Specialty shopping in Europe
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Galerie d'Ixelles
The most interesting of the Upper Town arcades is the tiny Galerie d'Ixelles. Although not far from Ave Louise, this gallery and its continuation, Galerie de la Porte de Namur, are culturally a world away, located in the Matonge quarter, home to Brussels' Congolese community. Mainstays here include pint-sized shops selling African cloth, Kinshasa's latest CD imports and hairdressing salons with names like 'Dream Hair' or 'The New Image of Black Men'.
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Galerie de la Porte de Namur
The continuation of Galerie d'Ixelles is Galerie de la Porte de Namur. Although not far from Ave Louise, this gallery and tiny Galerie d'Ixelles are located in the Matonge quarter, home to Brussels' Congolese community. Mainstays here include pint-sized shops selling African cloth, Kinshasa's latest CD imports and hairdressing salons with names like 'Dream Hair' or 'The New Image of Black Men'.
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Talarico
Mario Talarico and his nephews have turned the humble umbrella into a work of art. Sought after by international heads of state, each piece is a one-off, complete with mother-of-pearl buttons, a horn tip and a handle made from a single tree branch. While top-of-the-range pieces can fetch up to €300, there are more-affordable options that will keep the budget-conscious singing in the rain.
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Officine Panerai
This purveyor of watches has a special place in Italian hearts. The watches were first produced for Italy's navy divers in WWII. Nowadays the chunky nautical timepieces are collectors' items that can easily cost around €3000. Upstairs from the store is a small archive with WWII photos of Italian navy commandos and their deadly (often for their crew) little manned torpedoes.
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Fair Trade Shop
A brilliant place to buy something out of the ordinary for those at home waiting for their 'insert catchphrase here' magnet. This charitable shop features quality, stylish products from developing countries including clothes, food, toys, CDs and interesting ceramics. The company works directly with producers and provides ongoing business training.
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Vannucchi
Via della Condotta was long known as the paper-vendors' street in Florence, and at this historic shop they know a thing or two about the business. Apart from quality writing materials (pens and other accessories) you can splash out on high-quality gift-wrapping paper, stationery and carta fiorentina (Florentine paper, with floral motifs).
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Bon Bon
This is dangerous territory for sweet tooths and chocaholics alike - be prepared for more than a glass and a half of bliss at Bon Bon. Parcels of happiness adorn the shelves while smiling customers stand and drool. Indulge in all description of chocolaty delights and local sweets (diabetics also catered for). Around the corner from Borgo Stretto.
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Filistrucchi
Need a wig or other theatrical devices? This has been the place to come for masks and theatre accessories since the early 18th century. In the 1720s, when it opened, it was a barber's and make-up shop in one, but gradually specialised in make-up and wigs for the theatre. It is one of Florence's oldest stores to have kept in constant business.
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Sephora
This zebra-striped temple of fragrance is the largest in Europe and has every scent you've ever heard of, along with local flavours by the likes of Antonio Miró and Jesús del Pozo. A perfume organ allows you to experiment with your perfect eau, and if you don't come up smelling of roses, they'll happily exchange your fragrance.
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Lomonosova China Factory
This famous factory has an outlet shop on site, where you get anything from the company catalogue at prices lower than those in the department stores. You'll also find a branch of the Hermitage here. From the metro, turn left (east), walk under the bridge to the embankment then turn left again - you'll see the factory ahead of you.
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Pgc Hajenius
Even if you’re not a cigar connoisseur, stroll through this tobacco emporium for a glimpse of the grandeur that used to line the Rokin in the early 20th century. Inside is all art deco stained glass, gilt trim and soaring ceilings. Regular customers, including members of the Dutch royal family, have private humidors here.
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Regia
Reputed to be one of the best perfume stores in the city and in business since 1928, Regia stocks all the name brands and also has a private perfume museum out the back. Aside from the range of perfumes, Regia sells all sorts of creams, lotions and colognes. It also has its own line of bath products.
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La Galería de Santa María Novella
Anyone who has visited Florence may have encountered the wonderful medieval pharmacy, the Officina Profuma-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. Known for its all-natural perfumes, lotions and herbal remedies, it has become a worldwide phenomenon. How about a bottle of 'aromatic vinegar of the seven thieves'?
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Tabaccheria Sisimbro
This temple to tobacco stocks hard-to-find cigarettes (including Dunhill, Dupont and Cartier varieties) as well as decadent Cuban cigars, which are maintained at optimum temperature in a special humidified walk-in room. A range of Italian pipes, cigar cutters, lighters and ashtrays complete the smoky picture.
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Nou Moe
This tiny corner shop features Asterix, Garfield, Tintin and 24 (yes, that 24 - don't ask us how you base a comic on a television show that unfolds in real time!). More importantly, it sells various merchandise: soft toys, notebooks, stickers, games, coffee mugs and bedroom slippers.
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De Lach
This eccentric corner shop sells vintage movie posters from all over the world (eg the Italian version of Some Like it Hot) from around €12 to around €1000. It's the ultimate in retro-cool. There is also a mini Walk of Fame, signed by Dutch stars, on the sidewalk outside.
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Gigasport
This sports superstore in the Mýslbek Shopping Centre has three floors of sportswear and equipment, covering just about all the activities and big-name brands that you might want. You're not allowed to take large bags into the store - use the lockers just inside the door.
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Marsili's
A chess player's dream store! Toss out your old magnetic set and indulge in a luxury game with characters from the Crusades for pieces, or perhaps Florentine mercenaries are more your thing? Or jump to the 21st century for modern metallic pieces and other imaginative options.
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Amarcord 900 Modernariato e Collezionismo
Can't find that limited-edition 1972 space toy? Chances are it's ready to launch at this quirky collectables bolt hole. Drop in for shagadelic lamps, retro album covers and rare vintage toys, including retro Russian ambulances and Italian tin cars. Old toys are also restored.
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Zinne & Minne
Women won't find this sensual store the least bit intimidating and its lovely owner, Inez Reijbroek, is happy to help or leave to browse. Try Geisha's Secrets with essential love oils and tickle feathers, or the Kamasutra Bedside Box with honey dust and massage oil.
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Old Arbat
The Old Arbat is the historic, pedestrian street famous in Moscow for its proliferation of souvenir sellers. It's extremely naff and usually overpriced, but if you want souvenirs - from nesting dolls to Soviet flags and engraved hip flasks - this is the place.
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Passion
This boutique caters for the Ferrari aficionado. Whether you're lucky enough to own a real one or just like decorating yourself in red attire, Passion will fuel your Ferrari fire. Model cars, keyrings, jumpers, caps and loads more satisfy the racer within.
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Bizzarri
Bizzarri by name… Since 1842, the family has been in the business of flogging herbs, chemicals, potions and all sorts of other products. You are unlikely to want to buy anything here, but just peering in the windows is a trip into another century.
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Bau per Miao
Bow-wow the pets back home with designer dog houses, stylish pet carriers, and sculptural scratching posts. Give some glam to your favourite furball with rhinestone-studded patent-leather collars in every colour - too bad they don't come in people sizes.
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Gitarmaker
The engaging Hanno Kiehl hand-crafts top-notch acoustic guitars that seem very much at home in this most musical city. They don’t come cheap (prices start at Nkr25,000) and they can take two months to make, but the quality is unquestionable.
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