Shopping in Thessaloniki: what to bring, where to buy souvenirs and fashion brands. Markets, outlets, famous shopping centers of Thessaloniki. Expert advice and reviews from tourists about shopping in Thessaloniki on the “Subtleties of Tourism”.
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Thessaloniki is called the Northern capital of Greece and one of the best cities for shopping in the country. There are many modern shopping complexes, there is a “fashion square” - a shopping district in the city center - and a large outlet in the nearest suburb. Prices in shops in Thessaloniki are lower than in Athens, popular resorts and the islands of Crete, Rhodes and Corfu.
In addition, it is in Thessaloniki that you can very profitably buy a fur coat, since the fur production centers of Kastoria and Paralia Katerinis are located just 200 km from the city.
Store opening hours
Shops in Thessaloniki are open from approximately 9:00 to 20:00-21:00. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, many of them have a short day (until 15:00), others close for “mesimeri” (Greek siesta) from 15:00 to 17:00. But this usually does not apply to large supermarkets and shops in tourist areas; they are open every day without breaks and until late, especially in the summer.
Sunday is a legal day off in most retail outlets, but some grocery mini-markets, souvenir and tobacco shops may be open, especially in the city center, where there are many tourists.
Pharmacies in Thessaloniki are closed on weekends, only those on duty are open. Each week a different pharmacy is assigned to be on duty and their addresses can be found on the door of each pharmacy.
Sales
Sales in Thessaloniki take place according to the generally accepted schedule in Europe: twice a year, in winter and summer. The winter season of discounts starts immediately after the New Year and ends by the beginning of spring. Summer sales begin in mid-July and end towards the end of August. At the beginning of the sales season, you can count on discounts of 15-20%, at the end - 50-80%, but it is worth remembering that with such generous discounts, the slowest models and sizes are already sold out.
In 2012, the Greek authorities decided to organize two additional “small” sales seasons to give entrepreneurs the opportunity to earn money. Thus, discounts of 20-40% are also offered in the first ten days of May and November.
Prices for fur coats in Thessaloniki are rarely reduced even in summer. The maximum you can count on is 30-40% in summer; in winter you will be able to save even less.
Due to the economic crisis in Greece, many shops in Thessaloniki are closing due to bankruptcy. They often sell goods there for literally nothing, and this happens at any time of the year. It is very easy to recognize such stores: the number of the court decision must be indicated on the window.
Brief guide
Photo: thessaloniki travel
Shops in Thessaloniki open at 09:00 and close closer to 20:00-21:00. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday are short days, they end around 15:00. Large supermarkets and shopping centers located in tourist areas are not included here. They work every day until the last minute.
As in all cities in Greece, Sunday is a legal closed day, even in tourist areas. The exceptions are small grocery stores, tobacco shops and souvenir shops. Their owners simply do not want to lose revenue.
Pharmacies are open on weekdays, only those on duty work on weekends. Exactly where you can buy medicines is indicated on the store doors.
The sales schedule is the same as throughout Europe. Twice a year, at the end of winter and summer, chaos and a slight apocalypse begin in shopping centers. The fact is that people come to Thessaloniki for shopping from all over the northern part of the country; the city holds a record for the number of quality goods. And there are many times more people who want to buy good things at a discount. Add to this the flow of tourists in the summer season and you get the Greek capital of fashion.
“Trading” starts at 15-20%, then reaches 50-80%. You shouldn't expect good goods at the end. They were sold out at the very beginning of the discount season. But whoever seeks will always find.
The Greeks, with a desire to make extra money, officially introduced two additional sales, but on a smaller scale. Discounts of 20-40% can be “caught” in the first days of May or December.
Photo: xpatathens
An important point: there are fur coats in Thessaloniki. But there will be a grand sale with a 1% probability. In the summer you can count on a discount of up to 30-40%, in the winter they will not give more than 15%.
What to buy in Thessaloniki
Clothes and shoes
Almost all the world's popular brands are represented in Thessaloniki - Zara, Massimo Dutti, Marks & Spencer, H&M, GAP, Esprit, etc., and prices here are much lower than the European average. In addition, local shops have a lot of good quality Italian and Turkish clothing and a large selection of local Greek brands, many of which are quite decent.
For luxury brands - Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Escada, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Kenzo, Valentino, Roberto Cavalli, etc. - you should go to the Fenafresh store; this multi-brand boutique in the Ilisia area has the largest selection and reasonable prices.
