Shopping in Georgia

Georgia, a small mountainous country, is striving to become the tourist mecca of the Caucasus. There is plenty to see, where to relax, and what to buy in this country. The population of Georgia is only 3.7 million people, which is two and a half times less than the number of tourists who visited it in 2018 (8.7 million). According to statistics, four million of those who cross the country's border stay for only a day, indicating that they likely came for shopping. To make your shopping tour in Georgian style successful, it is advisable to follow the following rules.

Tips for profitable shopping

• For citizens of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus:

You do not need a visa to stay in Georgia for one calendar year. After this period, you need to leave for at least a day to reset the "counter."

• For shopping, you need to have the national currency - GEL (lari):

You can bring a small amount of euros or dollars with you and exchange them for lari at the nearest exchange office in Georgia. The exchange rates at banks are not favorable for tourists. It is better to pay for purchases in cash due to bank fees.

• It is cheaper to buy food, clothing, and other goods in stores:

marked with a Tax Free sticker. If the purchases amount to more than 200 lari and the tourist's stay in the country does not exceed three months, they can claim a refund of fifteen percent of the purchased items' cost.

• The best time to buy products with significant discounts:

is January - the first half of February and July - early August. It is also worth keeping an eye on national holidays - on these days, the prices of goods can drop by up to thirty percent.

• Checking the working hours of the establishment of interest in Google Maps:

will be helpful. Almost all supermarkets in Georgia are open 24/7. Small private shops operate from 9 am to 5 pm. Markets and bazaars open at 6 am, but trading may end by 2 pm.

• Georgia is a hospitable country with friendly people:

Market vendors enjoy giving advice. Ask them where to buy the best fruits, cheese, or wine, and you will get the answers from true experts.

• The safest shopping:

in Georgia awaits tourists in shopping centers, supermarkets, and specialized stores. They have all the necessary quality certificates for their products. The market and private shops are more of a separate excursion aimed at experiencing the national flavor. It is advisable to be cautious when buying food products there. When buying sweets from housewives, take the time to soak them in salted water or a weak vinegar solution before consumption. Otherwise, the cost of a trip to hot Georgia could be an intestinal infection or several types of worms.

Where to go shopping in Georgia

Stores

Today, Georgia is a modern country with a large number of small shops, huge markets, expensive boutiques, and showrooms scattered throughout its streets. Hypermarkets have also started appearing in even the largest cities relatively recently.

It is most advantageous to purchase clothing, footwear, and accessories in mass-market stores like LC Waikiki. They offer practical everyday clothing made of synthetic materials as well as luxurious items made from natural fabrics. The drawback of shopping in such mass-market stores is that their main product offerings are from Turkish and Polish manufacturers.

As a nod to global trends, outlets have also emerged in Georgia. The most popular ones are Atelier Outlet and Eurobrand. They showcase over fifty globally renowned labels for men's and women's clothing, including items for children.

For fashion enthusiasts who are well-versed in the names of Georgian designers, it is better to visit the corresponding concept stores that feature locally produced clothing. For those who are not specifically seeking out a particular designer but want to choose the best pieces, showrooms have been created:

• CO.MODE

where the creations of more than fifty fashion masters can be found;

• DOTS

a network of boutiques from the Materiá retail house;

• CHAOS

dedicated to the works of young Georgian designers;

• IERI

a new but already popular conceptual store.

Supermarkets

The major retail chains in Georgia include:

• Carrefour

considered the best hypermarket in the country in terms of price-to-quality ratio. In addition to food products, household goods, and mass-market clothing, they also offer electronics.

• Goodwill

they have a range of gourmet products that exceeds 1,500 items. Goodwill operates eight stores in Tbilisi, Gori, and Batumi.

• Nikora

is a grocery store that can be found on practically every corner. There are currently 280 Nikora locations in Georgia, offering customers a selection of over 500 different products.

• Spar

a Dutch retail chain. They are the only supermarkets open 24/7. At the beginning of this year, there were 110 Spar stores in Georgia.

• and others

such as Fresco, Smart, Agrohub, and more.

Major Markets in Georgian Resorts

When visiting the central markets of Georgian resort cities (such as the Dezerter Market in Tbilisi and the Boni Market in Batumi), it is customary to explore not only for the sake of experiencing the local atmosphere but also to find fresh fruits, vegetables, other food products, and affordable clothing.

