Marrakech: shopper's paradise?

Yes, yes, one knows that Marrakech is not just about the shopping.  Why there is the incredible weather (although mid-July through August is not advised unless you like a char-broiled sensation).  Then, there is the food (the region's finest).  And of course there is the culture to soak in (those snake charmers truly are home grown; and yes, we're aware that the Moroccan traditional dress looks like Return of the Jedi).  Did I mention the sights to be seen (palaces, reflecting pools, gardens)?

But the shopping....Well, that's another category altogether.  Now that is a serious matter.

So with that in mind, I am going to give you a short shopping round-up (Part 1).  Because a girl (or a guy) can't help but spend...

THE MEDINA (Photo 1, slipper stall)

First off, the souks in the old city or the medina.  If only you can imagine this maze of serpentine streets. Close your eyes and see before you a labyrinth filled to overflowing with pottery, slippers, poufs, spices, lanterns, paintings, baskets, carpets, bags, jewelery...more....and more....Does it ever stop?  I am not sure; I always give up before the end, so laden down with purchases am I.   Where is that mule when I need him?

The prices in the souks are negotiable at most of the stores, with just a few exceptions.  So remember to bargain, haggle, wheedle, plead, walk away and then come back again.  Your first price should be about 1/3 to 1/2 of the asking price.  Then you negotiate upwards a little. 

I might just mention a few shops by name.

Beldi: 9–11 rue Mouassine Marrakech, Suikat Laksour. Tel: 024 441 076 

A teeny-tiny luxe boutique near the entrance to the souk, run by a decidedly reserved pair of brothers.  I always wish I looked a bit more chic when stepping through the doors.  But then quickly move on to stroking the linen tunics, admiring the glamorous bedding, and coveting the Calvin Klein-esque slippers.  This is Moroccan design reinterpreted for the jet set.  So be forewarned, the prices are only for those with real cash to burn.  Don't forget to look at the incredible black and white antique embroidery on the wall; it's not for sale but if you could find something like that elsewhere (doubtful), it would run you a cool $3000-$5000.  (Prices here are fixed.)

Mustapha Blaoui’s Tresor des Nomades 142 rue Bab Doukkala, Tel:  024 38 52 or 024 385 240

A favorite haunt to load up on just about everything.  I swear, you could furnish and decorate your entire house.  And they will competently ship everything for you. 

Ministro Del Gusto Derb Azouz 22 El Mouassine, Tel: 024 426 455

This place is somewhat of a legend and run by a former Italian fashion editor.  Here you will find oddities that you will see virtually nowhere else.  More a gallery than a store - almost like a stage set.  I plan to do a whole posting on this place, and so the details can wait.... (Fixed prices.)

GUELIZ

Outside of the medina, in the new city of Gueliz you can find a wide range of boutiques carrying modern takes of Moroccan decor that caters to European and North American tastes.  One of my favorite shops is:

L'Orientaliste: 15 rue de la Liberte, Gueliz, Tel: 024 437 074 

I find myself frequently buying gifts for birthdays and Christmas here.  A nice collection of bowls, art, perfume bottles, leather books, bottle openers, etc.  I am particularly partial to the silver rimmed bowls with Islamic writing.  (Fixed prices.)

THE INDUSTRIAL ZONE

If you really want to go hard-core shopping, go to Marrakech's industrial zone where you can find numerous showrooms that specialize in everything from candles (like you have never seen),as well as furniture and home goods. 

Akkal: 322 Quartier Industriel Sidi Ghanem, route de Safi, Tel: 024 335 938

Minimalist (although colorful) modern interpretations of Moroccan design.  Gorgeous, gorgeous tableware and ceramics.  The deep grey platters and cake stands are my favorite.  The chic riads and guest houses come here to shop.  (Fixed Prices.)

Mia Zia, 61 Quartier Industriel Sidi Ghanem, route de Safi

With boutiques throughout Europe Mia Zia offers stunning although somewhat pricey bedding and towels, in addition to adorable knit clothing with wacky stripes or tiny fringed pom poms.  (Fixed prices.) Photo 2

DAOUDIATE

Zid Zid Kids, 338 Bl 71, Unit 2, Daoudiate, Tel:  063 477 292

Absolutely delicious hand embroidered children's toys, cushions, mini-poufs and much more.  I am crazy about their stuff and did a posting on them here.  While they don't have a shop, this charming and *very* friendly couple will be happy to show you their wares, if you give them a call.  And the best news is that you can purchase items for less than you might find throughout North America where Zid Zid is carried in swanky stores.  A must see.  Photo 3

If you read French, see a useful Marrakech shopping guide right here.

So what do you think? Are you ready to shop?

Comments

[kstyle]

Okay that absolutely does it. I am coming to Marrakech. I'm not sure when but definitely get that guest house built. And you worry about not having clients! A few more posts like this and you will be turning people away. I love the scarf in one of the pictures. How much would something like that cost? Absolutely gorgeous. k

[Gale Martin]

I am ready to shop. However, my wallet has not recovered from Christmas shopping yet. Lovely post. I think the use of color is what is so striking to me. I never realized how important color is to your country's identity.

[casapinka]

Me too! Maybe we should have a bloggers reunion, or union, since we wouldn't be "re-ing." I can just picture the souk winding and winding and circling back and continuing forever. I've visited the one in Tunis but never Marrakech.

Let me know which book you've chosen and send your address, M, so you can receive your new book!

[emma]

In a word, yes.

[Regina Clare Jane]

When I see all the different colors it's amazing to me... everything just seems so drab over here by comparison!

[Ryane]

Bonjour Maryam!

