Build It and They Won’t Come – World’s Largest Shopping Mall Is 99% Empty

The New South China Mall in Dongguan, China is the biggest in the world. With an area of over 7 million square feet that can accommodate 2,350 stores, and attractions such as roller coasters, ghost trains and a replica of the bell tower of St Mark’s Square in Venice, you would think the place would be swarming with people. So did the owners of the mall, who expected over 70,000 visitors a day when they started building it. But today it stands empty, with almost no customers entering its gates. The 553 meter indoor and outdoor roller coaster hasn’t been operated since it was installed and 99% of the shops have never been leased out. The only ones that do operate are a series of fast food joints at the entrance of the mall and another few shops inside the huge complex.
New South China Mall was built in 2005 by Hu Guirong, who made his millions making instant noodles. He started the project with great enthusiasm, sending teams all over the world in search of ideas for his dream mall. And most of these ideas were even translated into reality. Where else in the world would be able to see a gondola on a mock Venetian canal inside a mall? But then something went horribly wrong, because when the place was completed in 2005, it simply failed to take off. It wasn’t even a dead mall, where tenants simply depart and business winds down slowly. No, Guirong’s mall never attracted merchants in the first place, as they felt it wasn’t a realistic place to set up shop.

Photo: David290

The failure of New South China mall has surprised many, especially since China’s consumer culture is growing by the day. According to retail analyst David Hand, “The Chinese people love shopping, they love brands, and they love international products, even though the average income is low. New shoppers are born every day. We won’t run out of them.” But some people aren’t surprised that the it failed to take off. Retail consultant Dick Groves says that New South China mall failed due to inexperience in the leasing business and the lack of a sound financial system. “When it’s easy to get financing without having to convince someone of the project’s feasibility, and without having to show pre-leasing commitment, you can start to get into trouble,” he points out.

Photo: Swoolverton

It’s rather sad to see pictures of the deserted mall. All that space, hard work, money and resources gone to waste. Well, if you would like to take a closer look at its interiors, a documentary is available on YouTube called “Utopia Part 3: the World’s Largest Shopping Mall”. Made by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Sam Green, the documentary premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. The film offers several explanations for the failure of the colossal project.

 Photo: David290

The world's first indoor city: a greatest hits mashup of London and New York

Dubai's Mall of the World will have its very own Oxford Street and Broadway. It will also have galleons, waterfalls, a giant retractable dome – and be climate-controlled

A retractable glass dome worthy of Kubla Khan ... Mall of the World. Photograph: AFP/Getty. Click to see full image -/AFP/Getty Images

Oliver Wainwright

@ollywainwright

Wednesday 9 July 2014 13.14 BSTLast modified on Tuesday 27 January 2015 12.52 GMT

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For the desert city-state that has the tallest building in the world, as well as the biggest flower garden and largest aquarium on the planet, plus islands shaped like palm trees, buildings in the shape of sails, and an entire archipelago shaped like the world itself, there was only one obvious next step: building an entire city indoors.
Unveiled this week, the Mall of the World is a vision for a climate-controlled leisure district, a place of hotels and shops, entertainment and healthcare, all connected by hermetically sealed avenues – 7km of them – along which trams will trundle.
Launched with a fanfare by the emirate's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, it is the first state-sponsored mega-project to emerge from Dubai since the light-headed days of the pre-crash bubble, when anything seemed possible, drunk on the tidal wave of petrodollars. After years of stalled cranes, sinking islands and litigious wrangling, the big plans are back – and they are more ambitious than ever before.

Dubai's very own Broadway ... Photograph: AFP/Getty

"We plan to transform Dubai into a cultural, tourist and economic hub for the two billion people living in the region around us," said Sheikh Mohammed as he launched the project in front of a sparkling model of the 48 million sq ft (4.5 million sq m) complex. "And we are determined to achieve our vision."
A kind of pick'n'mix urban collage, the project samples bits of cities from around the world with gay abandon. There will be a "celebration walk" modelled on Barcelona's Las Ramblas, a bustling billboard-lined theatre district modelled on New York's Broadway, and a shopping area based on London's Oxford Street – all sealed under snaking bubble rooftops.
There will be 20,000 hotel rooms and enough parking for 50,000 vehicles, servicing the largest shopping mall in the world, at 8 million sq ft (750,000 sq m). The centrepiece will be a vast "cultural celebration centre," shaped like a disco ball sliced in half and hollowed out to form a glittering backdrop to an outdoor amphitheatre. It will lead, via a triumphal covered avenue lined with spear-like towers, to a retractable glass dome worthy of Kubla Khan, beneath which will sprawl the "largest indoor theme park in the world." A place of fairytale castles and tumbling waterfalls, it will be protected from the blistering 40C heat in summer like the rest of the complex, and open up in winter to enjoy the balmy climate.

Spot the world's biggest indoor theme park ... Photograph: AFP/Getty

"Our ambitions are higher than having seasonal tourism," said Sheikh Mohammed. "Tourism is a key driver of our economy, and we aim to make the UAE an attractive destination all year long. This is why we will start working on providing pleasant temperature-controlled environments during the summer months."
The project also seeks to capitalise on the Gulf's booming industry of healthcare tourism, with a 3 million sq ft (280,000 sq m) "wellness district," so you can shop till you drop, then pop in for a quick facelift. It follows the success of Dubai Healthcare City, a free economic zone home to 120 clinics and hospitals, at the centre of the state's plan to attract 500,000 medical tourists by 2020.

