Introduction
Guadalajara has a great
variety of high-quality merchandise at low prices. Shopping
malls, especially, are springing up everywhere; the metropolitan
area now has more than 30. Store hours tend to be Monday
through Saturday 9-8, Sunday 10-2; shopping mall stores
generally stay open at lunch. Tianguis (street markets)
run every day throughout the Guadalajara area; you never
know what you'll find.
Blown glass, hand-carved
wood furniture, fine leatherwork, and hand-glazed pottery
are Guadalajara traditions, and the town is also home to
a thriving shoe industry. At sprawling markets you can bargain
for anything from embroidered shirts to huaraches, and sleek
shopping malls have full-service department stores and trendy
boutiques.
Markets & Shopping
Centers
Instituto
De Artesanias Jaliscienses: Run by the state government,
this store has a wide selection of the exquisite blown glass
and hand-glazed pottery typical of Jalisco artisans. There
are also fine crafts from other parts of Mexico. Everything
is sold at fixed prices. Calzada González Gallo 20
and Calzada Independencia Sur, next to Parque Agua Azul.
Phone: 3/619-4664. Weekdays 10-6, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-3.
El
Baratillo: This is one of the world's largest flea
markets. Thirty city blocks are lined with stalls, tents,
and blankets piled high with new, used, and antique merchandise.
On and around Calle Esteban Loera, some 15 blocks east of
Mercado Libertad. Sun. 7-5. General Markets
Mercado
Libertad: Also known as the Mercado San Juan de Dios,
the Liberty Market is one of Latin America's largest enclosed
markets. Within a three-square-block area you can browse
through more than 1,000 privately owned stalls selling everything
from clothing to crafts to live animals and gold watches.
Calzada Independéncia Sur between Dionísio
Rodríguez and Av. Javier Mina. Daily 10-8.
Bazar
Capitán: Serious art, crafts, and antique
lovers may want to consult an expert if time is limited.
Bazar Capitán's Robert Alvarado, who has 30 years
in the art and antiques business, runs personalized buying
tours for small groups. His bilingual El Antiquario magazine
promotes local antiquities dealers. Argentina 73, a half
block off Avenida Vallarta. Phone: 3/827-1990. Weekdays
noon-6.
La
Gran Plaza: A sleek three-story glass-and-steel exterior
houses 334 commercial spaces and a 14-plex cinema, surrounded
by a large food court and some quality restaurants. It's
east of the Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce and the Camino
Real hotel, on the city's far west side. Av. Vallarta 3959,
Phone: 3/122-3004. Daily 10-9:30.
Plaza
Del Sol: The city's largest mall sprawls like a park,
with 270 commercial spaces, outdoor patios, trees and garden
areas, and parking for 2,100 cars. It's across from the
Presidente Intercontinental hotel. Avs. López Mateos
Sur and Mariano Otero, Phone: 3/121-5950. Weekdays 10-8,
Sat. 10-9, Sun. 10-7.
Plaza
Galería Del Calzado: The 60 stores in this
west-side complex all sell shoes. Guadalajara is one of
Mexico's leading shoe centers, and high-quality footwear
and accessories are available here, many at lower prices
than in the States. Av. México and Juan Palomar y
Arias, Phone: 3/647-6422. Mon.-Sat. 11-9, Sun. 11-8:30.
Plaza
México: There are about 120 stores in the
city's second most popular shopping mall, seven blocks west
of the Plaza Galería del Calzado. Av. México
3300, Phone: 3/813-2488. Daily 10-8.
Centro
Magno: This three-story mall is just a few blocks
from the Minerva Fountain. A number of upscale boutiques
and bistros, along with a Hard Rock Café, make this
a trendy spot to shop and dine. A large cineplex is on the
top floor. Av. Vallarta 2125. Daily 10-10.
Calle
Esteban Alatorre: Several blocks of shoe stores -
all reasonably priced - line this street. East of Calzada
Independencia Norte and 4 blocks north of Av. Hidalgo.
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