Word of mouth
A DISCOUNT-LOVER’S DIARY
Don’t miss these six shopping festivals, where designer and local ?nds all go on sale. You’ll ?nd bargains worth booking a trip for
CANNES SHOPPING FESTIVAL What: Pick up cool, vintage
sale during the festival and you can enjoy concerts by Turkish artists and take part in street processions. When: June Best for: Traditional items like ceramics, tiles and paintings. CNT tip: Aponia (www. aponia.net) stocks souvenirs like shirts, shoes and maps. (www.istshopfest.com)
ISTANBUL SHOPPING FESTIVAL What: Malls in the entire city go on
fashion at the Palais des Festivals, along with discount designer wear. When: March Best for: Resort wear, wedding wear, and gourmet French produce. CNT tip: Ceneri Cheese Shop (www. fromagerie-ceneri.com) has a great variety of exotic French cheeses. (www. cannesshoppingfestival.com)
Singapore have sales over the summer—and foreign visitors can get added discounts. When: May-July Best for: Fashion and accessories. Brands like adidas and Puma offer great discounts. CNT tip: Go in July, when the sale is ending, for even better deals. (www. greatsingaporesale.com.sg)
GREAT SINGAPORE SALE What: Shops throughout
shopping extravaganza also boasts ?rework displays, street theatre and fashion shows. When: January-February Best for: Everything, from electronics and jewellery to carpets and watches CNT tip: Catch Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Access All Area’ World Tour, which kicks off during the festival. (www.dubaievents.ae)
DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL What: The Gulf’s No 1
country offer fantastic discounts on clothes, electronics and furniture. When: June-September Best for: Batik and songket textiles, plus discounts on brands like Versace and Gucci. CNT tip: If you’ve still not had your ?ll, visit Kuala Lumpur’s Sunday ?ea market for local souvenirs. (www.tourism.gov.my)
1MALAYSIA MEGA SALE CARNIVAL What: Stores throughout the
will see over 3,000 shops in the state offer massive discounts. When: December-January Best for: Saris, ayurvedic oils and gold jewellery CNT tip: Visit the festival website to get good hotel deals and fun prizes. (www. shoppingfestival.in)
GRAND KERALA SHOPPING FESTIVAL What: Kerala’s sixth edition
Dubai Shopping Festival offers packages that include a ?ve-star hotel stay, city tours and a desert safari. (http:/ /dubaishoppingfestival2013.com) 78 Condé Nast Traveller Apr-May 2013
TEXT: RADHIKA CURUMSEY; PHOTOGRAPHS: ALAMY; GETTY; AFP/GETTY; LAWTON/PHOTO CUISINE, PAUL THOMPSON, JOHN HARPER, TILL JACKET/CORBIS