Greek-made clothing is famous for its quality tailoring, natural fabrics and low prices. Among local brands, pay attention to Bill Cost, Raxevsky, Lussilе, More & More, Julia Bergovich, VS, Forel, Izatis, Attrativo, Lynnе, Toi & Moi, etc. Most of the brands are budget, prices for T-shirts start from 6 EUR, dresses - from 10 EUR.
Among Greek brands there are quite a few manufacturers of plus size women's clothing. The most popular are Derpouli, Pink Woman and MAT Fashion, as well as Vivian and Ulla Popken, which can be found in the Mediterranean Cosmos shopping center. Good underwear is produced by the Greek brands Minerva, Regi, Claire Katrania, UR Underwear, Mad, Mary Lingerie, Parisienne and some others.
There are a lot of shoe stores in Thessaloniki, as well as local brands. Many buyers note that Greek shoes do not have the most comfortable last, so you will have to spend time choosing boots and shoes. But you can safely buy any sandals, they are very comfortable and cost from 15 EUR per pair. Prices for boots start from 30 EUR, for leather wallets - from 5 EUR, and for bags - from 30 EUR. Among local brands, pay attention to Haris Kazakos, NAK Shoes, Haralas, Tsakiris Mallas, J. Bournazos, Boxer, Gianna Kazakou, Migato and Elite.
Fur
The center of the fur trade in Greece is located 200 km from Thessaloniki - in the city of Kastoria. Thanks to this proximity, Thessaloniki also has many shops with a large selection of fur products, and prices are significantly lower than in the capital and resorts.
Prices for fur coats in Thessaloniki depend on the type and integrity of the fur, length and color. The cheapest fur coats are traditionally white, since this fur turns yellow over time, the most expensive are black. A fur coat made from a whole mink will cost from 1,700 EUR, from pieces - from 1,000 EUR, short fur coats made from astrakhan fur here cost from 1,800 EUR, and short fur coats made from raccoon or beaver - about 1,000-1,200 EUR.
Fur shops in Thessaloniki are concentrated on the main shopping streets of the “fashion square”, especially on Egnatia Street, one of the most popular stores is Leather & Fur. In addition, from Thessaloniki you can ride for a fur coat to Paralia Katerinis. Buses run regularly to this city, the fare is 16 EUR (round trip), you can even go for one day.
It is not recommended to use the services of fur guides. Firstly, they work for a commission (15-20% of the cost of the fur coat), and you will pay it out of your own pocket, and secondly, they will only take you to those stores with which the guides have an agreement. The stores have competent consultants who will help you with your choice completely free of charge, and many of them speak Russian.
Cosmetics
Shops in Thessaloniki sell inexpensive and high-quality cosmetics based on olive oil. You can buy it in pharmacies and cosmetic stores in shopping centers; there are also many mono-brand cosmetic boutiques located on the main shopping streets of the city. The largest chain of multi-brand cosmetic stores in Greece is Hondos center; Thessaloniki has three stores in different areas of the city. There you can buy both luxury and mass market skincare and decorative cosmetics; there is also a large assortment of perfumes.
Pay attention to the following Greek companies:
- Fresh Line is an inexpensive cosmetics from Athens, which is known for its natural ingredients. Prices for face masks (the brand's most popular product) start at 10 EUR.
- Aphrodite is a natural skin care cosmetics, the main component is olive oil.
- Olive Way is another popular Greek cosmetic brand; its series for mature skin is especially good. Anti-aging creams cost from 30 EUR.
- Korres is the most famous Greek cosmetic brand, it belongs to the high price segment, but is worth the money. Prices for shampoos start from 10 EUR, for moisturizing creams - from 25 EUR. The brand is also known for high-quality decorative cosmetics (lipsticks from 15 EUR).
- Clean Skin Mythos is another good Greek mass market product that is sold in local supermarkets.
Jewelry and costume jewelry
Greece is known for high-quality and inexpensive gold and silver jewelry. Jewelry in Hellas began to be produced in the 3rd century BC. e., it was then that the signature Greek style was formed, which is still recognizable throughout the world. The cost of gold in Greece is from 30 to 50 EUR per 1 gram, the price depends on the design of the jewelry and metal processing.
One of the most popular jewelry stores in Thessaloniki is Q Jewelery, which has been open here since 1980. In this jewelry store you can find jewelry in traditional Greek style and the work of modern designers. Almost all handmade products, many in a single copy, are decorated with diamonds and precious stones, but there are also minimalist ones. There are 4 stores of this chain in Thessaloniki, one of which is conveniently located in the Mediterranean Cosmos shopping center.
Another well-known chain of jewelry stores is Tempus Jewelery, where you can find 18-karat gold, diamonds from 0.2 carats and above, as well as watches from the brands Omega, IWC, Glashutte, Zenith, Bulgari, Tag Heuer, etc.
