Shopping

HE Concept Store, where Polish and International design meet

Shopping in Warsaw

Paris, London or New York it ain’t, but shopping fiends can still find plenty to spend their well-earned złoty on. Warsaw is seeing true growth in the array of shops available and the number of big-name labels that are opening storefronts. Whether it’s western-style malls, designer boutiques, dusty family stores or antique markets, a day spent shopping can result in both bargains and treasures. Happy hunting.

Amber & Jewellery

Amber Art Gallery - Silver Line

This gorgeous gallery specialises in luxury handcrafted jewellery of the amber variety, but crystal, silver and gold items can be purchased here too� This is the location of the largest and oldest amber dealer in the city, a family run business going back to 1988, proudly selling amber of Polish origin - certified by the International Amber Association� Even heads of State and royalty have been spotted procuring presents here, from Bill Clinton to Japanese princesses (whose thank you letters you can see inside)! Choose from pieces by Polish artisans and top designers, plus high quality jewellery made with other precious stones�QF-4, Rynek Starego Miasta 9/11/13, MRatusz Arsenał, www.warsawamber.pl. Open 10:00-19:00; Sun 10:0017:00.

Lilou

Phenomenally successful Polish jewellery chain where customers can select their own components and create a unique and personal piece� The range continues to grow, with the original idea of the personalised bracelet still the biggest seller� Choose a bracelet type and any number of simple silver or gold plated charms in a variety of shapes - hearts, dogs, cats and the likes, and then have it hand engraved with whatever or whoever means a lot to you� A ‘must have’ item amongst local celebs and fashionistas� Also at ul. Francuska 27 (L-7), Westfield Arkadia (B/C-2), Galeria Mokotów and Sadyba Best Mall�QH-9, ul. Mokotowska 63, MCentrum, tel. (+48) 506 19 08 97, www.lilouparis.com. Open 11:00-19:00; Sat 11:0018:00; Sun 11:00-16:00.

Fashion & Accessories

HE Concept Store

A high-class location for a high-class boutique� Forget shoddy souvenirs, this is where you’ll find some of the best items Polish and international design has to offer - all of which are completely unique to HE Concept Store� Enter the ‘Europejski Boutiques’ zone of Raffles Hotel Europejski from Krakowskie Przedmieście and descend the mysterious spiral stairs into what opens up into an exhibition space of chic and sleek design - artwork, high-quality handmade items, accessories, gadgets, and top of the line fashion� There’s even a wine bar where you can buy, and even sample signature wines on the spot� All told, it’s a welcome gift to anyone with a keen eye on the latest trends�QG-5, ul. Krakowskie Przedmieście 13, MNowy Świat-Uniwersytet, tel. (+48) 22 255 99 65, www.heconceptstore.pl. Open 11:00-19:00; closed Sun.

Victoria’s Secret

This boutique certainly needs no introduction� Even if you know nothing of fashion, you’ve no doubt heard of Victoria’s Secret, the brand that has become synonymous with stylish lingerie and glitzy angelwinged fashion shows� Warsaw, it seems, is delighted to have Poland’s only VS stores, and although previously their only boutiques in the city were on the smaller scale of grand, focusing mainly on accessories & perfumes, the new store in the city centre’s Złote Tarasy shopping mall is much bigger than before (now including Victoria’s Secret PINK), but the opening of Poland’s first VS flagship store in Westfield Arkadia Shopping Mall, with the full selection of clothing, including their lingerie, perfumes and accessories has gone down well with fashion bloggers and Varsovians alike! In Arkadia, you can’t miss it - it’s located right at the front entrance!QC-2, Al. Jana Pawła II 82 (Arkadia), MDworzec Gdański, tel. (+48) 22 445 02 05, www. victoriassecret.pl. Open 10:00-22:00; Sun 10:00-21:00.

E-Manufaktura

It’s sometimes hard to find that perfect gift from Poland to take back home with you� We understand the problem, and it may be the case you get home, only to regret not having bought that sweet little tea cup you had your eye on� Now this is why we whole heartedly recommend E-Manufaktura, which is not only a shop in Warsaw, but also an online shop for you to look through an extensive catalogue in the comfort of your home� From egg cups, plates, bowls, and all other kitchenware you can think of, you’ll find it here! The famous hand-painted ceramics, Bolesławiec, make up the core of what’s on offer� It doesn’t get more Polish than this� A must use service�QF-3, ul. Freta 14, MRatusz Arsenał, tel. (+48) 22 636 06 84, www.e-manufaktura.com. Open 10:00-18:00.

