Shopping in Macedonia - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

Shopping in Macedonia from year to year pleases tourists from different countries of the world with a variety of goods and low mark-ups for products of world famous brands. In the shopping centers and individual shops of the country, you can buy quality goods at favorable prices – this makes Macedonia one of the most attractive destinations for shopping. Local shops and markets offer a rich assortment of authentic souvenirs, reflecting the national flavor. Especially of high quality are the handmade souvenir products. From Handicrafts and national clothes to traditional musical instruments and home decoration products, these are some of the wonderful gift items that you can bring back from your trip to Macedonia. They may also act as a beautiful reminder of your visit to the Country.

Macedonian markets offer an excellent opportunity to not only get acquainted with the culture of the country, but also the traditions and customs of the local population. In each of the cities, there are bazaars where you can buy anything: from food to unique designer gizmos. A pleasant surprise will be the “Opanci”, a comfortable and easy to wear national footwear, sewn by hand from genuine leather. There are also the very bright and unusually beautiful Ohrid pearls. On the trays you can find jewelry with pearls at a pleasant price. It is worth paying attention to the Macedonian icons depicting scenes from biblical traditions as well as the lives of saints. Written in a unique technique, they are considered to be among the best in the world. Women will definitely like a gift in the form of a jewelry box. Local craftsmen make them from wood or natural stone. They are usually painted and decorated with carvings.

Macedonia has a long tradition of making ceramics. These are in the forms of amazing vases, decorative figurines, candlestick holders, and wall decoration items. Carved picture or vase of walnut, mahogany, chestnut or cherry would be the perfect addition to the interior. Macedonian woodcarvers are known to create real works of art. You will also find perfect looking folk woolen or silk embroidery with characteristic geometric patterns in red and black. There are also national costumes, towels, napkins, tablecloths decorated with beautiful embroidery. Also worth paying attention to are; the famous Macedonian carpets, fine workmanship ornaments of gold, copper and silver, and folk musical instruments – Gaida, Tapan, and Supelka. As a gastronomic souvenir you can bring with you ‘’ajvar’’ made from sweet pepper, grape Rakia, a bottle of table wine – “Ruzhitsky” or “Zilavka”, and fragrant coffee. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The center of Macedonian shopping is Skopje. Here in the capital there are three grandiose shopping centers with a wide range of clothes, shoes, and accessories. “Skopje City Mall” sells items from world brands at higher prices. The “Ramstore Mall” shopping complex is conveniently located in the city center. In the “City Shopping Center”, you can buy inexpensive clothing of excellent quality from the popular Macedonian brands. Shopping centers are open daily from 10am to 10pm. Individual stores on the other hand open and close an hour earlier. Seasonal sales take place in the first half of winter and the second half of summer. For souvenirs, you should go to the Old Town – one of the largest bazaars in Europe, known for its display of Balkan stamping products made of copper, traditional embroidery, ceramics, dolls in folk costumes, carved wooden icons, ornaments, leather shoes, woven carpets, vegetables, fruits, and spices.

A pleasant and profitable shopping is offered by Bitola – the second largest city in Macedonia. The main trade road of the city is Sirok Sokak Street, where on both sides can be found shops with everything that tourists can enjoy. It is certainly worth looking into fashion boutiques, where stylish clothes and shoes are sold, bookshops, wine and antiques shops, and art salons. In Bitola, you have on offer excellent choice of souvenirs, among which are textiles embroidered with traditional patterns, chasing and ceramics, wooden boxes of fine carvings and memorabilia (magnets, key rings, etc.). It is also worth paying a visit to the Old Bazaar – a charming place full of Balkan color, one of the neatest and most ancient markets of the country.

Spa Ohrid is the center for the production of the famous Ohrid pearls. In the city there are two families, whose members are hereditary engaged in its manufacture and sale. If you are in search of strange ornaments, then it is worthwhile to visit the shops of the Talevi and Filevi families, where it is easy to find necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and rings inlaid with Ohrid pearls, all of which are of striking beauty. In the city, folk musical instruments, jewelry made of precious metals, and handmade carvings are sold all over the place. In Ohrid, you can buy CDs with genuine Macedonian music performed by popular folklore groups.