Food and wine
Thessaloniki has all the gastronomy for which we love Greece: olives, olive oil, honey and feta cheese. Olive oil is worth buying in tins - this way it lasts longer, and the best olives in the country are produced on the Chalkidiki peninsula.
For local delicacies, it is best to go to the market, in particular to the market - there you can try everything and bargain before buying. The assortment in supermarkets is also good; in the central areas there are grocery stores (for example, cheese shops), where you can find rare products. Pay attention to the En Karpo grocery chain, where they sell dried fruits, nuts, coffee and chocolate by weight, everything is very tasty, fresh and beautifully packaged.
How to choose the right fur coat?
You need to remember: the mink has hard, but not itchy, fur, the silver fox has three colors per hair, and the beaver is very fluffy.
High-quality fur is shiny and rich in color, and does not look stuck together in “icicles.” It should feel silky, elastic under your palm and not leave a “greasy” feeling. On the entire surface of the product, the fur should be even along the length of the hair and equally thick, including the under-down layer. Try lightly tugging on the fur. If the fur “climbs”, it is better to refuse such a fur coat.
For a coat made of dyed fur, all parts without exception must be the same color, without deviations. And of course, the product should not be painted - this is a sign of low quality.
When you bend a fur coat, the leather side of the fur should not curl and should not be dry and “hardened”. Otherwise, this means that the fur is old and will “live” quite a bit longer. Pay attention to the lining. The lining on long fur items is usually not attached at the bottom. And if this is exactly the case in your fur coat, then the manufacturer has nothing to hide. After all, if you look under the lining and look at the underside of the fur, you can get a clear idea of the quality of the fur coat.
Shopping areas of Thessaloniki
The most popular shopping routes in Thessaloniki are located in the city center and are called the “Fashion Square”. It is formed by three parallel streets - Tsimiski, Egnatia, Mitropoleos and crossing them Aghias Sophias, Aristotelous, Venizelou and Paleon Patron Germanou. Without exaggeration, you can find everything there: luxury and mass market clothes and shoes, jewelry and antique stores, souvenir shops, art galleries and hand made stores.
Expensive boutiques are concentrated in the area of Aristotle Square, especially many stores of Greek luxury brands. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants here, and overall it is a very pleasant area for walking.
Shopping streets and bazaars
Photo: thessaloniki travel
Thessaloniki did not become the Mecca of world shopping either in prehistoric times or in today's realities. And it's a shame. This, of course, is not Milan or Paris, but local designers are very popular here. The main shopping streets feature the main players of the Greek market along with popular European brands.
Embankment near Aristotle Square
True Greek shopaholics know this place inside and out. Thessaloniki's luxury brands are represented here, most of them by local designers. The dress code in the “temples of fashion and abundance” is appropriate. Even though this is good-natured Greece, stylists in the showroom can look at dirty shoes wryly. Around the boutiques there are restaurants and small cafes where you can celebrate your new clothes and watch the roaring sea.
District "Fashionable Square"
This title was awarded to three long streets that form a geometric shape. The “shopping paradise” is located not far from Aristotle Square, so after a walk along the embankment, immediately go here.
The three streets are Tsimiski, Egnatia, Mitropoleos. They are crossed by several more with names that are difficult to pronounce, but knowing their names is not particularly important. The main thing is to prepare cash, credit cards and comfortable shoes, because you will be walking and shopping a lot. In the “square” you can find literally everything: cosmetics, clothes, shoes, fur coats, food, wine, jewelry and even art galleries with works by local artists.
In the area of Aristotle Square there are luxury boutiques, next to them there is the usual mass market and several cosmetics brands. In between the slight chaos of shopping, you can spot Greeks on vacation. The spectacle is incredible.
Modiano Market
Photo: tournavigator
The market was founded at the beginning of the 20th century by wealthy Jewish merchant Eli Modiano. Originally located in a mansion, it is now located at the end of Tsimiski Street. The inside is a bit like Carroll's Wonderland. Everything here is also “unreal”, slightly confusing and very interesting. In the best traditions of the largest markets, Modiano market sells everything your heart desires, there are several points with street food and souvenirs. Bargaining is, of course, a must.
Not far from the market there are flower shops and the Yahudi Hamam Turkish baths. The neighborhood is strange, but in fact it looks very beautiful and authentic.
The Modiano market area is also famous for the frequent visits of the cultural elite. In a cafe nearby you can meet artists or poets. Most of them speak English, so if you see a familiar face, don't be afraid to come up with interesting topics for discussion.
