Shopping in Bulgaria: what kind of purchases do people come to this country for?

It is difficult to classify Bulgaria as a fashion shopping center. However, this particular country offers reasonable prices, which are significantly lower than all-European prices. In addition, shopping trips can easily be combined with a beach holiday. Next, we’ll look at where it’s more profitable to go shopping while in Bulgaria.

Boutiques and brand stores

The most expensive and elite stores can be found in Sofia, near the Palace of Culture. Vitosha Boulevard is a concentration of world brands from all over the world. For quality shoes, you should go to a specialized street - Exarch Joseph. While in Varna, it is worth taking a walk along the old part of the city and Vladislav Varnenchik Boulevard. In Burgas these are the shopping streets of Aleksa Bogorod and Aleksandrovsk.

Local brands are a worthy alternative to Europeans. After all, many Italian companies sew their collections in local factories.Entrepreneurial Bulgarians borrow technology and use it in their business. It’s worth taking a closer look at the Bulgarian cosmetics brand Refan. There are cozy shops in every resort area and in large centers.

Shopping complexes

Usually the main shopping center is named after the city. For example, Mall Plovdiv, Mall Bansko and others. The product line is approximately the same everywhere, and almost every place has an entertainment area. The record holders for the number of malls are Sofia and Varna.

The following TCs are the most interesting:

• Paradise Center Sofia. Allows you to buy everything you want in one place. Clothing from luxury brands and more affordable manufacturers, books, furniture, and children's products are presented. You can come here with your family for the whole day. There is a huge and only rooftop amusement park in the city.
• The Mall. This is the largest shopping center in Sofia. There are many famous boutiques, a large electronics store, a food court and a cinema.
• TSUM. The store is small in size, but is popular not only among the local population, but also among tourists. Located in Sofia near the Sheraton hotel in the central part of the city. This is the place to go for jewelry and souvenirs.
• Grand Mall Varna. While in Varna, it is worth going to the Grand Mall, located right behind the bus station building. Shopping here will be varied, as it offers stores of various categories. Lots of products from famous European fashion houses. Separately, it is worth noting the Dafne boutique, where you can find locally made clothes.
• Mall Varna. Compared to the previous one, this store offers much fewer products. This is the place to come for sports, casual and office wear.
• Mall Galleria Burgas. It opened in 2012 and immediately gained popularity among the local population and tourists. The building houses the popular Kaufland hypermarket with locally produced products. It is located next to the bus station, where buses from Sunny Beach and other resorts arrive. There are many free buses. Prices here are attractive, and many shops function as outlets.

You shouldn’t expect huge discounts from global brands, but local branded departments will delight you with affordable prices.

Outlets

You can find things with a discount of up to 70% in outlets all year round.

The most popular among shopaholics are the following:

• Sofia Outlet Center. This is the first multi-brand outlet in Bulgaria. Its location in the city center and walking distance from the metro makes it especially popular. There are 80 shops, a large grocery hypermarket, a wine salon, goods for children and home. Having chosen public transport, it is better to get to the Tsarigradsko Shose station, which is a five-minute walk from the outlet.
• Terranova. It is located in Burgas and is not promoted enough in guidebooks. The main buyers remain local residents. Despite the miniature appearance of the store, the selection here is decent and the prices are reasonable.
• Shopping Outlet Center. The old name of the place is "Phone Mall". Located in Varna. In addition to clothes and shoes, there is a good section for perfumes and jewelry. The Billa grocery supermarket will also offer discounts.

Regular stores organize sales season according to the European schedule: twice a year - in winter and summer.

Bazaars and souvenir shops

Almost every city has artisan streets and specialized small shops. This format is suitable for budget travelers, as well as those who seek to find unique items.

There will be opportunities to bargain at numerous markets:

• Central Market of Sofia. In operation since 1911. The three-story building is decorated with the city's coat of arms, and at the top there is a small clock tower.
• Women's market. The oldest bazaar has been open since the Ottoman yoke. It is located in the very center of Sofia and has been well restored. It’s easy to find products from local farmers and souvenirs here.
• Khali. The market is located near Women's Market, on Maria Luisa Boulevard. It has been operating for two hundred years and is considered a historical and architectural landmark of the capital.
• Flea market in Sofia. Located in front of the Alexander Nevsky Temple. Here you can buy a real ink pen from the era of the Third Reich, a bust of Lenin and other exclusive items. Used books are sold on Count Ignatiev Boulevard.
• Chatalja. The market in Varna operates 24 hours a day. Here you can purchase all the necessary products. There are stalls with household items.
• City Market. It is located in Burgas and is considered the largest city bazaar. In addition to seasonal farm products, you can find Bulgarian wine, rakia, cheese, ready meals and other delicacies here.
• Krasnodar. The most popular market in Burgas among the local population, as there are no crowds of tourists, and therefore no tourist premiums. Only fresh products are on the shelves, including gourmet delicacies. There is a huge seafood store nearby.
• Stock market Iliyantsi. This is the largest market on the Balkan Peninsula. Some products are overpriced, but here you can find a real exclusive.

Most markets open at 9 am and close by 6 pm. You can pay in levs, dollars and euros.

The best shopping opportunities in Sofia offer Burgas and Varna. There are many modern malls and outlets here. Also, many interesting and original things can be found in resort villages and small shops. However, it is worth knowing that in any tourist place the price tag will be 1.5-2 times higher. For truly local exclusives, you should go to the markets.