7 minute read
Shopping
HE Concept Store offers the heights of luxury design.
Shopping in Warsaw
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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, tel. (+48) 22 831 69 61, www.warsawamber.pl. Open 11:00-18:00; Sat 10:00-19:00; Sun 10:00-17:00.
Lilou
A phenomenally successful Polish jewellery chain where customers can select their own components to create a unique and personalised piece. The range continues to grow, with the original luxury charm bracelet still the biggest seller. Choose a bracelet type and any number of simple silver or gold plated charms in a variety of shapes, then have it hand-engraved with whatever or whoever means a lot to you. A ‘musthave’ 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 11:00-18:00; 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) 22 323 72 33, www. victoriassecret.pl. Open 10:00-22:00; Sun 10:00-21:00*.
Find our full Warsaw Shopping Directory online
Shopping Gifts & Souvenirs
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; closed Sun.
Gifts & Silver by Neptunea
This shop near Plac Konstytucyji is absolutely packed with curiosities. Part jeweller, part gem shop, part natural history museum gift shop, here you’ll find beautiful silver and amber jewellery, natural stones and crystals, decorative sea shells, minerals from around the world, fossils, African masks, exotic butterflies and much more, including what you would think of as more typical or traditional souvenirs from Warsaw and Poland. An absolute treasure, and a great place to find a unique and beautiful gift or souvenir. Get 10% off by showing our Warsaw IYP guides and maps.QG-9/10, ul. Piękna 24/26A, MPolitechnika, tel. (+48) 22 827 97 05, www.giftsandsilver.pl. Open 11:0019:00; Sat 11:00-17:00; closed Sun.
*Sunday Shopping in PL
In its effort to get people out of shopping malls and into churches, the Polish government has imposed regulations preventing most businesses from opening their doors on Sundays. Of course, there are exceptions, including 7 special Sundays when shops are open each year, and the rules don’t apply to restaurants, bars, cafes, pharmacies, gas stations, kiosks, bakeries, open-air markets, souvenir shops and anywhere the business owner is personally working behind the counter. When you see an asterisk* after the Sunday hours in our guide, that means the venue is closed on Sundays, aside from 2022’s 7 shopping Sundays: Jan 30 | Apr 10, 24 | June 26 | Aug 28 | Dec 11, 18. Pomaluj.art - Galeria Bolesławiec & Studio Ceramiki
Of all Polish gifts, none are as visually exciting as Bolesławiec pottery. At Pomaluj.art you not only get the chance to buy gifts, but you can join workshops to make and paint anything you want in the studio! The staff speak English and will teach you the history of Bolesławiec pottery during your session! Show the Warsaw In Your Pocket guide or map, to receive an in-store 8% discount!QF-8, Al. Jerozolimskie 49, MCentrum, tel. (+48) 690 80 01 84, www.pomaluj.art. Open 11:00-19:00; Sat 11:00-17:00; closed Sun.
Shopping Malls
Designer Outlet Warszawa
Set inside an impressive collection of buildings evoking the Baroque style of Warsaw’s Old Town, this is a premium outlet mall, with the interior specifically made to make you feel like you’re walking through a fashion high street. Here you’ll find discounts ranging from 30-70% off on brands like Adidas, Armani, Boss, Calvin Klein, Desigual, Gant, Guess, Furla, KARL LAGERFELD, Levis, Liu Jo, Luisa Spagnoli, Michael Kors, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger and many more. Found just 30mins from Warsaw’s city centre, and 20mins from Warsaw Chopin Airport, it’s easily reached by car and public transport (for the latter get off at ‘Energetyczna 01’ and use 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*. TU
Dom Mody KLIF
Klif has been attracting fashion lovers in Warsaw for over 20 years, and subsequently expanded their presence across Poland as well. If you think you’ve seen this all before, however, you’re mistaken. This is the capital, after all, and the quality of domestic and foreign brands is exceptionally high, not to mention the boutique showrooms inside. Now on show are top tags from MaxMara, Elisabetta Franchi, PennyBlack, Michael Kors, Karl Lagerfeld, Castellani and DM Moda, as well as respected mainstream brands like Olsen and S’portofino. The draw, other than the brands, is the convenient, 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, and they also boast FASHION STUDIO - a place where anyone can use the services of professional 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.