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No timeframe or budget has yet been announced for the Mall of the World, but Dubai Holding, the state-owned development company behind the project, hopes it will be the emirate's main focus at the UAE World Expo trade fair in 2020. Dubai Holding is no stranger to dreaming big – but it hasn't always had an easy ride. Back in 2003, the company launched an ambitious plan for Dubailand, a gargantuan $64bn (£37bn) leisure district, planned to cover an area of 278 sq km, making it three times bigger than Walt Disney World. Slated to house 200 attractions, from a giant Legoland to a Marvel superheroes theme park, it was put on hold in 2008 – although cranes are once again moving and the first phase, the Miracle Garden, opened last year.
With a recent Deloitte report suggesting that $12bn of the UAE's stalled construction projects are back on track, spurred on by the new deadline of the 2020 Expo, Sheikh Mohammed's stately pleasure-dome might be more than just a mirage in the desert.

Top Shopping Places & Destinations

Top Shopping Places & Destinations

Shopping can be an obsession, a pleasure, a planned expedition – even a necessity – but whatever type of spender you are, there’s no retail experience better than a different city and a whole new set of shops! We’ve assembled five of the world’s best spending zones, and if you’re serious about your purchases, we know you’ll love them.

1Melbourne Shopping Holidays

Every Australian deserves the chance to shop in Melbourne – it’s our nation’s retail nucleus. All around this city there are places to browse, buy and window-gaze: the choice is vast, and stiff competition means you won’t have too much trouble sniffing out some bargains. If you’re an indecisive type, there are special shopping tours available – be sure to carry a spare bag!

If you’re going it alone, head to Chapel Street, Albert Park or Bridge Rd, Richmond for fashion, or play it safe in the CBD, which is literally jam-packed with stores and boutiques. Fitzroy is the place to go if your tastes verge on the bohemian; Flinders Lane is great for arts and crafts, and every single shopper should spend at least a few hours riverside at Southbank.

Grab a Melbourne map, take full advantage of the city’s foolproof tram system, and get ready to shop, shop, shop!

• Packages to Melbourne from $368*
• Hotels in Melbourne from $76*
• Car hire in Melbourne from $61*

2Singapore Shopping Holidays

Singapore’s lifestyle revolves around its world-famous shops, from the bargains of the many busy markets to the luxury stores, mega-malls and beautiful designer boutiques. Orchard Road is the place to start, and you’ll find shops of every type and size in this long, attractive tree-lined boulevard. It’s lined with malls selling fashion, crafts, antiques, electronics, cosmetics, sports goods – and almost everything else you can think of: a full five kilometres of retail bliss.

But Orchard Road isn’t where it ends: for a truly eye-popping Singapore shopping experience, go to massive VivoCity on the harbourfront – and make sure you’ve got plenty of time; you’re going to need it there!

If bargains and ethnic treasures are your thing, you’ll want to visit the three big market areas: Chinatown, the Mustafa Centre and Little India or the Mustafa Centre, as well as the bustling Sunday flea market along Clarke Quay.

We recommend shopping around before making a major purchase here, to be sure of getting the best price. Otherwise, just head out and enjoy yourself – the big stores are all air-conditioned against the equatorial heat.

• Packages to Singapore from $1207*
• Hotels in Singapore from $137*
• Car hire in Singapore from $89*

3New York Shopping Holidays

Shopping among the skyscrapers of New York is super-special: here you’ll find the world’s greatest names in retail, along with more boutiques, giant department stores, malls, specialty shops, bargain basements and chain brands than it’s possible to imagine. Fifth and Madison Avenues are a must: Fifth Ave has plenty of boutiques as well as department stores and will keep you busy for hours – if not days. On Madison Avenue you’ll find the really big names from New York and around the world, plus the beautiful old department store, Barney’s.

Other department stores to sample while you’re in this city are Bloomie’s (Bloomingdales), Bergdorf-Goodman, Saks, Macy’s and Lord & Taylor. If you’re on a budget, check out the discount shops (try the hugely popular Century 21) or the city’s famous sample sales – they happen year-round, but will require a little research on your part.

But wherever in this city you go, and whatever your style of shopping, we advise wearing comfortable footwear: there’s a whole lot of walking to be done!

• Packages to New York from $1420*
• Hotels in New York from $65*
• Car hire in New York from $101*

4Hong Kong Shopping Holidays

You don’t need us to tell you that this is one of the world’s prime shopping destinations – and a very easy place to lose sight of your bank balance! Retail rules supreme here, from mega-malls to ancient markets to themed shopping streets, so it pays to know where to go for the items you’re hoping to buy.

Want sportswear? Head straight to Sportswear Street on Hong Kong Island. Want a new watch? Go to New World Centre. For Chinese clothing and crafts (plus a lot more excuses to spend), don’t miss the Yue Hwa shops. For fashion, base yourself in Central district – The Landmark is a mall of big-name labels, but there are clothes stores everywhere here. And don’t miss the Wonderful Worlds of Whampoa!

If you want to save time and energy by browsing under a single roof, Hong Kong’s mega-malls have outlets for almost everything, including electronics, fashion and footwear: try Festival Walk, Times Square, huge Harbour City or Citiplaza. But most of all, get out and enjoy the challenges of this ever-busy, ever-changing city of shops and sights.

• Packages to Hong Kong from $1766*
• Hotels in Hong Kong from $40*

5Sydney Shopping Holidays

Come to Sydney prepared to spend, because the shops here are stunning and world class! Starting out in the CBD makes sense: it’s here you’ll find the big department stores, the famous arcades, malls and plazas – and they’re all within fairly easy reach of one another. The main shopping streets are Pitt Street – especially around Pitt Street Mall – and Castlereagh Street, and top shopping spots include the Queen Victoria Building, Chifley Plaza and Skygarden.

For something less conventional or the latest in street fashion trends, head for Oxford Street in Paddington, then go on down to Darlinghurst.

There are plenty of bargains available at outlet stores in and around the city, and the best way to find them is to join an organised shopping trip. At the other end of the scale, browse the beautiful boutiques of Double Bay – there’s serious temptation in store for you here! Darling Harbour is another excellent place to shop and explore, and don’t miss a combined shopping expedition to Circular Quay and The Rocks.

