The political transformations of 1989 were quickly reflected in the hundreds of new shops that sprang up all over Warsaw. However, the current economic crisis has brought back the once ubiquitous street vendors with many locals now somewhat tellingly dividing their shopping sprees between the big stores and these illicit operators. The main shopping streets are the restored ulica Chmielna, elegant Nowy Swiat, ulica Marszalkowska and aleja Jerozolimskie. Out-of-town malls have become more popular in recent years, with large central stores that are worth visiting, including Galeria Centrum, ulica Marszalkowska 104, and the designer shopping oasis of the Reform Shopping Plaza, aleja Jerozolimskie.
Probably the best spot in Warsaw for souvenir hunting is in the Old Town, among the colourful façades and artists’ stalls. The Cepelia stores are also worth a visit for Polish handicrafts, such as lace, dolls, amber and silver jewellery and leather goods.
national stadium). The variety of goods on offer is enormous, ranging from air guns and fur coats to (illegal) CDs, leather goods and trinkets from the former Soviet Union. It is worth visiting for the experience as much as for the goods on sale. There are also delicious refreshments on sale in little covered booths. Petty crime is rampant at the market and has increased markedly since the start of the current economic crisis, so care should be taken with all possessions and ostentatious displays of wealth avoided. The market opens at approximately 0600 daily – for the best buys, it is advisable for bargain hunters to arrive early – and begins to wind down at noon.
Shopping hours vary considerably and many shops tend to open and close later than in Western European countries. Shops are generally open Monday to Friday 1000/1100-1800/2000 and Saturday 1000-1300/1600. In the past five years, 30 shopping centres and hypermarkets of all the major European chains have opened in Warsaw. Often open seven days a week, these are the best places to stock up on Polish staples – such as pickled herring, preserved meats and, last but not least, vodka. VAT is fixed at 22%. There are 5000 tax-free shopping outlets in Poland, with cash refunds given out at airports on presentation of the tax free documents, which can be obtained at participating outlets (website: www.globalrefund.com).
