Shopping in Africa
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Riverside Mall
The biggest shopping centre is the glitzy Riverside Mall (about 5km north of town off Rte 40, with a wide range of stores) with various shops and ATM facilities.
reviewed
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Promenade Centre
Has a reasonable array of eateries and shops.
reviewed
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Jamade
Sells locally designed items at fixed prices, including some hip, hand-sewn coasters and placemats from Tigmi women’s cooperative.
reviewed
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Creations Pneumatiques
To buy crafts directly from Marrakesh’s favourite recycling artisans, head over to Riad Zitoun el-Kedim and check out the items cleverly fashioned from recycled tyres: Michelin mirrors, well-travelled footstools, man-bags with street cred. There are several to choose from, but there’s usually a good selection among the framed Bob Marley posters at Creations Pneumatiques.
reviewed
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Assouss Cooperative d’Argane
For pampering and foodie finds, this is the Marrakesh retail outlet of a women’s argan cooperative outside Essaouira. The all-women staff will ply you with free samples and proudly explain how their ultra-emollient cosmetic oil and gourmet salad oils are made.
reviewed
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L’Art du Bain Savonnerie Artisanale
Sells argan oil from an Essaouira cooperative alongside handmade soaps made with fragrant blends of local herbs, flowers and spices.
reviewed
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E
ACIMA Supermarket
For staples such as cheese, cereal and alcohol, head for the supermarket, ACIMA supermarket.
reviewed
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Ensemble Artisanal
To get a jump start on the souqs, savvy shoppers visit the Ensemble Artisanal to glimpse artisans at work and see the range of crafts and prices Marrakesh has to offer. The set prices are higher than in the souqs and the selection is obviously more limited, but it’s hassle-free shopping and the producer gets paid directly.
reviewed
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Kif-Kif
A hip boutique that engages the city’s most inventive artisans to come up with clever gifts. These include tote bags made of pop-art awning fabric, rings with interchangeable felt baubles and adorable striped-jersey baby jellabas – and 15% of the price on all kids’ items goes to a local non-profit organisation supporting disabled children.
reviewed
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Al-Kawtar
A wonderful non-profit boutique, where you can find luxe household linens minutely embroidered along the edges for less than you’d pay for plain cotton back home. You can also get fabulous hand-stitched Marrakesh-mod tunics, dresses, shirts and pants off the rack or tailored to fit you – there’s no extra charge for alterations. All the items here are made by disabled women, and your purchases pay for their salaries, training programs and a child-care centre.
reviewed
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Cooperative Artisanale Femmes de Marrakesh
A hidden treasure worth seeking in the souqs. Here you’ll find breezy cotton clothing and household linens made by a Marrakesh women’s cooperative and a small annex packed with items made by non-profit and women’s cooperatives from across Morocco, including sustainably harvested thuyya wood bowls from Essaouira, Safi tea sets and small Middle Atlas rugs.
reviewed
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Marché Municipale ibn Toumert
For a solid selection of fresh produce, dried fruits and nuts, try the new Marché Municipale ibn Toumert.
reviewed
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MarraBook Café
Paperback books in French and English on the ground floor, photo exhibitions upstairs, tea and coffee on the terrace and welcome calm around the corner from the Djemaa.
reviewed
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ACR Libraire d’Art
Splashy coffee-table books about Moroccan gardens, arts and architecture in French and English, plus handy DIY books on cookery, mosaics and tadelakt (lime plastering).
reviewed
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M
Superspar
For self-caterers, there’s a huge supermarket at Nelspruit Crossings Mall. There’s also a Pick ’n Pay at Sanlam Sentrum.
reviewed
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Nelspruit Crossing Mall
With various shops and ATM facilities.
reviewed
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N
Market
You could pick up some cheap fruit at the thriving produce market.
reviewed
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Loch Logan Waterfront
Adjacent to the zoo, on a small lake, is the newish Loch Logan Waterfront. Modelled after Cape Town’s waterfront, Loch Logan isn’t quite as impressive, but it’s a good, safe spot for dinner, drinks or a movie on a rainy day. Shops and a permanent flea market will keep you busy for a few hours.
reviewed
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Sanlam Sentrum
Has an internet cafe, a few shops and ATM facilities.
reviewed
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Camp & Gas
Camp & Gas is the place to go for camping gear, gas camping stoves, maps and outdoor clothing.
reviewed
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Olive Tree
Anything and everything to do with olives can be found in this small shop. You can taste oils and olives from local farms, and buy cosmetics, tapenades and chutney.
reviewed
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Craft Market
The town offers excellent shopping opportunities, including the craft market near the Braak.
reviewed
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Owl Books
reviewed
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Friendly Grocer
reviewed
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Basotho Hat
This craft shop has books on Lesotho.
reviewed