Top 9 Shopping Centers in Istanbul

by Erlend Geerts

in Shopping

Shopping centers can be considered as a very young concept in Turkey, since the history goes back only to the late 80s. However, once the malls appeared on the shopping scene, the Turks embraced them. Almost every neighborhood has at least one. Following you can find some of the biggest and fanciest shopping centers in Istanbul. They are mostly close to the Taksim area, thus very easy to reach by bus, subway, or taxi. Oh yes, as a rule of thumb, we can say that they are open between 10 am and 10 pm.

Akmerkez Shopping Center

Akmerkez

Akmerkez is located in Etiler, a neighborhood of the Beşiktaş district and one of the favorite areas among Istanbul’s elite. It is also close to the business quarters of Levent and Maslak.
This four-storey mall with almost 250 stores covers an area of 180.000 sq meters. It can be easily reached by tourists and locals alike thanks to their free transportation service from and to close range neighborhoods and hotels. It opened its doors in December 1993 and is open between 10 am and 10 pm every day.
Akmerkez was chosen the best shopping center in Europe in 1995 by ICSC. In 1996 it was recognized as the best shopping center in the world, moreover it also received the International Design and Development Award. Akmerkez is a unique shopping center, since no other shopping center in the world has both of these titles. In 2010, Akmerkez was awarded with the prize for best interior design by the European Commercial Property Awards.
Address: Ulus Caddesi No:3, Etiler – Istanbul
http://www.akmerkez.com.tr/

Istinye Park Shopping Center

Istinye Park

Located in the Istinye neighborhood of the Sarıyer district, Istinye Park has brought a new dimension to Istanbul’s shopping concept. Spread out over an area of 242.000 sqm, the shopping center offers a variety of outdoor and glass roofed indoor sections such as a green central park, Fashion District, street side shopping, a kids’ entertainment center of 1.500 sqm, Hillside Sports and Leisure Club, The Bazaar — an area inspired by historical Turkish architecture — and 12 movie halls, one of which being IMAX 3D.
Green, eco-friendly, humane and eye for details is how you can best describe Istinye Park. There are three waste collecting centers and a waste oil collector. Wheelchairs, lockers to leave your valuables, baby buggies free of charge and immediate tax refund are only some of the thoughtful services provided.
Address: İstinye Bayırı Cad. No: 73, Sarıyer – Istanbul
http://www.istinyepark.com

Kanyon Shopping Center

Kanyon

As a four-storey shopping center located in the financial district of Levent, the 37.500 sqm shopping center has 160 stores among which Turkey’s and the world’s most selected brands, gourmet restaurants, cafes, a health and sports club and movie halls.
Kanyon was awarded with the 2006 Cityscape Architectural Review Award in the “Commercial Built” category.
Address: Büyükdere Caddesi No:185
http://www.kanyon.com.tr/#/en/homepage/

City’s Shopping Center

City’s

In case you enjoy being in the center of fashion, let alone shopping, you have got to see City’s in Nişantaşı, part of the Şişli district and very close to Taksim. City’s is a shopping center which blends in with the historical texture of the area.
City’s concept is described as a Life Style Center. It sure deserves this stylish title, considering the variety of the stores, cafes, restaurants and the vital 24 hour six-storey parking service it provides to the populous area.
Address: Teşvikiye Mahallesi Teşvikiye Caddesi No:162, Nişantaşı – Istanbul
http://www.citysnisantasi.com/

Nişantaşı, an upmarket shopping district.

Nişantaşı

This is not a shopping center, but a district within walking distance of Taksim known for committed shoppers in search of sophistication.
In the mid 19th century, Sultan Abdülmecid I initiated the decent living in Nişantaşı. Today, Nişantaşı has the third largest community of foreign residents in Istanbul. It is a fashionable shopping and an upper-scale residential area. The locals of the district are known as dignified, well-mannered and educated.
Abdi İpekçi is, based on the monthly lease prices, the most expensive and classy street with prominent Turkish brands as well as world-known luxury retail stores such as Christian Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Cartier, Dior, Gucci, Gianfranco Ferre, DKNY and many more.
Besides the shopping euphoria, Nişantaşı has become a well-known culture and art center. Moreover, its cafes and restaurants in the area, especially on MimKemal Öke and Atiye streets are luscious.

Bağdat Caddesi ranks among the top 10 shopping streets in the world.

Bağdat Caddesi

On the Asian side of the city and roughly parallel to the shore of the Marmara Sea, Bağdat Avenue is a rather green and glossy 14 km long high street. The first residential steps in the area were the luxurious wooden chalet mansions built after 1870’s. Some still exist and contribute to the wealthy look of the upper-scale residential area. As well as the shopping exuberance, Bağdat Avenue is famous for international and local cuisine restaurants, pubs and cafes.
Bagdat Avenue scored 83 out of 100 and became 4th (!) on a ranking list of the world’s most famous shopping streets made by a Paris-based market consulting company in 2012.
The criterias of the mystery shoppers were:

• Appearance (cleanliness, lighting)
• Welcome (staff greetings, courtesy, availability)
• Atmosphere (garbage cans available, open space, clean pavement)
• Contact with passers-by (friendliness, helpfulness to people passing through the store)

The outstanding line for shoppers is the 6 km long stretch with one-way traffic from Bostancı to Kızıltoprak. You can track down most of the shopping malls and fashion stores in the direction westward between Suadiye, Şaşkınbakkal, Erenköy and Caddebostan neighborhoods.
I recommend you to get to Bostancı and then walk back towards Kadıköy – in the direction of the traffic flow. You will easily spend a full day in the Bağdat Caddesi.