If you're looking for souvenirs in the capital city, it's best to head to the Sukhoy Most Flea Market. In Batumi, you can find trinkets at the Hopa Market. Georgians love to bargain, so the price tags are more of a starting point.

Auto Market

The AutoPava Market, which has been operating since 2007, is gaining popularity every year. It is located 40 kilometers from Tbilisi. On its 22,000-hectare area, you can find used cars from Europe, the United States, and even Japan. The condition of the chosen vehicle can be checked right at the market using online auction services.

What to Buy

Best of Georgian Cuisine

Wine

In Georgia, there are over five hundred varieties of grapes grown. Wine production varies across different regions of the country due to the influence of rainfall and the number of sunny days. Eastern Georgia is known for its delicious popular wines, while the west is renowned for its elite wines. Some of the most well-known wine brands include Saperavi, Kindzmarauli, white Tvishi, and reds Mukuzani and Khvanchkara.

When purchasing Georgian wines, keep in mind that customs allow you to take up to four liters of wine per person. If you want to buy larger quantities, you can do so online. Some producers deliver their products to neighboring countries in boxes of six bottles.

Where to Buy

Although homemade wines are sold on every corner - at markets, small shops, from individuals, and on stalls in tourist areas, it is best to choose wines from well-known producers in certified stores. Examples include Tbilvino, Bagrationi, Georgian Wine House, Vinomania, Telavi Wine Cellar, or GWS.

In Kakheti, the Georgian province, you can not only buy but also taste internationally renowned Georgian wines. Today, there are approximately forty wineries operating in Kakheti. For those who are not very knowledgeable about wines but would like to purchase a few quality bottles, there is a young wine festival held annually in mid-May.

Chacha

For those who prefer stronger alcohol, chacha is a good choice. Its alcohol content ranges from forty to seventy degrees. Chacha is available not only from local vendors at markets but also in supermarkets and liquor stores. Handmade chacha tends to be stronger, while store-bought chacha is usually milder and often comes in beautiful packaging, making it suitable for gifting.

Mineral Water

Local brands of mineral water are definitely worth buying for personal consumption without worrying about transporting them across the border. The internationally famous brand of Georgian mineral water, Borjomi, may not be favored by the local population. Georgians prefer Likani and Nabeglavi.

Cheeses

Georgia has been renowned for its cheeses for eight thousand years! You can find them at food market stalls, in the display cases of large supermarkets, and in specialty cheese shops such as Cheese Room or Cheese House. Tourists usually opt for typically local varieties, including Guda, Kobi, Sulguni, Kalti, Tenili, Chogi, and Imeretian cheese.

Every year, Georgia hosts a cheese festival. The location of the festival is periodically changed by the authorities to regulate the flow of tourists. The most recent festival was held in Kutaisi.

Sweets

The signature sweet treat of all southern countries, churchkhela, can be purchased at food markets (homemade) or supermarkets (such as the family-owned Badagi factory, which has all the quality marks and sanitary passports). Traditional churchkhela is made from walnuts and hazelnuts, coated with the juice of dark Saperavi grapes.

As a gift for yourself and your loved ones, in addition to churchkhela, you can also consider pastila (tklapi). These are thin, dry sheets made from apple, plum, or peach puree.

However, it is better to try kozinaki and pakhlava on the spot and purchase them only for immediate consumption, as these soft desserts perish quickly.

An excellent option for a tasty and affordable gourmet gift is a sweet gift basket. It typically contains various types of nuts, pastila, and churchkhela, beautifully arranged in a woven wicker basket.

Other sweet gifts that you can bring from Georgia for yourself or friends include:

• Jams and preserves

made from walnuts, almonds, pine cones, white cherries, feijoa, figs, and watermelon rinds.

• Honey

especially the delicious honey produced and sold at the Batumi Botanical Garden.

• Chocolate

locally produced (one of the best chocolate candies are made by the brand Barambo).

• Exotic fruits

such as feijoa, which travels well. However, it is better to transport figs in the form of preserves.

• Hazelnuts and almonds

in Georgia, the prices of nuts are much lower than in any CIS country.

• Kakhetian oil

which is believed to have healing properties.

• Tea or coffee

(the brand Sumbato is highly recommended), which have a unique chocolate aftertaste.

Spices and Sauces

Many tourists leave Georgia with a bag of Svan salt as a fragrant reminder of their trip. Among sauces, satsivi, adjika, and tkemali are highly valued.

