A good shopping spree offers an undeniable kind of satisfaction. This year, globe-trotting shopaholics are in for amazing international shopping festivals and year-end sales. We’re talking a blend of unique experiences, unmatched deals, and a cultural feast!
Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa, shared that South Africans are in for the golden opportunity of global shopping festivals that are returning better than ever.
‘While the Rand may pose challenges, timing a visit during sales or festivals ensures travellers get the best value. Plus, certain global destinations invariably offer better prices on products that are pricier at home,’ she added.
Mix travel with fantastic bargains by visiting these international shopping destinations:
Dubai: A Shopper’s Paradise in the Desert
Although it is known and loved for its glamorous skyscrapers and desert safaris, Dubai is also home tothe Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).
Set to run from 15 December 2023 to 29 January 2024, it beckons South Africans to dive deep into a retail paradise and offers something for every shopper.
Whether it’s luxury brands at the Mall of the Emirates, exotic spices and textiles in old-world souks, or gadgets in Al Fahidi District, Dubai curates a shopping experience that is equal parts traditional and modern.
London’s Post-Christmas Shopping Spree
In London, the festive cheer does not just last until Christmas. Shopaholics are in for good deals even after that!
If you’re visiting family, you can sneak in some retail therapy on Oxford and Regent Streets, adorned with festive lights.
It is also not just about the ambience. London’s high-street stores such as Harrods, Selfridges and Marks & Spencer unveil various reductions on clothing, electronics, and more, starting from Boxing Day.
In the new year, January sales offer even more inviting and fantastic deals as items which didn’t sell in the Christmas rush are hugely discounted.
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Istanbul: A Bazaar of Wonders
Istanbul is where the past and the present collide, especially when it comes to  shopping.
Shopaholics can lose themselves in the Grand Bazaar with its glinting lanterns, intricate carpets, and hand-painted ceramics. For a modern shopping spree, Istinye Park and Zorlu Center are replete with both local and international brands.
So, go ahead and add some Turkish delight, spices, and a handmade Evil Eye pendant to your shopping list.
Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to craft memories and return home with some really cool items.
Thailand: Anything and Everything
Known for its bustling markets and sprawling malls, the ever-so-popular Thailand offers a mix of anything and everything.Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market is a labyrinth of over 15,000 stalls selling everything from vintage sneakers to souvenirs, ensuring that shoppers find what they’re looking for.
There are also huge malls and spaces dedicated to specific items.  Additionally, shopping etiquette (to bargain or not) depends on where you are. Research and a shopping list are recommended so you don’t get too overwhelmed.
Singapore: A Collage of Retail Diversity
Though the Great Singapore Sale – an annual shopping event since 1994 – remains up in the air for 2023, Singapore stands as a retail paradise.
From traditional crafts to high-end gadgets, shoppers are in for some really good bargains.
Globe-trotting shopaholics can indulge in luxury brands at Orchard Road, discover quirky finds in Haji Lane, or explore the vast electronics hub in Sim Lim Square.
Blending Asian culture with global brands, Singapore makes it perfect for those in search of diverse shopping options.
Many of the global shopping festivals and discounts are available for only a limited time. To catch the best deals, be an early bird.
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