Forum Istanbul

Forum Istanbul

Whatever you may need, you can almost bet on it that you can find it in Forum Istanbul. The shopping center made its debut in 2009 and is built on an enormous area of 495.000 sq meters. About 8.000 sq meters of it is occupied by Turkey’s first gigantic aquarium Turkuazoo and the first ice museum, Magic Ice.
The rest is shared among big stores like IKEA, the sports store Decathlon, Praktiker, several technology stores, 62 domestic and international clothing and shoe stores, 15 cafes, 34 restaurants and 10 movie halls.
Address: Kocatepe Mahallesi,Paşa Caddesi, Bayrampasa – Istanbul
http://www.forumistanbul.com.tr

Galleria Shopping Center

Galleria

You have just left the airport upon arrival and there is an emergency. You need to do some shopping! Tell your taxi driver to take the seaside road because the place to be is Galleria, the very first shopping center in Istanbul.
In the 80’s Turkey faced a lot of social changes. The mastermind was the innovative Prime Minister Turgut Özal who recommended building such a shopping center since he was inspired by the shopping mall Houston Galleria in Houston, Texas, USA. Located on the seaside of the Ataköy suburb, Galleria was built on a covered area of 77.000 sq meters.
It has several elite stores, restaurants, movie halls, a bowling hall and an ice skating rink. Galleria was recognized as the world’s most outstanding mall in 1990 by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) for sophisticated blueprint design, rapid construction, and unique structural features.
Address: Bakırköy Ataköy arası sahilyolu, Istanbul
http://www.galleria-atakoy.com.tr/

Metrocity Shopping Center

Metrocity

A four-storey shopping center housing 140 stores located in the finance district of Levent. Teflon coated fiberglass fabric was used for the roof construction, which brightens up the shopping pleasure.
Metrocity is the only shopping centers directly connected to the Şişhane-Hacıosman metro Line (M2).
Address: Büyükdere Cad. No:171 1. Levent
http://www.metrocity.com.tr/
In order to make the most use of the valuable land, most of the recently built shopping centers are combined with at least two towers for residencial and/or office purposes. Therefore, most of them have this majestic look.

The Not-So-Great Mall of China: Welcome to the world's largest (and loneliest) shopping centre

It was trumpeted as the world's largest retail mall, with shoppers able to browse through 1,500 stores, take a stroll along a mock Venetian canal or even have lunch in front of an 85ft replica of the Arc de Triomphe.
But the New South China Mall, which opened in 2005, stands empty with 99 per cent of its shops having remained unleased and attractions including a 553-metre indoor and outdoor roller coaster standing idle.
It was designed to attract an average of more than 70,000 visitors a day to the city of Dongguan, but has less than a dozen shops in its 9.6million sq ft of floor space.

Abandoned: The New South China Mall is the largest in the world, with space for 1,500 stores, but has less than 12 shops

Just before it opened the mall, which is located in China's southern Pearl River Delta, it was heralded by the New York Times as part of 'China's astonishing new consumer culture'.
The mall's developer, Hu Guirong, sent a team travelling around the world for two years in search of ideas.
It features seven zones modelled on different parts of the world, including a replica of the bell tower of St Mark's Square in Venice, as well and area dedicated to downtown San Francisco.

Eerie: Shop workers walk underneath a 550m rollercoaster in the deserted amusement centre

Vast: A man on a tricycle passes a Russian-styled triumphal arch at the 9.6million sq ft shopping centre

Attraction: A bored attendant makes a phone call next to the ghost train ride at the mall

David Hand, a retail analyst at Jones LaSalle in Beijing, said: 'They set out to the be the biggest, and hoped that being the biggest would be the attracting factor.
'It hasn't delivered.
'The Chinese love shopping, they love brands, and they love international products, even though the average income is low.
'New shoppers are born everyday. We won't run out of them.'

Run down: The mall sign stands unlit and, right, an abandoned gondola on the mock Venetian canal

Continental: The mall also features a Venetian canal, replica of the Arc de Triomphe, downtown San Francisco and themes from Las Vegas

China has been hit hard by the global recession, and the city of Dongguan is known for its popularity with low-paid factory workers.
The only occupied areas of the mall are near the entrance, where several Western fast food chains sell burgers next to an abandoned go-kart track. 
Dick Groves, a retail consultant based in Hong Kong, said the failure of the New South China Mall was down to inexperience in leasing business and an undisciplined financial system.
'When it's easy to get financing without having to convince someone of the project's feasability, and without having to show pre-leasing commitment, you can start to get into trouble,' he told The National.

Failure: Only Western fast food restuarants have survived at the mall's entrance

Fun fair: A family look at a pirate ship ride in the mall's amusement centre, which does attract some visitors

Around 500 new malls have been built in China over the last five years.
All of them are said to be waiting for the arrival of the middle class, with China the largest growing economy in the world before the recent global recession.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1223747/Ghost-mall-The-worlds-

Shop at the world’s largest shopping mall

• ADDRESS:Doha Street., Dubai
• SHOPPING TYPE:Shopping Mall

Photo courtesy: The Dubai Mall

Often described as the largest shopping mall in the world, Dubai Mall houses over 1,200 shops and 160 restaurants and cafes. These include major international fashion brands such as Gucci, Dior and Burberry, upscale department stores such as Bloomingdale's and Galerie Lafayette, and even a modern gold souk. If you still have time after all that shopping, check out the world's largest sweet shop, Candylicious; the indoor theme park SEGA Republic; Dubai Aquarium and Under Water Zoo; Dubai Ice Rink; and the Dubai Fountains, the tallest ones in the world.

World's best shopping cities

Seattle (Nadia Gerbish/Shutterstock)

Tired of visiting the same designer boutiques, venerable chains, and fluorescently-lit retail centers? So are we. That's why we decided to scour the globe for unique shopping spots; in these retail heavens, you'll find an eclectic array of boutique haunts, stylish department stores, and secret discount venues.

