Let's be honest! Studying abroad comes in handy with a good shopping culture! Everyone wants to get time to explore markets and pick a few goodies to add to the cart list!
Shopaholics welcome to Albania, the land of beauty and charming crafts! This is where your shopping impulse is put to the test. With numerous shopping malls, stalls, shops, and supermarkets Albania will certainly take thy breath away!
Given the brief time since the country moved from a communist economy to a free market, it is surprising how well considered it is for commercialism, with Tirana (the capital) at its helm.
Those who would like to devote a whole day to shopping will experience how easy it is to get around the small capital. Sales patrons are friendly, on the whole, and usually know their business.
The capital is surely no Beverly Hills, and not all brands have arrived yet, but as a result of Italy’s longstanding influence over the country, shoes in particular are often of impressive Italian quality and run at at least one-third less than they would cost in other European towns.
Tirana’s Bllok district and Rr. Myslym Shyri account for the greater established shopping spots, where there are many souqs. It is here where the bargains are to be found, along with some of the more groovy products on offer.
Many malls and shopping spots have appeared over the last few years and offer some well-known Western designers. Both Coin, an Italian department store, and Casa Italia, another Italian complex with mid-range rates have popped up recently and have become well-regarded shopping places.
Providing a more uniquely Albania shopping experience are the bazaars of Shkodra, Gjirokastra dhe Tirana, Kruja, and Korca where locally crafted objects like wood carvings, pottery, and embroidery can be purchased.
Tirana certainly corners the market for Albanian shopping, but it is also worth checking out the bargains in other cities. Goods are generally cheap, so there is always the chance that you will walk away with something unexpected.
Several malls offer more than just shops, being home as well to entertainment options, such as restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas, art galleries and spas. If you are a fan of retail therapy who loves nothing more than taking souvenirs back home with them, then Albania could be your idea of heaven.
"I enjoy shopping and I found it affordable but some of the clothes are definitely not of the highest quality." - Hassan from Turkey
