Istanbul is an oasis at the crossroads 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, to buy a really high-quality product at an incredibly low price? What intricacies of "market" relations do you need to get acquainted with, what tricks to use to carry out a shopping trip to Turkey?
Brand secrets
Perhaps shopping in Istanbul is guaranteed to succeed if you turn your attention to locally produced brands. As a rule, the assortment of such well-known brands as Polo Garag, Stradivarius, Bershka, Pull and bear, LC Waikiki, Zara is divided into groups of goods 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, finding all kinds of promotions, discounts, sales.
Mostmajor shopping malls in Istanbul:
- Cevahir.
- Forum Istsnbul.
- Akasya.
- Marmara.
- Olivium.
What to ignore?
The danger of facing fraud is mentioned in the reviews of tourists. Shopping in Istanbul can be overshadowed by the hassles 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 cost less than at home, and this is at best. And at worst, there is a chance to buy an outright fake, created in the backyards of the metropolis.
Nisantasi is an elite area with a huge number of cafes, restaurants, bright boutiques of famous brands in Europe and America. Many of them are official representatives, so if you are interested in a luxury product, you will have to fork out a lot. The entire elite of Istanbul gathers here for shopping and leisure activities. You can meet your favorite actors of Turkish TV series 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, you just want to buy sweets and souvenirs in the nearest shop. Bazaars attract with the alluring aroma of spices, outlandish household items, luxurious carpets and, of course, cheap jewelry made of gold and silver. It is safe to state the fact that even a few blocks further from the center ininconspicuous shops the same product is much cheaper.
And if there is no desire to look for cheaper places, then you need to bargain. At first it seems as if no one is going to give up even a lira. But this is a test of awareness. If you demonstrate self-confidence and be persistent, then at least 50% discount is guaranteed. The trick is not to show your interest in acquiring a particular thing, but, on the contrary, 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 not to 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 about and a red tram runs there.
Leather, fur
Turkey has always been famous for the production of leather and fur products. There is no doubt about the quality of outerwear, it has been tested by time and intensive use. The down jacket has not always been on the pedestal of popularity. Once it was rare to meet a person not in a sheepskin coat. Going to Istanbul for shopping, everyone is sure that they will not return without a sheepskin coat and a 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 the outlets frequented by tourists, “victims” are always welcome. Don't let yourself be taken abackand not to succumb to the tricks of professional traders - this is a whole science. Before you go to choose a fur coat or jacket, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of leather and fur products. Then, guided by knowledge of the matter, you need to expose the item of purchase for imperfections and do a favor by buying the thing on your own terms.
Gold, silver
How is it usually? Fascinated by the atmosphere of the oriental bazaar, looking around and sniffing, I want to buy everything. Showcases and counters with kilograms of gold and silver in the form of jewelry for every taste and color are especially beckoning and striking in scale. And there are also shops where sellers will kindly ask what sample a potential buyer prefers, and right in front of their eyes they will test the trinket they like. Clearly the idea is bad. But many, upon returning home, checked the jewelry for quality and gold content. Almost always this gold corresponded to the declared characteristics. Everyone was satisfied with shopping in Istanbul, and reviews of gold jewelry are mostly 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. Important shopping list:
- High quality home textiles. Bathrobes, bed linen, tablecloths, towels, bedspreads. Advantages: quality, low price. Popular manufacturers: Madame Coco, Tac, LC Waikiki.
- Spices. One has only to approach the rows with spices, I want toturn to the nearest cafe. Aromas excite the gastronomic imagination. It won't take much money to stock up on spices for the next trip.
- Tea, coffee, sweets. Fans of brewed tea will appreciate the mild taste and aroma of the Turkish counterpart. Turkish coffee is drunk 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 outerwear are a must-buy. High quality, modern design and, of course, an attractive price tag. No need to chase familiar luxury logos. These will be fakes and not always of good quality.
- Carpets. On the market you can find both factory-made and handmade carpets. The first ones will be cheaper than similar ones in their native city by half, or even three times. For the latter, you will have to pay more, but that will be a fee for authenticity, natural composition, original design.
- Souvenirs and household items will decorate any interior, serve as an excellent gift, if necessary.
An integral part of travel is shopping in Turkey. Istanbul is the best place to combine relaxation, sightseeing, shopping and tasting local cuisine.