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But to be a true fashion capital, a city has to do more than just provide shoppers with a wide range of options. In compiling this list, we took a variety of characteristics into account, including versatility, culture, location, and budget-friendliness. If indoor shopping centers are more your scene, then head to Dallas, Houston, or Minneapolis; because we believe shopping is an experience meant to be savored, you won't find America's megamalls on our list. But if you would rather embark on a shopping spree to be remembered, keep reading to discover the world's top shopping cities.

Tired of visiting the same designer boutiques, venerable chains, and fluorescently-lit retail centers? So are we. That's why we decided to scour the globe for unique shopping spots; in these retail heavens, you'll find an eclectic array of boutique haunts, stylish department stores, and secret discount venues.

But to be a true fashion capital, a city has to do more than just provide shoppers with a wide range of options. In compiling this list, we took a variety of characteristics into account, including versatility, culture, location, and budget-friendliness. If indoor shopping centers are more your scene, then head to Dallas, Houston, or Minneapolis; because we believe shopping is an experience meant to be savored, you won't find America's megamalls on our list. But if you would rather embark on a shopping spree to be remembered, keep reading to discover the world's top shopping cities.

Seattle

Seattle's shopping scene is just as rich and bold as its coffee. Home to iconic national chains (like Nordstrom and R.E.I.), independent boutiques, and cozy bookstores, there's plenty to purchase in this hip city. A jumbled array of eclectic neighborhoods, Seattle boasts a diverse array of shopping haunts. The intersection of Pine Street and Fifth Avenue makes a great place to start hitting the racks, with upscale department stores like Macy's and Coach anchoring a smattering of local shops. For souvenirs, knick-knacks, and exuberant window displays, head to Pike Place Market. And for one-of-a-kind vintage items and unique crafts, visit Fremont and nearby Ballard, both hot spots for retro items, artsy galleries, and independent breweries.

(Photo: PKOM/Shutterstock)

Tokyo

Japan's epicenter features everything from cutting-edge electronics emporiums to budget-friendly designer warehouses. Just keep in mind you won't be able to take in all of Tokyo's retail institutions in one trip. So, you'll have to pick and choose where you want to go according to your shopping style. For designer labels, you'll want to follow the neon lights to Ginza. Here you'll come across recognized brands like Chanel and Cartier, as well as massive department stores like Matsuya and Hankyu. Still haven't met your label quota? Check out Omotesando, a six-story shopping complex which features a melting pot of independent boutiques and iconic brand names like Harry Winston and Yves Saint Laurent. If you would prefer to shop among a younger set, head to Harajuku, which boasts a smorgasbord of high-end retailers along with bargain shops. For Harajuku's high-fashion scene, head to Kyu Shibuya-gawa Hodo (also known as "Cat Street"). To get more for your money, head to Ameyoko Arcade, a pedestrian market filled with knock-offs, exotic spices, and discounted garments and shoes.

(Andrey Bayda/Shutterstock)

Los Angeles

In winter, when most of the country is hibernating from icy temperatures, Los Angeles beckons to shoppers with its warm weather, sparkling sands, and sun-drenched boulevards. Whether you're looking to lighten your wallet at the ultra-luxurious designer retailers lining Rodeo Drive or partake in a shopping spree at chic vintage boutiques, L.A. offers an eclectic spectrum of possibilities. To pick up eccentric, retro finds at discounted prices, head to West Hollywood, where stylish stores line the Sunset Strip and West 3rd Street. To marvel at impeccably dressed mannequins sporting designs straight off the runway, venture to Melrose Avenue. For more eclectic boutiques and scantily-clad sun-seekers, head to Venice Beach. And for a mish-mash of charming boutiques and New York-style department stores, take a drive to Old Pasadena.

(Patricia Hofmeester /Shutterstock)

Paris

The City of Light is home to upscale chains, charming boutiques, and haute-couture. And while it's easy to put your pocketbook to work on the elegant Champs-Élysées—where you'll find famous designers like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior—you'll get more bang for your buck in the budget-friendly shops found in the Sixth Arrondissement's stylish St-Germain neighborhood. Here, you'll spot fashion-forward retailers like Des Petits Hauts, André, and Cyrillus. If you're looking for a piece of vintage couture heaven, head to the Upper Marais in the Third Arrondissement, where you'll find cutting-edge garments inside chic boutiques, like Merci. And there's plenty more than the eye can see happening below Paris' uber-trendy city blocks. If you've never been before, head to Les Halles, an underground mall filled with upscale stores and cafés.

(SeanPavonePhoto/Shutterstock)

New York City

It's probably no surprise that the Big Apple—which houses more than 8 million stylish city-dwellers within its five boroughs—has made our list of shopping hotspots. Flagship stores, bustling marketplaces, funky boutiques … Manhattan boasts versatile shopping scenes that cater to fashion-forward shopaholics and chic New Yorkers alike. For designer labels and twinkling window displays, take a stroll along Fifth Avenue, between 34th and 59th streets, where you'll find institutions like Tiffany & Co., Macy's, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks. If you would rather shop somewhere that's kinder to your wallet, head to the independent boutiques that mingle with trendy urban retailers in SoHo. Those willing to spend a little more coin should visit bohemian Nolita, where window displays showcase vintage designer goods and one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories. And for knock-offs and knick-knacks, head down to Chinatown.

(Kaspar Grinvalds/Shutterstock)

Melbourne

The fashion nexus of Australia, Melbourne appeals to world-class shoppers and bargain-hunters alike. Rows upon rows of upscale designer storefronts line the eastern side of Collins Street, often called the "Paris End" by Melbournians for its high-end retailers. To continue draining your souvenir budget, venture to Chapel Street in South Yarra-Prahran, where posh boutiques rub elbows with charming cafés and exquisite art galleries. For a more bohemian selection, head to Fitzroy, just north City Center, which teems with eclectic, funky boutiques, cozy cafés, and art galleries by the dozen. Or make a trip to Flinders Lane and Swanton Street, both of which house chic venues filled with Australian designer labels and fanciful accessories.