Pomaluj.art - Galeria Bolesławiec & Studio Ceramiki

There are many great Polish gift ideas, but none as visually exciting as Bolesławiec pottery� With a mix of cups, plates, bowls and other kitchenware with various colours and designs, you can’t go wrong to buy friends, family, or even yourself one of these classic but quirky items� What’s more, at this location, not only do you get the chance to buy something of your pleasing, but you can join in some workshops to make your own! The studio is quite sizeable, well-kitted out, and whether you’re trying to recreate scenes from the film Ghost (not recommended in front of others) or perhaps the kids want to mess about and make

Sunday Shopping Ban

Since 2008, government regulations have gradually reduced Sunday trading in Poland to the point that there are now only 7 days in the entire year that most shops are allowed to be open for business� There are exceptions and loopholes aplenty, of course; though you’ll still find pharmacies, gas stations, kiosks, bakeries, open-air markets, Żabka convenience stores (most of which close at 23:00) and souvenir shops open on Sunday, however, shopping malls and most everything else are closed� The Sunday hours we list for venues are the hours they keep only on those Sundays when trade is allowed; we know, it’s confusing, so if you’re not sure if a venue is open on Sunday, call or check online� The upcoming Sunday shopping days are: Dec 12 & 19, Jan 30� anything they want and paint all over it (which is allowed, even encouraged), the end results are sure to raise a smile� The staff speak English and teach you the history of Bolesławiec pottery during your session! Showing the Warsaw In Your Pocket guide/ map, you will receive an in store 8% discount!QF-8, Al. Jerozolimskie 49, MCentrum, tel. (+48) 690 80 01 84, www.pomaluj.art. Open 12:00-20:00; closed Sun.

Shopping Malls

Designer Outlet Warszawa

Probably one of the best-looking outlets we’ve seen in Poland, set inside a collection of buildings evoking the Baroque style of Warsaw’s Old Town� Indeed, this is a premium designer outlet, with the interior specifically made to make you feel like you’re walking through a classy little fashion street� Here you’ll find discounts ranging from 30% to a huge 70% on premium brands like Armani, Boss, Calvin Klein, Desigual, Gant, Guess, Furla, KARL LAGERFELD, Liu Jo, Luisa Spagnoli, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger through to lifestyle brands Adidas, Geox, Kazar, Levis, Nike, Salewa, Salomon, Timberland, 4F and many more� Found just 30 mins from Warsaw’s city centre, and 20 mins from Warsaw Chopin Airport, it’s easily reached by car and public transport - from the centre, travel south by car along ul. Puławska in the direction of Piaseczno, and by metro to Metro Wilanowska and then buses 709 or 727 onward to stop Energetyczna 01, using a zone 2 ticket�Qul. Puławska 42E, Piaseczno, MWilanowska, tel. (+48) 22 737 31 15, www.designeroutletwarszawa.pl. Open 10:00-22:00; Sun 10:00-21:00.

Dom Mody KLIF

The nationwide Klif chain have long been present in Warsaw, though if you think you’ve seen it all before then think again� Attracting fashion lovers for over 20 years offering a range of Polish and foreign boutiques; but as with all shopping centres, the proof comes in the pudding, i�e� the tenants� Now on show are top tags from MaxMara, Elisabetta Franchi to PennyBlack, as well as Michael Kors, Karl Lagerfeld, Castellani, Trzaska Luxury & Optics and DM Moda as well as wellknown and respected mainstream brands such as H&M, Olsen and S’portofino� The draw, other than the brands, is the convenient and easy to get to location - roll in by tram, bus or car� What’s more, this is the only shopping centre to have a concierge point, all for the benefit of the shopper� For true connoisseurs, this year, Klif prepared a unique FASHION STUDIO, where anyone can use the services of stylists�QB-4, ul. Okopowa 58/72, tel. (+48) 535 41 14 58, www.klif.pl. Open 09:00-21:00; Sun 10:00-20:00. Eurospar open Mon-Sat 08:30-22:00; Sun 09:00-20:00.