Thessaloniki Shopping Tips by DrexelDragon

Clothing: Fena Clothing Review

Fena is a store I really liked. I was not so sure about it when my friend was directing me to the place. It's in a odd place, because there are apartment buildings all around, and then there's the Fena building. It's not at all in a shopping area. It's not even in the downtown area. It's over in Kalamaria, but still not around other shopping areas/stores. It's a nice trendy department store. Yet, it's not the kind of department store you would think of in the US. It's smaller, more personal, and I thought it was cool. It's definitely expensive. Name brands are there. Diesel, Burberry, Tommy, Lacoste, Guess, Polo Ralph Lauren, among others... We only visited the men's casual with also a brief stroll through the suits/formal wear floor. The sales ladies are very helpful. Although it's targeting a refined group of people, I did not find it to be overly snobbish -- even the people aside from myself shopping there. It was cool. I do suggest shopping here if you're looking to pickup some new threads while you're in town and are disappointed with the downtown shops.

What to buy: They have shoes, and sadly very few casual, dress sandals. Clothes of course, but I did not see a lot of outerwear. I ended up buying a pair of linen Guess pants, a Lacoste shirt, and a Polo Ralph Lauren collared-button-down long sleeve shirt. I would have bought a Tommy Hilfiger casual sport coat if they had my size, but alas no...

What to pay: BE PREPARED FOR STICKER SHOCK IF YOU HAVEN'T GONE SHOPPING IN GREECE BEFORE. This was the first time since I've been here that I really looked at clothes. If I see something, and I like it; then I buy it. I usually don't pay attention to price tags considering the fact that I know I'm not shopping Rodeo Drive or 5th Ave. I didn't this time either, but I didn't think it was going to be as much as it was. My 3 items were 270euro, which that day cost me about $340US, which is a bit ridiculous thanks to the dollar. Ididn't even get sandals to go with my linen pants!!! Anyway, ask about what items are onsale, because there are sale items. Yet, there are no sale signs at all. It's all just in together with the regularly priced items.

Directions: Kalamaria

Theme: Department Store

IKEA: Home and Apartment Furnishings

If you're going to be moving to Saloniki and need to buy furnishings and such, then you can find IKEA over by the airport. Actually, as you drive away from the airport you will come to a traffic light. At this first traffic light you will take a left. IKEA is down the road on the right hand side. If you're going to need to purchase electronics and kitchen needs, then I'd say find an Expert store. Expert sells everything from microwaves, to blenders, to irons, to bread makers, to DVD players, to HDTV's.

Theme: Home Furnishing

Carrefour: Just about everything under one roof

Carrefour has just about everything you need. It's the equivalent of a Super Walmart or BIG K in the US. It's got a grocery store housed under the same building space as home goods, clothes, electronics, tools, etc. I go there mainly for the grocery store. The aisles are listed in Greek and English which is helpful for myself, but there isn't the large canned food or side dishes sections or soups like there are in the states. I have yet to find oatmeal, macaroni & cheese, or sides like green been casserole or au gratin potatoes. You can also buy beer, wine, ouzo, and other alcohols here. They have a great selection of meats, cheeses and breads, although I'm sure the bread isn't as good as the local bakeries.

What to buy: Pick up some wild boar and ostrich steaks. Not something we have in the states, and they're DEEELISH!!!

Directions: Along the ring road.

Theme: Other