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Santa Fe

No, you won't stumble upon the exquisite designer stores like those featured on Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive. However, you will find Santa Fe's cobbled streets teeming with eccentric shops specializing in locally crafted items like silver jewelry, turquoise, and pottery. If you came here to gallery-hop, head to Canyon Road, where more than 100 galleries and studios display contemporary and abstract works from distinguished local artists. Along this premiere shopping street, you'll also spot hand-woven Navajo rugs and wood carvings galore. Afterwards, check out the vibrant Santa Fe Arcade, which oozes Southwestern charm from its rich array of silver souvenirs and festive eateries.

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London

London's diverse mix of sprawling department stores, antiques-filled markets, and cutting-edge boutiques offer a pleasant experience for all. Whether you're looking for extravagant must-have items or marked-down merchandise, London has it. There's Harrods, the Knightsbridge landmark that teems with designer labels and elaborate window displays. And then there's Oxford Street, the vibrant shopping strip filled with popular clothing chains like Selfridges and TopShop. Prefer something a little more unique? Head to posh Soho, where eccentric (and high-fashion) pieces dangle from clothing racks. If you happen to be visiting over the weekend, make sure to stop at Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill: The usually peaceful street sees a flurry of activity on Sundays, when the area fills with vendors selling everything from antique silver teapots to retro vinyl.

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Chicago

As its name aptly suggests, Chicago's "Magnificent Mile" features a brilliant mile-long stretch filled with top-notch boutiques and designer chains like Neiman Marcus, Chanel, Nordstrom, and more. For those of you looking for bargain-basement finds, you'll find less costly chains, like H&M, Filene's Basement, and Gap perched on the north end of Michigan Avenue. Prefer meandering through less-packed shopping enclaves? Venture to Bucktown and Wicker Park for antique-filled furniture shops, funky boutiques, and trendy art galleries. (Begin your journey on Damen Avenue and stroll north to Armitage Avenue for the top shops.) Just be prepared to leave with significantly depleted funds after hitting the racks here—the West Side may boast more bohemian shops than the Mag Mile, but the prices are just as steep.

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Copenhagen

This cosmopolitan city offers plenty in the way of supreme shopping blocks. For example, this is where you'll find Europe's longest pedestrian shopping street, Strøget, brimming with stylish boutiques and cafés. If you're planning on spending most of your time near the intersection of Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn (the eastern end of Strøget's vast shopping network), pack a thick pocketbook: Here, high-end international brands like Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel occupy a large portion of the sidewalks. Looking for bargains? Stroll toward City Hall Square, where you'll have access to numerous European chains, including Bik Bok and Vero Moda. Another bonus of shopping in Copenhagen: the sights. As you hit the racks, be sure to stop and look around every once in awhile to marvel at the majestic Stork Fountain (Storkespringvandet), Royal Danish Theater, and Christiansborg Palace.

(Courtesy of the Charleston Tourism Board)

Charleston

If your ideal shopping spree involves strolling along quaint streets peppered with antique shops, art galleries, and cutting-edge boutiques, then make a bee-line for Charleston. King Street stands as the artery of the city's retail scene, boasting a rich assortment of local high-end home décor stores (as well as larger chains, such as Pottery Barn). For the best antique outlets, head to lower King Street, between Broad and Market. Looking for fashion-forward brands? Take a stroll to middle King Street where national chains, like Banana Republic, reside. Looking to stretch your dollar further? Visit the Charleston City Market on South Market Street, which sells everything from hand-crafted pottery to paintings to woven sweetgrass baskets.

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Dubai

Move over Las Vegas. In Dubai, everything is bigger and better, from the massive Dubai Mall to the bustling Gold and Spice Souks. In this Emirati metropolis (and major trading hub), you can find designer labels without the sticker-shock of American stores, thanks to tax-free price tags. Start your jaunt through the bustling bazaars for precious gems, Oriental silks, and savory spices—all for a much lower rate than they go for other parts of the world. Afterwards, work your way back to the world's largest shopping center, where more than 1,000 stores reside at the foot of the towering Burj Khalifa. And when you need a break for all the retail therapy, unwind by the Dubai Fountains, which feature an immense 900-foot-long pool.

Hong Kong Shopping, Top Shopping Place in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is perhaps the best shopping place in the world with reasonable prices, various products, and best service. In Hong Kong, shopping is not only the act of buying things, but also a form of recreation, a way of life.
Most goods from all over the world, except wine and cigarettes, are tax free, and prices are relatively low.
The best three buys are clothes, cosmetics and electrical appliances. Shops in Hong Kong offer not only goods but also a comfortable shopping environment, as they combine shopping and recreation.
Many shopping malls have restaurants, book stores, and cinemas, some large ones even have skating rinks. Some book stores have a café, enabling customers to choose their favorite books in a relaxed atmosphere.
At Christmas:Unlike other places around the world there aren't any pre-Christmas sales, yet still people flood to the malls around Christmas. See our Hong Kong Christmas Shopping Guide and Top Street Markets in Hong Kong for the best places to go for shopping. For other things to do and see, visit our Christmas in Hong Kong page.

Fashion and Beauty

Tsim Sha Tsui and Harbour City

Tsim Sha Tsui is aflourishingluxury shopping and recreational area. Toys Я Us has a branch in the region, and the Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard is a favorite for women, selling fashionable clothes at moderate prices.
Ming Chueng Shop is in the basement, it has not only clothes at moderate prices, such as G2000, U2, Color 18, Esprit, but also elegant brands like Episode, Jessica, and Crocodile.
Canton Road and Beijing Road have many chain stores of various famous brands, and Granville Road has cosmetics and factory outlets for clothes.
Harbour Cityis thelargest multipurpose shopping mallin Hong Kong, covering most of Canton Road in Kowloon, stretching from the Star Ferry Terminal in the south to China Hong Kong City in the north. It has five parts: Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, Ocean Terminal, Ocean Center, the Gateway, and the Pacific Club Kowloon.
This shopping mall is famous for many designer boutiques, such as Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Polo Ralph Lauren, Versace, Burberry, and Hugo Boss.

