Q&A: Tips for Smart Shopping in Marrakesh

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 14 Desember 2013 | 17.35

The souks in Marrakesh have long charmed visitors with miles of closet-size shops selling Skittles-colored slippers; carpets intricately woven from camel wool and cactus silk; embroidered, buttery soft leather purses; and other wares that mark the city's distinctive style.

"Now, Marrakesh is more than the souks," said Laetitia Trouillet, the Bordeaux-born designer who moved to the city eight years ago to start her own handbag label, Lalla. "It is a mix of two worlds — the contrast between the small alleys and medieval feel of the medina and the fancy restaurants and European shops in the New Town. You're in front of Zara, and one minute later you're seeing donkeys, people with trolleys or a shoemaker in the street."

Below are edited excerpts from a conversation with Ms. Trouillet on exploring Marrakesh's shopping scene, souks and all. 

Q. What should you keep in mind when shopping in Marrakesh?

A. I think people should go to the souks as soon as they arrive. It's what you came for. It's really a different world. And then, the shopping in the New Town, which is less well known. There are a lot of independent shops on the Rue de Liberté. You can find beautiful rugs, shoes and art galleries. You have a selection of things that you could find in the souks. They might be a bit more expensive, but you don't have to bargain. Some people don't like to, or don't know how to do it. It's just what you're comfortable with. And you can pay by credit card, which is great.

The industrial area, the Sidi Ghanem, is where expats and European designers have set up their factories. A few years ago they opened showrooms to the public. It became a new shopping area. It's mostly homewares and textiles. It's 20 minutes from downtown so go there if you're here for more than a weekend.

In front of the Yves St. Laurent gardens, there's 33 Rue Majorelle. They represent a lot of local designers and have a nice cafe for lunch. They have a great selection, especially if you don't have time to go everywhere.

You mentioned that not everyone knows how to bargain. Are there rules to haggling?

Be nice and friendly. Don't get offended. It's part of the game if they walk out. That's how it is, a bit of the drama.

Just divide the price by two. If it's 200 dirham, go for 100 dirham and you might get it for 150. But saying 20 dirham, which is like 2 euros, is a waste of time. Bargaining is good, but if you get to the stage where you're happy with the price, just accept it.

Do you have other tips for managing the souks?

Go in the morning. They say the first sale brings luck for the day.

When you see something you like, just buy it. People think, "I'm going to check other places and I'll come back," but you never find the same shop.

You can go with a guide. There's one woman who is really nice — Khadija. She understands what people need. She will take people to studios, to local designers and the souks. She's good.

How do you avoid buyer's remorse?

Don't go mad on the Moroccan look. Keep in mind how it's going to be back at home. When you see an orange caftan, are you really going to wear it? Buy something you will actually wear in your life back home. It's easy to get caught up in where you are and not think about your real life.

What do you think surprises people about shopping in Marrakesh?

I think people are surprised by the handicraft. I don't think people are used to that. They're used to the shopping mall. Actually seeing things being made in the souks or talking to the family about how a rug has been made is amazing.


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