Kapani Agora Market
Photo: thessaloniki travel
If Modiano is like Wonderland, then this market is like a real medieval market, just like in the movie “The Sword of King Arthur”. Here, sellers shout from everywhere, Greeks bargain, and the smells of fried meat can be heard.
Previously, during the Turkish occupation, the market was called “Oun Kapani”, and Greeks were hanged in its central square. Then Kapani Agora (Kapani market) burned twice, but now it is the most peaceful place. The only conflict that may arise is bidding for the best product.
Shopping centers
- Mediterranean Cosmos is the largest and most popular shopping center in Thessaloniki, despite the fact that it is located outside the city (next to Macedonia airport). On an area of about 250 thousand square meters. m there are more than 220 stores of clothing and shoes (mostly mass market, but there are also luxury brands, many Greek brands, as well as a good selection of French, Spanish and Italian), cosmetics and perfumes, household goods, etc. In addition to stores in The shopping complex has 30 restaurants and cafes of different national cuisines, a grocery supermarket, bowling alley, cinema, beauty salon, photo studio, children's room and even a church. The shopping center is located 10 km from the city center, you can get here by any bus that goes towards the airport.
- City Gate is the largest shopping center within the city. It is smaller in size than Mediterranean Cosmos, but the range is also quite rich: on an area of 86 thousand square meters. m there are stores Zara, H&M, Calzedonia, Celio, Intimissimi, Swarovski, etc. For entertainment, there are restaurants and cafes serving Greek and international cuisine, a cinema, bowling and billiards.
- Alpha Odeоn is another shopping complex within the city, located in the very center of Thessaloniki. The assortment is standard: brand stores (world and Greek brands), cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry, accessories, etc. This shopping center is often used for presentations and fashion shows, and in winter a New Year tree is installed here.
- Notos galleries - this shopping center mainly sells women's clothing and shoes, as well as accessories, underwear and cosmetics for women. The brands are predominantly global, although there are also a few stores of local Greek brands.
Outlets Thessaloniki
In the suburbs of Thessaloniki there is one large outlet - Mega Outlet. It covers an area of more than 15,000 square meters. m, which housed more than 80 stock stores. Local stores sell more than 400 brands of shoes, clothing, lingerie, cosmetics, accessories and sporting goods with year-round discounts of up to 80%.
The outlet is located 3 km from Macedonia Airport and can be reached by public transport - by buses No. 2, 3 and 8, which depart from different parts of the city to the Kalamari stop.
Markets
Modiano is the most famous and largest market in Thessaloniki, located in the city center surrounded by flower shops and Turkish baths. The market is very noisy and colorful, they sell only farm products and only locally produced ones - farmers themselves bring meat, seafood, cheese, fruits, vegetables and homemade sweets from their farms and sell it all themselves. There are many good and inexpensive taverns around the market; it is open every day except Mondays from 9:00 to 19:00 (with a break for mesimeri from 13:00 to 17:00), on Sundays - until lunch, and on Saturdays, vice versa , late - until 21:00-22:00.
Copani Agora is a flea market located in the city center next to the Roman Forum. This colorful bazaar is famous throughout Northern Greece, and traders of various antiques come here from all over the region. The market sells antique dolls, dishes, decorative items, vintage clothing and shoes, vinyl records, antique jewelry and much more. There are many taverns and cafes around the market where you can have a tasty and inexpensive meal.
On weekdays, Thessaloniki hosts mobile farmer's markets called Laiki, where local housewives usually shop. Markets appear in different areas of the city and on different days; tourists can only track them down by chance. They sell fresh products at the lowest prices in the city: fruits, vegetables, meat, milk and cheese, fish and seafood, olives and olive oil, sausage, nuts, local wine and ouzo, household chemicals and sometimes even clothes.
- Central Market of Thessaloniki
Souvenir shops
Photo: greeka
It is difficult to determine precise places for selling souvenirs. Draw a rectangle on the map, passing through the streets of Venizelou, Leoforos Nikis, Ippodromiou, Tsimiski and take a walk “inside” it. You will definitely find worthwhile products. We will tell you about several authentic stores where you can buy products from local manufacturers and bring them as gifts from Thessaloniki.
A small spoiler: shops with magnets will also be here.
Olicatessen grocery store
Photo: grekomania
Address: 4 Ougo Viktoros, Thessaloniki 54625 Greece
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Fri - from 09:00 to 21:00. Mon, Wed, Sat - from 09:00 to 17:00. Sun - closed
This is a modern Greek grocery store located in the heart of the oldest commercial district. The products of Greek artisans from all regions of the country are presented here.