You can purchase spices at food markets as well as supermarkets. Everything from rare spices to salt is sold at the Khurjini specialty shop. It is also the place to buy traditional or herbal teas.

Important: it is recommended to check the seal and packaging of the spices to ensure their freshness and avoid the spices' aroma permeating your luggage. Supermarkets offer well-packaged products from the Vayme company.

Clothing

Today, many people travel to Georgia for local designer clothing. Most fashion designers have received classical education in Europe or the United States. In their work, the influence of the West combines with an Eastern flair. That is why Georgian style is gaining popularity worldwide. The following brands are loved by Georgians and visitors to the country:

• ANOUKI

A label created and successfully brought to life by Anouki Areshidze, the wife of former footballer and mayor of Tbilisi, Kaha Kaladze. Anouki Areshidze was previously a model and dancer for the world-famous Sukhishvili Ballet.

• Aka Nanita

A fashion brand established in 2009 by Aka Nanitashvili.

• LAKO BUKIA

Clothing created by a young designer who studied with the best in the fashion world in New York.

• Nino Babukhadia

This label produces both women's and men's clothing.

• Diana Kvariani

Her designs, especially floral dresses, have gained attention. Kvariani has brought a modern touch to feminine silhouettes.

• AVTANDIL-73

Clothing from the oldest Georgian designer.

• Keti Chkhikvadze Fashion House

A clothing brand that has even won the heart of the second wife of the Qatari Sheikh, thanks to the use of expensive furs, leather, and stones.

• Eloshi

The creation of designer Lela Eloshvili, who studied the art of style at the London Academy.

• Mariam Gvasalia

Footwear created by the young designer Mariam Gvasalia, which has rapidly gained popularity.

• Tamuna Ingorokva

Stylish clothing created in a minimalist style.

The clothing released under the labels Matériel, Lasha Jokhadze, LALO CARDIGANS, Tinatin Magalashvili, MACH&MACH, TEYÓ, Situationist, Atelier Kikala, Tatuna Nikolaishvili, Maturelli, Kanchaveli, and Djaba Diassamidze is also popular.

For those who appreciate accessories, it is worth paying attention to the work of the following designers:

• Natia Khutsishvili

Natia creates unique jewelry in the form of spiders, snakes, and crocodiles.

• Sopho Gongliashvili

The only fashion designer successfully working with cloisonné enamel.

• Le Mocassin Zippé

Ketevan Maisaia develops and brings to life amazing glasses. Recently, the brand has also started producing footwear.

Gifts and Souvenirs

Almost every tourist brings a gift from Georgia for themselves or their loved ones. The best way to keep a piece of Georgian hospitality in your heart or give a piece of this sunny country to a friend is through the following gifts:

• Minankari

Handcrafted jewelry and souvenirs meticulously made from cloisonné enamel. These brightly colored earrings, pendants, bracelets, rings, brooches, animal figurines, and more are affordable. Works of Minankari can be found everywhere:

- On the promenades of major cities, makeshift markets, and conceptual boutiques.
- The best "price-quality" options are available in shopping centers.

• Ceramic ware

You can find wine jugs or ketsi (a frying pan used for serving dishes) at markets or during country tours.

• Antiques

Paintings, musical instruments, candleholders, household items. Valuable antique items can be purchased at flea markets (such as the "Dry Bridge" Market in Tbilisi) or antique shops.

• Religious items

(icons, jewelry, candleholders, candles from monasteries). Church bracelets with the inscription "Save and Protect" are a common gift.

• Unique gifts

For example, Hinckali-themed socks from AlterSocks or a cotton bag featuring views of Tbilisi.

"Useless" Souvenirs

Like in any other tourist destination, visitors are offered impractical but eye-catching souvenirs in Georgia. It's not necessary to rush to open your wallet for all the unusual items. The following purchases from Georgia may turn out to be useless gifts:

• Horn or wine goblet

A popular but rarely used item in everyday life. Most likely, such a gift will gather dust behind glass.

• Magnets and mugs with Georgian symbols

As well as seashells and other products with a maritime theme. In this country, it is more valuable to buy a tasty gift rather than another dust collector. Sweets and magnets are roughly priced the same.