I lived in beautiful Marrakesh for about 3 months, 3 years ago. I lived in Morocco for about a year and to steal a line from Jane Austen (or just a movie) it bewitched me body and soul. I can't wait til I can return to make Morocco a more permanent home. And most importantly, until Marrakesh is once again my home. Alas, only a few henna lamps, a rug and a painting from Marrakech are all that keep me from moving there today.

Is it possible to email me from this comment? Because I've tried to email you many times, it seems my computer won't allow it, but I'm so interested in talking to you more about your work in Morocco, if you have time to talk to a graduate student low down on the food chain!

Thanks, and a lovely blog!

[Liosliath]

OMG, I love this list. Must go shopping with you sometime.

[Anna]

I would love to come over there to visit you Maryam and the shopping I hear is fantastic!!

[Laura]

Maryam, thank you so much for commenting on my face drawings/paintings and for visiting my blog! If you hadn't, I would never have discovered your own lively, colorful, exciting, fresh, informative voice and eye. I wish your blog were a big book that I could keep on the bedside table and read from the very beginning! I'm a house and garden and travel person, too, so I'm really looking forward to reading all about your life. Thanks again!

[cruststation]

Thank you for the amazing info of the shopping districts in Marrakesh. I love the photos and yes I am always ready to shop! :)

[julie]

Im ready...have been for a long time!!!!
When we eventually make it to Marrakesh, i will have to get your number!!! :)
Those slippers look gorgeous all lined up!

[Paris Parfait]

When is your guest house going to be ready? Because I'm thinking when I was in Morocco covering news stories, I missed all the good things, like shopping. Time to come back and see the place with new eyes.

[Britt-Arnhild]

I simply love this palette, from orange to purple. Beautiful, and so warm!

[Jill Alexander]

Got onto your site through Simon the Oz. We've been thinking about coming to Marrakesh for ages, but would like to go out to the mountains for trekking. Can this be done?

[Janet]

Gorgeous colors! I am ready to shop!

[diane in gibraltar]

Gee , thanks , now hubby is very worried about all that futur shopping! ( ps: he took me to the carboot sale today to get rid of that remaining clutter!

[amisha]

oh, you're killing me here... it looks wonderful. i so want to hop the next plane and have you take me shopping :)

[Joan]

Suffice it to say that every time I go to Marrakech (and I have been LOTS of times) I always come back with excess luggage (despite taking virtually nothing with me!!
You haven't mentioned a loverly little shop in Place des Ferblantiers, near the Badi, where they have that fantastically beautiful ceramic stuff designed by a Belgian designer (can't remember the name at the moment). There is another shop belonging to the same young lady just after the Bahia palace..... can't wait to come again!
Joan

[nottellingu]

I think that you've found your niche -- Nights at your guest house including Marrakech shopping excursions!

Upon your guests' arrival, present them with a photograph album of the various types of things available at the stores you've just mentioned -- then either take them there (for a fee, or make a deal with a trusted guide) and have your guests shop til they drop.

You've done all of the hard work, you know WHERE to go for said items and your guests will be really happy with all of their great souvenirs.

So many times, people are are just so overwhelmed with the medina that they don't get the really good bargins.

I've been to Marrakech some 7 times and am not familiar with the stores you've just mentioned.

So, Ta Da! You've found your niche.

[Anonymouse]

Poufs and baboushes,
Parfumes and caftans.
In silver pots, Mint tea.
I shop the souk with glee!

[Ulla]

Oh YES! and how!!! Lovely of you to come and visit my blog! I will add yours to my list! Wonderful inspiration for any gypsy soul...

[Maryam in Marrakesh]

K- Can't wait to see you here then! On the scarf, I am not sure but I am guessing at least $35. I bought a skirt there last year for around $55 if I recall correctly.

Gale, Britt, and Regina - Yes, this really is a color saturated place! Color makes me happy and so I am all for it!

Casapinka-I am all for a bloggers union at my place:-)

Emma - so glad to hear that. Me too:-)

Ryane-I emailed you. Let me know if you received it, okay?

Liosliath, Anna, Crustation, Julie, Janet, Amisha-Hope I can shop with you all! Maybe?

Laura-You are so talented! Glad to have found your blog!

Paris- The guest house will be ready next Fall. So let me know if you want to come. Would love to see you and swap MiddleEast stories.

Jill-Look under the travel section of my blog for an article about trekking around Toubkal, one of Morocco's high peaks.

Diane-Tell hubby I will keep you on a budget! Still can't link to your blog from mine - still getting the blobspot home page:-(

Joan-Yes, I love that place too! I will definitely include it in part 2 of the shopping round-up.

Nottellingu-You are getting me excited here b/c I had thought of a variation on this theme - ie putting together shopping bonanza trips where I would have staying in the guest house all people who love to shop. So maybe sights in the morning and shopping every afternoon, with lunch in gorgeous places. But your idea is really creative, too and I think is the way to go in between the shopping bonanza weeks. Keep your ideas coming. So appreciate them and your vote of confidence.

Anonymouse-I like your little poem. But when I link to your site...it was anonymous(e)...

Ulla-Your blog is sensory overload!

[Kristen]

I'm with kstyle, sign me up for a week at the guest house. I've already told hubby that we need to go there for my blogging business...Do you think he'll buy it? How will I explain the shopping? Who cares, I'll think of something!

[Intisar]

Oh Maryam, must you torture me?

No no,I'm playing, I come here because I *want* to see the Marrakesh I love so much.

Anyway, this is just awesome! I'll know where I want to shop before I get there.... oh, that's just naughty... lol Hope to be there soon, inshallah.

[Andrea]

That sounds amazing! I may have to visit soon. When are your guest houses ready? ;)