Kuwait has a large variety of shopping centres, and shopping itself is arguably Kuwait’s favourite pastime.  Shopping Malls generally contain a mixture of local and international outlets, along with recreation outlets such as cinema complexes, children crèche and soft-play facilities, and food courts.

Retail outlets

Most UK, European, and American retail outlets are available, and new outlets are opened on a regular basis.  The high profile openings include Virgin Megastore, Debenhams, Pearl Opticians, River Island, and Calvin Klein, although the list is endless.

In the International outlets, you could expect the prices to be a approximately 5% more expensive than their normal price, however throughout the year there are a large number of sales, where the prices can go as low as 75% of the normal retail value.

In the local outlets, it is generally accepted that bartering is allowed, and discounts in the region of 20% would be offered on request when buying.

February in Kuwait hosts the Hala February shopping festival, where most stores offer additional discounts, and special offers for the entire festival.

Electronic Items are generally very reasonable (approximately 30% off the normal high street price in the UK), and items such as sunglasses, watches, and jewelry are also extremely reasonable.