Istanbul is an oasis at the junction of Europe and Asia, the epicenter of entertainment, cultural monuments and, of course, exciting and profitable shopping. How, admiring the beauties and enjoying the mild climate, how to purchase a really high-quality product at an incredibly low price? What are the intricacies of “market” relations you need to familiarize yourself with, what tricks to adopt for a shopping trip to Turkey?
Brand Secrets
Perhaps shopping in Istanbul is guaranteed to be a success if we turn our attention to local brands. As a rule, the assortment of such famous brands as Polo Garag, Stradivarius, Bershka, Pull and bear, LC Waikiki, Zara is divided into groups of products designed for consumers with different income levels. Only a certain part reaches Russia or Kazakhstan at prices that are much higher than at home. And in the shops of Turkish shopping centers you can get acquainted with all the collections of brands, catching all kinds of promotions, discounts, sales.
The largest shopping centers of Istanbul :
- Cevahir.
- Forum Istsnbul.
- Akasya
- Marmara.
- Olivium
What to ignore?
The danger of fraud is mentioned in the reviews of tourists. Shopping in Istanbul can be overshadowed by the troubles associated with unjustified spending. Therefore, it is better to pass by and not waste precious time on brands such as Adidas, Nike, Lacoste and other names of non-Turkish origin. Such clothes and accessories will not be cheaper than at home, and this is at best. And at worst, there is a chance to buy an outright fake, created at the back of the metropolis.
Nisantasi is an elite area with a huge number of cafes, restaurants, vibrant boutiques of famous brands in Europe and America. Many of them are official representatives, so if you are interested in an elite product, you will have to pretty much fork out. The whole elite of Istanbul gathers here for shopping and for leisure activities. You can meet your favorite actors of Turkish TV shows and even try to chat.
Bazaars and shopping streets
Istanbul is a tourist city. Everything in it is adapted for tourists in the first place, and this must be remembered. Taking walks and sightseeing, I want to buy sweets and souvenirs in the nearest shop. Bazaars are attracted by the alluring aroma of spices, outlandish household items, luxurious carpets and, of course, cheap jewelry made of gold and silver. With confidence we can state the fact that even a few blocks further from the center in inconspicuous shops, the same product is much cheaper.
And if there is no desire to look for places where it is cheaper, then you need to bargain. At first it seems as if no one is going to concede a lira. But this is an awareness test. If you demonstrate self-confidence and be persistent, then at least 50% of the discount is provided. The trick is not to show your interest in acquiring a particular thing, but rather to show indifference and make it clear that no one intends to part with a larger amount. The seller is more willing to get rid of the goods for little money than he will not sell at all. Shopping in Istanbul is a delicate matter!
Large bazaars:
- Misir Carsisi.
- Kapali Carsi.
- Istiklal is one of the streets with many boutiques, shops and cafes. A favorite place for tourists, young people scurry around there and a red tram runs.
Leather, Furs
Turkey has always been famous for the production of leather and fur. There is no doubt in quality of outerwear, it is checked by time and intensive operation. The down jacket was not always on the podium. Once upon a time it was rarely possible to meet a person not in a sheepskin coat. Going to Istanbul for shopping, everyone is sure that he will not return without a sheepskin coat and leather jacket. Moreover, there is a firm belief that it will be possible to buy three times cheaper than at home.
No matter how! In frequented by tourists shopping outlets, “victims” are always welcome. Not letting you be taken by surprise and not give in to the tricks of professional traders is a whole science. Before you go choose a fur coat or jacket, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of leather and fur. Then, guided by knowledge of the case, you need to expose the subject of the purchase of imperfections and do a favor by buying a thing on its own terms.
Gold, silver
How is this usually? Fascinated by the atmosphere of the eastern bazaar, looking around and sniffing, I want to buy everything. Particularly attract and amaze with the scale of shop windows and counters with kilograms of gold and silver in the form of jewelry for every taste and color. And there are also such shops where sellers will kindly ask what sample the potential buyer prefers, and right before their eyes they will try the trinket they like. Clearly, the idea is bad. But many, upon returning home, checked the jewelry for the quality and gold content in them. Almost always, this gold corresponded to the declared characteristics. Everyone was happy with shopping in Istanbul, and reviews of gold jewelry in most cases are positive. There are regular jewelry stores with tags and seals. But the price of this product is not much different from the domestic one.
What to buy?
There is something in Turkey that you cannot leave without. List of important purchases:
- Upscale home textiles. Dressing gowns, bedding, tablecloths, towels, bedspreads. Advantages: quality, low price. Popular manufacturers: Madame Coco, Tac, LC Waikiki.
- Spice. One has only to approach the rows with spices, you want to turn into the nearest cafe. The aromas excite the gastronomic imagination. A lot of money will not be spent on stocking up with spices until the next trip.
- Tea, coffee, sweets. Tea lovers will appreciate the mild taste and aroma of the Turkish counterpart. Turkish coffee is enjoyed with pleasure even by those who are not a fan of the drink. Turkish delight, nuts, candied fruits, olives and olives are inexpensive, do not spoil, take up little space.
- Leather products. Handbags, wallets, and well outerwear are required to purchase. Quality at the height, modern design and, of course, an attractive price tag. No need to chase familiar luxury logos. It will be fakes and not always of good quality.
- Carpets On the market you can find both factory and handmade carpets. The former will be cheaper than the equivalent in their hometown by half, or even three. For the second you will have to pay more, but it will be a fee for authenticity, natural composition, original design.
- Souvenirs and household items will decorate any interior, will serve as an excellent gift, if necessary.
An integral part of the trip is shopping in Turkey. Istanbul is the best place to combine relaxation, sightseeing, shopping and tasting of local cuisine.