Also Read: How to Plan a One-Day High-Budget Shopping Tour of Hong Kong

Central

Situated on Hong Kong Island, Central is thebusiness and economic centerof Hong Kong. The Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank (HSBC) building and Bank of China building are the two most outstanding landmarks. Top boutiques and large shopping malls can also be found in this district.

• The Landmark Square has three floors and sells elegant top brands like Gucci, Versace, and LV, and youth brands like Versus, O.Z.O.C, and D&G as well as popular brands like Esprit and U2.
• The Pacific Place mainly sells high quality - and price - leather clothing, including LV, Channel, Tiffany, and Levin.
• The Galleria Square is a heaven for top Italian brands, almost all of the shops sell Italian clothes; and Peddar Building, a historical landmark, houses name brands in a superb setting.

Causeway Bay

Besides having the charming Victoria Park and the horse racecourse, Causeway Bay is also a prosperous “City Without Night”. The closing times are always the latest in the whole Hong Kong.
As the center of shopping for medium and high-end goods, gold ornaments, clothes, and cosmetics, as well as dining, everybody can find something they like there. To go shopping in Causeway Bay, visitors can start at Windsor Plaza at Great George Street in the east of Causeway Bay, and end at Time Square in the west of Causeway Bay.
Along the way, there are numerous shopping malls: Hang Lung Centre, Fashion Island, Island Beverly Center, World Trade Center, Jumbo Sogo, Causeway Bay Plaza, Mitsukoshi Shopping Mall, and Lee Gardens.
There is also the popular open market, Jardine's Crescent, where young people can buy fashionable clothes, and quirky and interesting things.
Most shops in Causeway Bay open at 11:00-12:00 and close at 10:00-11:00 at night.

Also Read: How to Plan a One-Day Middle-Budget Shopping Tour in Hong Kong

Jewelry and Watches

People in Hong Kong love jade artifacts, they believe that jade wards off evil spirits and protects them. Jade ornaments are usually worn to attend parties or during other ceremonious occasions. Jade is the symbol of wealth in Hong Kong.

Jade Market

Jade Market, located at the intersection of Kansu and Battery streets in Kowloon, is crowded with stalls selling jade items. It is a great place for tourists to spend a morning browsing and soaking up the atmosphere.
Tourists are recommended to go shopping there with an expert on jade, in case of being sold counterfeits.

• Location: Canton Road, between Kansu Street and Jordan Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon
• Business Hours:10am to 4pm, from Monday to Saturday.
• How to get there: Get off at MTR Yau Ma Tei Station Exit C, walk along Nathan Road to Public Square Street. Walk along Public Square Street to Canton Road for 10 to 15 minutes.

Electronics and Computers

Sham Shui Po

Sham Shui Po is famous for its vast amount of gadgets, electronic appliances, and computer products at competitive prices.

Ap Liu Street Flea Market

Ap Liu Street has a huge flea market containing new and second-hand electrical equipment, electrical components, AV equipment, and related items. You can also find antiques, watches, old coins, and other relics.

• Location: Ap Liu Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon
• Business Hours:Noon – midnight
• How to get there: Get off at the MTR Sham Shui Po Station, use the A2 or C2 exit, and you will be ascending directly onto Apliu Street.

Street Markets

Adventurous travelers should check out the top street markets in Hong Kong, where you can experience the real local life in Hong Kong, and  enjoy the happiness brought by various local products (including clothes, unique souvenirs, electronic products, and seafood) and the surprises of grabbing a bargain.
The most popular are the Ladies Market, Temple Street Night Market and Stanley Market. Each market has its own charm and treasures just waiting to be found. Remember to bargain.

Ladies' Market (Tung Choi Street)

Ladies' Market in Tung Choi Street is a great destination for the fashion conscious and those with an eye for bargain-priced sport shoes, watches, clothing, stationary, and cosmetics.
Men's and children's clothing are also on sale.

• Location: Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon
• Business Hours:Noon – 11.30pm
• How to get there: MTR Mongkok Station Exit E2

Temple Street Night Market

Temple Street is a wonderful place to visit and to eat in. It is an adventure to eat on the street, sitting on plastic stools at a seafood restaurant.
All the restaurants provide great local Chinese food, including, but not limited to, seafood. The prices are changeable so ask before you eat. The crowd is a mixture of tourists and locals.
If you are a shopper, it has astonishing variety of clothing, CDs, hardware, pens, trinkets, watches, and luggage, and will not disappoint you.

• Location: Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon
• Business Hours:4pm – midnight
• How to get there: MTR Jordan Station Exit A, turn right into Jordan Road, then right again into Temple Street

Stanley Market

Shopping at Stanley Market

Stanley Market is a street market on Hong Kong Island. It is the perfect place to buy something special for friends or relatives: Chinese artwork, silk collectibles, and curios, as well as larger-sized clothing.
Stanley Market also boasts several bars and restaurants on its waterfront along Stanley’s Main Street, where visitors can enjoy Italian, French, American, Indian, and Vietnamese foods. Just sit down and relax with a beer and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

• Location: Stanley Market Road, Stanley, Hong Kong Island
• Business Hours:10:30am – 6:30pm
• How to get there: MTR Hong Kong Station Exit D, and take bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260 from Exchange Square Bus terminus, Central

Jardine's Crescent

Situated in Causeway Bay, Jardine's Crescent is a long roadside market great for inexpensive clothing, accessories, and domestic goods, including many stalls featuring bags, women's tops and blouses.
Here you will also find lots of typical Shanghai or Hong Kong style restaurants, with small bamboo baskets of Dim Sum.

