting, then you could find everything you’re looking for in the vibrant city of Tokyo.
London
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Everyone knows that Londoners are extremely stylish people. Their wardrobes are inundated with a variety of trendy clothes that are nothing short of style statements.
Want to shop in London, but don’t know where to start? For starters, board the Tube and make a stop at Knightsbridge station. That’s where you’ll find the renowned store, Harrods. The street shopping scene here is pretty great too and you will find several shops selling baubles and ornaments.
If you’re short on time, but have lots to shop then head to the West End. Oxford Street is the place to be as it provides a find balance of touristy market stalls and high street chains to the east, and high-end department stores to the west.
When here, do visit the Regent Street for its sophisticated yet mid-price fashion stores. New Bond Street, on the other hand, is all about high-end couture. Finish your shopping sojourn by dropping in at Carnaby Street, a pedestrianised strip that is jam-packed with inexpensive tourist shops as well as first-rate clothing stores in equal measure.
Paris
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Every fashion fanatic dreams of being here. That says it all!
Paris has been capturing the imagination of fashionistas the world over with its timeless enchanting beauty and sense of style. When it comes to Paris, the one thing that pops into mind is the crème de la crème haute couture along with being engulfed by a feeling of luxury and sophistication.
The Louvre-Tuileries neighbourhood is where you need to be if you’re looking to get a taste of all that is luxe and chic. Rue Saint Honoré is the shopping Mecca of Paris with its modish designer boutiques. Here, you will find classic fashion houses such as Yves Saint Laurent and Hermes.
If you thought Paris was only about expensive fashion, Colette will prove you wrong! Colette is a concept store that sells men’s and women’s fashion, electronics, books and music all under one roof. Do try!
Milan
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What do you say about a place where fashion-gazing is considered a common activity even on its busy streets?
Italy’s fashion capital, everyone in Milan is stylish and has the gaze of the fashion police. Shoppers looking for high-end brands need to head to the Quadrilatero d’Oro or Golden Quadrilateral. However, do ensure that your credit card is loaded to its maximum capacity before coming here.
Another famous shopping centre here is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Don’t be surprised if you find your eyes fixed on the elegant iron and glass dome, which lends it the look of a posh art gallery.
Post that, feel free to explore the rest of the Quadrilatero della Moda, a square of upscale streets. Via Monte Napoleone is the place to be if you’re looking for exclusive Italian footwear, and iconic brands like Armani and Versace.
New York
The birthplace of almost every well-known fashion magazine, New York boasts of being home to some of the most fashionable people. In fact, it has an entire avenue called Fashion Avenue. The best thing about New York is that you can find some really stylish clothes not only in brick-and-mortar stores, but some of the NY-based online stores are equally competent as well.
Who hasn’t heard of Bloomingdale, Barneys and Macy’s? These are just a few of the famous labels that New York has to offer. Whether it is swanky brands or high-quality boutiques, New York has them all. What’s more? It is also home to skilled and professional online retailers like Ownonly. No wonder New Yorkers look great all the time!
Do watch out for the city’s fashion week, which is one of the biggest events in every fashion-lover’s calendar.
If you’re into vintage, second-hand bargains or are just looking for something quintessentially “New York,” visit the Brooklyn Flea, an open-air market in the suburb of Williamsburg.
Conclusion
We all love the feeling of buying something new and gorgeous. Landing up in places that offer immense variety in their offerings coupled with discounts and sales is every shopper’s dream. No amount of shopping bags can tire their hands. The truth is, shoppers will shop irrespective of whether it is in a fancy mall with big brands or at a street shop with unique deals. There’s a certain thrill in possessing something new and glimmering, waiting to be pulled of the store rack and shown off to all who can see. The above shopping destinations can offer you all of that and more. Make sure to make them a part of travel itinerary for an unparalleled shopping experience.
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