Shopping in Marrakech

Shopping in Marrakech
While many people think of cosmopolitan western cities like Paris, London, and New York as the ultimate shopping destinations, Marrakech can give them a run for their money in terms of sheer opportunities to purchase. Souks (markets) and shops line the streets, creating a kind of shopping mecca where you can purchase everything from regional foods just beginning to make a splash in the rest of the world to top European fashions. Rue Souk Smarine is an ideal place to start exploring the souks, as it’s covered and runs most of the way down the thoroughfare. There’s a very loose attempt to group purveyors according to their merchandise, but you’ll probably have to simply dig in and browse to find what you’re looking for—or what you didn’t know you were looking for!

The craftsmanship of products such as leather and copperware are generally quite good, as well as exceptionally affordable. The culture in Marrakech, like in many neighbouring countries, is one of price bartering. And while it’s part of the cultural experience, if bartering doesn’t appeal to you, head to Ensemble Artisanal on avenue Mohammed V, where the fixed prices are higher than you’ll pay elsewhere, but you’ll get the pleasure of seeing these craftspeople at work. One very “Marrakech” sight is the Souk des Teinturiers (dyer’s souk), where wool in a riotous rainbow of colours can always be found drying from the roof. But go to the Ensemble Artisanal, Soul des Teinturiers, and multitude of other souks lining Marrakech streets with more than shopping on your mind. These encounters are really your opportunity to soak up the cultural significance of these fine artisans, who are plying a trade that’s centuries or millennia old and an incredibly important part of Marrakech society.

Moroccan cooking is renowned for its delicious spices, and these wonderful culinary additions can be found throughout the city. You’ll get used to seeing huge mounds of colourful spices, so take your time before purchasing paprika or turmeric in any of dozens of stalls. Spices can also be found in herboriste shops, alongside herbal remedies and natural products. There’s some flair to many herboristes (which can camouflage the fact that they’re essentially selling snake oil), but the English-speaking owner of Herboriste du Paradis in the Medina is known as the shining star of the chemist set.

Fashionable Finds
Kif Kaf in the Medina is a highly original shop and, hence, a must-visit. Stéphanie Bénetère, the grande dame of Marrakech clothing designers, sells her eye-catching line of clothing and accessories, as well as decorative accents. Kulchi is a boutique similar to Kif Kaf in that it retails the designs of its owner, Florence Tarrane, who focuses on colourful clothing (including slightly kitschy items like screen-printed shirts) and detail-heavy accessories.

If you want to blend in with the locals or bring back a wearable souvenir, head to La Maison du Kaftan, where two storeys of caftans await. These aren’t like the just-for-laughs versions worn by TV characters; Hollywood celebrities have purchased some of the thousands on display, which can run more than $600.

Art & Décor
Carpets are a huge draw for people visiting Marrakech, but finding a quality purchase can be a long, tedious journey. If you’re serious about showing off an authentic Moroccan carpet—and money isn’t an object—start at Bazaar Chichoua. Evasions Barbares is the perfect shop for those with a modern, slightly Zen sensibility who still want to incorporate a bit of Marrakech flavour into their home décor. The creator-owners have great style and humor, as well as clean lines and mostly simple designs. Candle lovers need look no farther than Zen Bougie, a little hideaway that stocks exquisite non-melting candles that can be found in the finer hotels and restaurants throughout the city. They come in a huge array of sizes and colours and are enhanced with fun designs in copper, glass, and wood.

Antique dealers have grown exponentially in recent years, and like anywhere else, you have to be careful what you buy and from whom you buy it. The Bab Doukkala area has a large collection of antiques shops and is a fine place to start your search.

Cosmetics & Fragrances
Skin care and cosmetics are a booming business in Morocco, and people from around the globe flock to some of the shops here for high-quality natural products. One of the best is LB Cosmetics, whose trademark calligraphy labels adorn organic beauty goods that attract very high-profile customers. Dar Argane, the city’s first organic shop, sells many bath and body products featuring argan oil, which is distilled from trees that grow exclusively in Morocco.

Perfume aficionados will love the scent and history at Les Parfums de Solei. Featuring the in-demand fragrances of industry superstar and former Yves Saint Laurent partner Abderrazak Benchaâbane, this shop does a brisk business in signature scent Soir de Marrakech.

Fine Arts Purveyors
Café du Livre is an absolutely wondrous find in Guéliz, stocking the best selection of English-language reading material—for loan and purchase—in the entire country. It also has an incredible café menu, serves high tea in the afternoon, and offers comfortable chairs in which to relax and read.

If all of the street music has got you itching to purchase an instrument, check out Tamouziqua in the old city, a true music lover’s delight. Traditional Moroccan drums, string instruments, and percussion are for sale—many made by owner Mustapha Mimani in his nearby workshop.

Jewelry & Accessories
At the end of rue Souk Semmarine is El Abidi Nasser Eddine, widely known as the best place in the city—and maybe the country—to purchase fine jewelry. Whether you’re looking for antique, original, or custom pieces, this gem should be your first stop for jewelry made with materials such as lapis and black coral and sold by knowledgeable salespeople. There are quite a few jewelry stores near the Mouassine Mosque, but the small Trésorie du Sud stands out as an interesting, highly eclectic find.

Place Vendome on avenue Mohammed V asks exorbitant prices for its leather goods, but the quality is excellent and well worth the outlay. Another super leather shop is Hassan Zemouuri’s in the Mouassine area, where you’ll find an expansive collection of bags, clothing, belts, and much more.