The store has a wide selection of high-quality olive oil, olives, honey from the Peloponnese, Chalkidiki and Kastoria, traditional sweets with or without sugar. Also tahini from Limnos, peanut butter from Serres, original chutneys and special jams, traditional handmade pasta and national products of Pontos. And this is just a small list of possible products.
Olicatessen also has a large selection of pottery of all types and colors, which comes in different shapes and sizes, as well as handmade olive wood housewares.
Daily bestsellers include delicious, crispy baguettes prepared every morning, yoghurt with jam and freshly prepared cereal bars.
Wine shop Bientôt wine
Photo: felixfelis
Address: Morgendaou 5, Thessaloniki 54622 Greece
Opening hours: Mon-Sat from 09:00 to 21:00
Where in Greece, and without wine? Maria, the owner of the store, suggests doing a little tasting before purchasing. During the performance, he gives the characteristics of each drink, teaches how to look for and identify notes of aromas, and tells the story of the appearance of each variety.
The store is located in the center of Thessaloniki and has a huge selection of wines. In addition to high-profile Greek winemakers, Bientôt wine presents niche brands that can be more interesting to discover than buying already familiar names.
A small bonus is a stand with classic snacks to go with wine. At Bientôt wine you can buy everything at once.
Decor and textile store NU Modern Greek
Photo: numoderngreek
Address: Leoforos Nikis 3, Thessaloniki 546 24 Greece
Opening hours: Mon-Sat from 08:00 to 00:00, Sun - from 11:00 to 23:00
The main “attraction” of the store is the luxurious view from the window. Nu Modern Greek is located on the waterfront. If you see seagulls flying by while shopping, don’t be surprised. This only adds to the charm of the place.
Everything sold here is created by Greek designers and artists. The ideology of the store is a new and modern Greece in terms of lifestyle, style and gifts. Their motto: “Art lives everywhere, in everything.
There are handmade products, jewelry, hats, clothes, ceramics, as well as wines (where would we be without them), modern options for souvenirs for guests of the city and the country - magnets, T-shirts, postcards, etc.
Postcard store Pop-Up & Paper Stories
Photo: facebook
Address: G. Viziinou 4, Thessaloniki 54636 Greece
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Sat from 09:00 to 14:00; Tue, Thu, Fri from 09:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00; Sun - closed
The store was founded in March 2015 by Smelts Françoise. His residence was a traditional building at 4 Vagdamali Street, near Afonos Square. This is an artistic printing house, one of the few in the world and the only one in Greece that specializes in Pop-Up.
As for souvenirs, you can buy postcards with the Thessaloniki emblem or choose one suitable for a special occasion. If you have always been interested in the topic of origami, Pop-Up & Paper Stories hosts workshops.
Tax free
In Thessaloniki you can get back up to 23% of money spent in local stores. The purchase amount must be at least 120 EUR (in one store); at the checkout when paying, you need to fill out a special form, and then present it along with the purchase and passport when leaving the country at the airport. The packaging must be undamaged, otherwise the money may not be returned.
The taxi-free return point at Thessaloniki International Airport is located in the departure area and operates 24 hours a day. The maximum cash refund amount is 1500 EUR, the rest is transferred to the card (but not more than 5000 EUR). For VAT refunds in cash, a commission of 1.50 to 6.50 EUR is charged depending on the amount; crediting to the card is free.
Best places to shop
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- Austria Vienna
- England London
- Andorra
- Bulgaria
- Vietnam: Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City
- Germany: Berlin, Dusseldorf and Munich
- Georgia: Tbilisi, Batumi
- Hungary: Budapest
- Greece (fur tours): Athens, Crete, Rhodes, Thessaloniki
- Israel: Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
- Spain: Alicante, Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid (and its shops), Mallorca, Malaga, Tarragona and Salou
- Italy: Milan, Bologna, Venice, Rome, Rimini, Turin, Florence and fur factories in Italy
- Cyprus
- China: Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai
- Malta
- Netherlands: Amsterdam
- UAE: Dubai
- Poland: Warsaw and Krakow
- Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and Madeira
- Baltics: Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn
- Russia Moscow
- San Marino
- Serbia: Belgrade
- USA: New York
- Thailand: Bangkok, Pattaya
- Türkiye: Antalya, Istanbul
- Finland (and its shops): Helsinki (and the shops of the Finnish capital)
- France Paris
- Montenegro
- Czech Republic, Prague
- Switzerland: Geneva, Zurich
- Sweden: Stockholm
- South Korea: Seoul
- Japan Tokyo
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