Holiday Shopping in Marrakech

For some winter sun and great late holiday shopping, Marrakech is the place to be. Just a few hours away from London and Paris, you are immediately plunged into the magical realm of a bygone era; a culture so different from ours it really does feel like you have stepped back in time to a biblical age. An enchanted place full of snake charmers and soothsayers, acrobats and water-sellers; so full of colour, textures, smells and intrigue that all you can do is catch your breath and stare in wonder.

The old medina and souks are a labyrinth of alleys, winding past 100’s of minarets and interspersed with squares devoted to specific crafts; brass and copper beating, wool dying, apothecary stalls where the ‘physician’ will have a herbal remedy for every ailment imaginable, cosmetics, herbs, jewellers selling exquisite hand-made pieces, leather workers making unusual bags and belts, purses and wallets, carpenters, sieve makers, exotic perfumes, spices, beautiful slippers and lanterns – an endless array for unique Christmas presents and boundless retail therapy.

Shopping Tips

For general keepsake and gift shopping, it is advisable not to enter a shop with a guide. The shop keeper will be obliged to add a percentage to cover your guide’s commission, so you will end up paying considerably more. Bartering is the norm in Morocco, and most Moroccans live for the haggle. As a rule, divide the asking price by five and make your offer. It is unlikely he will agree to an 80% discount, but it shows him that you are no fool and it is a starting point for “the haggle”. Never sound enthusiastic about something you have seen and want to buy. As soon as he is confident that you are desperate to buy an item, he can stick to a higher price. He will claim he has 12 children and 20 cousins to support, so just tell them you have the same problems. If you can get the banter going, and have a laugh and joke it will help get you the best price. Be prepared to walk away from the shop if the vendor is not showing enough flexibility. If he does not follow you offering a better price then you will find a similar item just around the corner.

 For better quality items (carpets, leather, silver jewellery etc.) you should look in shops rather than the souks where quality is invariably inferior. You will of course pay that much more in shops but it will be of better quality and last longer.  If you are staying at a 4 or 5-star hotel, do not ever admit it as they will know you obviously are a very rich person! If you say you are staying with friends as that gives them no idea of your financial status. Do not ever feel obliged to buy something even if you have spent hours haggling – he has nothing pressing to do.  I also suggest not being afraid to venture deep into the Median that is where some of the best deals are.  The outskirts are for the tourist, I always like to experience a country with the real people of the country.

Most of all enjoy the haggle. Firstly, it is fun and secondly the vendor will respect you for your efforts. It is unlikely that you will get the better of him, but an amicable agreement can be struck whereby both of you are happy with the result. Try to do some shopping early in the holiday. Last minute shopping can cost you dearly as you are faced with making hasty and often unfavorable decisions. For those who do not enjoy the ‘haggle’, Marrakech also has some great Artisan Emporiums which are much more relaxed than the souks. Items sold here have very fair price tags, but most shopkeepers are still open to a little bartering if you want to hone your haggling skills in a softer Accommodation in Marrakech is just as varied as the shopping, from luxury Riads to Boutique hotels, Maison d’hotes to conventional hotels there is something to suit everyone. For a short break we highly recommend staying in a Marrakech Riad in the heart of the Medina, within walking distance of the main d’Jemaa el Fna square and souks. An oasis of calm and tranquillity hidden amongst the madness of the city, staying in a Riad gives a true flavour of city life.

The high Atlas Mountains are a mere hour away so great for a day trip out of the city. Snow permitting there are also skiing opportunities Oukaimaden just 1.5 hours from Marrakech so perfect for a day of exhilarating winter activity.

For bookings or further information visit the website: www.completemorocco.com, or call one of their dedicated specialist travel consultants on 01225 706665.