• Location: Jardine's Crescent, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island
• Business Hours:11am – 9:30pm
• How to get there: MTR Causeway Bay Station, Exit F

Li Yuen Street East and West

Located in Hong Kong's Central district, the market in Li Yuen Street East and West is crowded with shops, street stalls, and people. The market deals everything from inexpensive souvenirs, clothing, and costume jewelry to luggage and shoes.

• Location: Li Yuen Street East and West, between Des Voeux Road Central and Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong Island
• Business Hours:10am – 7pm
• How to get there: MTR Central Station, Exit C, then walk along Des Voeux Road

Mong Kok Specialist Markets

Mong Kok is always crowded but fresh and energetic as most small malls and streets aim at the younger generation.
What’s more, Mong Kok has many specialist streets, like Sport Shoes Street (Garden Street), Goldfish Market, Flower Market, and Bird Garden. Electrical appliances are also sold on Sai Yeung Choi Street South, and golden ornaments on Nathan Road.

Hong Kong's Flower Market

Flower Market is a great place to just visit, or to buy flowers, plants, and horticultural accessories. You can pick up a huge bouquet of flowers for no more than 3 dollars.
The fragrance of roses, lilies, chrysanthemums, tulips, carnations and a myriad of orchids and exotic blossoms is a truly magical experience.

• Location: Flower Market Road, Mong Kok, Kowloon
• Business Hours:7am - 7pm
• How to get there: MTR Prince Edward Station Exit B2, walk along Prince Edward Road West towards the direction of railway station for about 15 minutes

Bird Garden (Bird Market)

One of the most interesting markets to both see and hear in Hong Kong is the bird market on Yuen Po Street.
It is a small market, about 3000 square meters, and is bordered by Prince Edward Road West and Yuen Po Street (near the Flower Market).
Song birds and talking birds are particularly popular at this market. In the morning, old men often gather, while taking their birds for a walk, to socialize with other bird lovers.
The market also provides bird cages and food.

• Location: Yuen Po Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon
• Business Hours:7am – 8pm
• How to get there: MTR Prince Edward Station Exit B1, walk along Prince Edward

Goldfish Market

Hong Kong Goldfish Market is near Flower Market and Bird Market. If you have half a day free to appreciate an ecological trip, then you should stop at MTR Prince Edward Station, and take a look.
Hong Kong people believe having an aquarium with some goldfish ensures good luck. This is a Feng Shui practice, a very important part of Chinese culture for thousands of years.
The market also has turtles, coral, and all kinds of aquarium supplies.

• Location: Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon
• Business Hours:10:30am – 10pm
• How to get there: MTR Prince Edward Station Exit B2, walk along Prince Edward Road West towards the direction of railway station for about 15 minutes

Others

Tai Yuen Street

Tai Yuen Street is in Wan Chai district on Hong Kong Island, and is famous for its inexpensive toys. This is paradise for kids. Please do not feel ashamed to bargain.

• Location: Tai Yuen Street, Hong Kong Island
• Business Hours:Usually 7am - 7pm
• How to get there: MTR Wan Chai Station, Exit A3

Western Market

Completed in 1906, Western Market is the oldest market building in Hong Kong. The architecture is in Edwardian style, with an impressive exterior of red brick and granite arches.
The 4-story building features shops selling fabrics, clothes, antique watches, model buses, stamps, and special arts and crafts, and a number of cafes. The top floor is a restaurant and dancing hall called Grand Stage. It’s a great place to meet, dance, and enjoy a romantic dinner.
Location: 323 Des Voeux Road, Sheung Wan (上環德輔道中323號)
How to get there: Get off at Sheung Wan Station and use Exit B
Tel : 6029 2675

Furniture and Household Items

Take advantage of Hong Kong's location and the stunning ornaments readily available from mainland China and other parts of Asia at affordable and competitive prices.
Wan Chai is the best place to go in Hong Kong for furniture and household item shopping. Its streets are steeped in history and offer an amazing range of items.
Along Queen's Road East you can find lots of Chinese furniture shops that will happily arrange to have your purchases sent home.

Bookstores

Zhonghuan Joint Publishing中环三联书店
One of the biggest bookstores in Hong Kong, near the head office of Hang Seng Bank in Central District, and very convenient to get to by bus.
Joint Publishing has several branches in different districs of Hong Kong.
Address: 9 Queen Victoria Street, Central District (中环域多利皇后街9号)
One Branch: 158 Hennessy Road, Wanchai District (湾仔轩尼诗道158号)
Shanghai Press香港印书馆
Also near the head office of Hang Seng Bank, but seldom noticed because it lacks a clear sign. Most books there are 20% off.
The books are high quality, some uncommon and not found in other book stores.

• Address: 2nd Floor Shunlian Mansion, 17-19 Zubili Street, Central District (中环租庇利街17-19号顺联大厦2楼)

Also read famous shopping streets in China.

Hong Kong Shopping Reminders

1. Visa, American Express, and DC cards are widely accepted. Bargaining is not common and is only limited to some small shops or outdoor markets.
2. Shops are open for business during the Spring Festival. It is actually a very good shopping opportunity, because many shops launch promotions and discounts. Big shops, department stores, and shopping malls even extend their business hours before the festival, but from the first to the fourth day, they may close early. Most small shops and groceries close, and resume business from the fourth day of the festival. This applies to shops in Mainland China as well.
3. Do choose shopping malls with the sign of "Excellence" granted by Hong Kong Tourist and Development Bureau, because they can guarantee quality and service, and their goods are clearly priced. Be cautious of buying anything without price tags.
4. Keep the receipt and credit card receipt after the transaction, and always check carefully whether the contents in your shopping bag are exactly what you have purchased, in case they have been changed.
5. If you have any trouble with a shop owner, call the HKTB's Quality Tourism Services (28062823) for help.
6. Always keep an eye on your personal belongings.