Other shopping in Morocco
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Art Naji
Ceramics seem to be everywhere in Fez – from the distinctive blue pottery to the intricate mosaics decorating fountains and riads. Art Naji is the place to go to buy the real deal. You can see the entire production process, from pot-throwing to the painstaking hand painting and laying out of zellij (tilework) – it’s a joy to behold. The potteries are about 500m east of Bab el-Ftouh, an easy trip in a petit taxi – look for the plumes of black smoke produced by olive pits, which burn at the right temperature for firing the clay. You can even commission a mosaic and arrange for it to be shipped home.
reviewed
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Boutique Majid
You can get lost for hours in this exotic antique shop, but the real gem is Majid himself. Straight out of central casting, to include his red fez, he will regale you with stories of the Rolling Stones and other luminaries while showing you his amazing collection of Moroccan doors. ‘If you want a door, ’ he confides in his husky voice, ‘you must talk to Majid!’.
reviewed
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Iklane Association
This town has several carpet shops that mostly sell to trade, but the best option is to buy from the source 4km outside of Tazenakht at Iklane Association. Here the association takes 8% of reasonable retail prices for initiatives like the community clean-up program (hence the immaculate village); the rest goes to the carpet maker.
reviewed
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Dar Lebadi
The shopping palace of the medina, this 200-year-old building, a former governor’s house, has been meticulously restored, and is now a clearinghouse for Berber artisans, with friendly staff. Worth a stop just to see the building, but be careful: you may be there for hours.
reviewed
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Bazaar of Silver Jewelry
The name says it all: two floors of glass cases full of silver jewellery from throughout Morocco, both new and antique, and great staff, too. Located in an obscure alley near the Café Central, ask there or call.
reviewed
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La Casa Barata
Literally ‘the cheap house’, this large arena of dealers carries everything you can imagine, from vegetables to electronics to carpets. The best opportunity to find real treasure, and an experience unto itself.
reviewed
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Arc-en-Ciel Women’s Cooperative
At the crossroads for Amezrou, Arc-en-Ciel Women’s Cooperative sells folkloric tote bags, baby clothes and funky fleece jumpers made from fabric remnants.
reviewed
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Tawarguit
Tawarguit has a range of gorgeous, if pricey, homewares, crafts and paintings, including specially commissioned ranges.
reviewed
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American Language Center Bookstore
A good selection of English-language classics as well as books on Morocco, North Africa and Islam. Just off Blvd Moulay Youssef.
reviewed
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Artisanat du Coin
Artisanat du Coin, near the post office, specialises in Berber jewellery and other portable knick-knacks.
reviewed
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Maison Berbère
Buying a carpet here is less pressurised than in Marrakesh. One of the main outlets is Maison Berbère.
reviewed
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Maison Touareg
Buying a carpet here is less pressurised than in Marrakesh. One of the main outlets is Maison Touareg.
reviewed
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Galerie Aida
Run by a former New Yorker, this place stocks a small but good selection of English-language books and some funky junk.
reviewed
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Librarie Fikr al-Moasser
Stocks a small range of foreign-language titles, including travel guides and coffee-table books.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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