If you are the sort of tourist who likes to enhance your sightseeing with a shop-till-you-drop excursion to the stores and markets of your travel destination, then Cape Town is just the place for you. It might be a good idea to take along an empty suitcase for all the great stuff you'll be bringing back home. The city offers a splendid array of merchandise, from modern African beadwork, to contemporary African fashions and authentic, traditional African musical instruments. Cape Town is a clearing house for antiques and curios from all over the continent, and you can get some pretty good deals. Just keep in mind the old saying, "Buyer Beware", because there are also a lot of fakes.
Unique Souvenirs
European Baby Strollers
Cape Town shops that cater to tourists are full of the tacky, run of the mill souvenirs you'll find almost anywhere; which is fine if that is the kind of merchandise you're looking for. Inexpensive knick-knacks can be good gifts and mementos. But for really unique souvenirs, take a look at some of the ingenious crafts made by cottage industry artisans in the poor townships. These people do wonderful things with cast-off materials like bottles, cans and food labels. Your purchase of one of these artifacts will get you a genuine bit of South Africa, and will help people who are struggling with poverty.
Hit the Malls
Cape Town has malls that will appeal to any North American or European shopaholic. They include the big Blue Route Mall in Tokai, upscale Cavendish Square in Claremont, the exclusive Constantia Village Shopping Centre in Constantia, the small Gardens Shopping Centre in the City Bowl, and the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre on the Waterfront. Victoria Wharf is the best place to shop for South African gold and jewellery.
To Market, To Market
Tourists generally like community markets because they offer bargains and provide an opportunity for visitors to mix with the local people. The markets of Cape Town are actually more like the flea markets of North American or European cities, but you can have a lot of fun hunting through them for authentic, quality items. Moreover, the markets are always lively places. The Green Point Market is a great place to buy inexpensive African clothes, fabrics, and art. Greenmarket Square is best known for pottery, jewellery, CDs, and Tshirts. For local crafts and paper products, go to the Hout Bay Craft Market. Antique hunters interested in collectible china, glass, and furnishings will find treasures at bargain prices at the Milnerton Flea Market. Go to the Kirstenbosch Craft Market for beautiful handmade wooden toys. Proceeds from this market go to support the Kirstenbosch Gardens.
But Are They Open on Sunday?
The business hours for most Cape Town shops are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Some shopping centres keep longer hours. With the exception of the Waterfront and Cavendish Square, and a few specialty shops, don't expect much to be open on Sunday. South Africa has a value-added tax (VAT) of 14 percent. You can redeem some of this on your departure. Be prepared to haggle with street vendors and some market merchants, but don't overdo it. You'll want to take home pleasant memories, along with your treasures from Cape Town.
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Mia Moda Cielo Evolution Compact Stroller, Nero Feature
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Mia Moda Cielo Evolution Compact Stroller, Nero Overview
Mia Moda succeeds in delivering elegant European-style strollers, travel systems and car seats. Ideal for fashion-forward families, Mia Moda products are created by award-winning designers as stylish solutions to help make your life with your baby that much more comfortable and sophisticated. For parents on the go, the Cielo Evolution Stroller with its innovative Easy 3-Step Ultra Compact Folding system is perfect. Both lightweight and compact, this stroller features multi-position seat recline, one-touch break system and excellent maneuverability. All this while keeping a stylish silhouette. Features: Nero Fabric Easy 3-Step Ultra Compact Folding Lightweight and durable Easy One-Touch brake Aluminum frame Parent cup holder 5-point safety harness Adjustable reclining seat Arm rests Storage bag is detachable Freestanding when folded Specifications: Dimensions Folded: 14' D x 18.9' W x 21.5' H Dimensions Open: 35.8' D x 18.9' W x 39.8' H Weight: 18.4lbs Weight Capacity: 40lbsAvailable In Stock. |