• Daggers and knives

Tourists should be aware that certain types of cold weapons may cause issues at customs: specific types of daggers are usually subject to declaration. Such a gift can be expensive, and whether it can be brought back home is a surprise until passing through security.

• Pardagi

A costly handmade woven carpet. This gift will be appreciated only by a very discerning person. However, transporting such an item is difficult and expensive.

• National clothing

(including the famous papakha hats). Traditional clothing and headwear can be pricey but are likely to end up collecting dust in the owner's closet. As an alternative, you can visit the store of the branded national clothing Samoseli Pirveli as part of your excursion.

• Felted wool toys

which also risk becoming yet another dust collector in the owner's home. An exception would be doll collectors who would appreciate woolen figures in traditional clothing.

Best Cities for Shopping in Georgia

Most visitors to Georgia stay in Tbilisi, Batumi, or Kutaisi. These three major tourist regions receive up to 80% of annual visitors.

Tbilisi is the best city for shopping. The shopping opportunities in Batumi and Kutaisi are quite limited. However, if these cities are the main places of stay in Georgia, there is no need to travel to the capital specifically for souvenirs. Traditional and tasty gifts can be purchased there as well.

Tbilisi: Shopping Highlights in the Capital

Tbilisi now represents an eclectic mix of styles and trends. On one street, you can find an authentic shop selling unique accessories, as well as a large supermarket from a European retail chain.

Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories Stores

It is more advantageous to buy clothing and related items in shopping centers and boutiques in the city center. It is not recommended to visit showrooms in elite districts - they are very expensive.

There are many stores of European brands in Tbilisi, but they are not worth the attention. Similar clothing can be purchased more affordably back home.

However, Georgian designer products have something to offer even to the most discerning fashionistas. The following showrooms and boutiques are represented in Tbilisi:

• Flabour

which has even captured the creators of the famous TV series "Sex and the City". There are several key scenes where the New York fashionista Carrie Bradshaw parades in Flabour outfits.

• Chardin One

a place where only local designers' creations are offered for sale.

• GEPHERRINI

which offers expensive and high-quality leather goods.

• MORE is LOVE

a unique small shop created by the famous Georgian socialite Nino Eliava.

• Kebzari and Nature Style

markets for jewelry made of copper, silver, gold, and other precious metals. The products are designed in the form of flowers and leaves. Miniature replicas of exotic animals can also be found.

• ZARAPXANA

representative of the world-famous Tbilisi jewelry factory.

• A Propos

silver jewelry created by master Pirtskhalava.

• Hand Store

here you can find a rich selection of branded Georgian-style handmade products.

Most boutiques have their own online stores. By ordering a few favorite items from them, you can lighten your suitcase for customs clearance.

Markets in Tbilisi

Traditionally, markets are places where you can buy everything at once. There are quite a few of them in the capital. People come here not only for exotic fruits, affordable clothing, aromatic spices, or handmade souvenirs. The market allows tourists to meet locals and learn all about Georgia "first-hand."

The most popular markets in Tbilisi include:

• Deserter's (Borjomi) Market

This food market is located near the Vokzalnaya metro station. The stalls offer a wide selection of national cheeses, homemade wine, aromatic spices, and traditional sweets.

• "Dry Bridge" Market

A modern "flea" market. Here, people search for souvenirs, antiques, and other rarities. You can buy vintage watches and cameras, collectible coins and stamps, and handmade musical instruments directly from the hands of sellers.

• Lilo

This is a huge trading area located five kilometers from Tbilisi Airport. Lilo offers not only food and household goods but also clothing, toys, furniture, and household appliances from Georgia, China, Turkey, and even the United Arab Emirates.

• Samgori (Navtlugi)

A small food market located near Deserter's Market.

• Souvenir Market

A place to buy handmade goods on Rustaveli Avenue. Here, you can choose gifts for friends and buy something for yourself as a memento of your trip.

Supermarkets and Shopping Centers

In tourist countries, the constant growth of supermarkets along with the improvement of their services is a sure sign of stable investment inflows. Today, Tbilisi is famous for its shopping centers:

• Tbilisi Mall

occupying 72,000 square meters. Tbilisi Mall houses a cinema, Carrefour supermarket, and numerous clothing, shoe, and accessory stores. Here, you can find both mass-market products and unique handmade items.

• Galleria Tbilisi

representing a traditional complex of globally renowned brands and a grocery supermarket (in this case, Goodwill).

• East Point

the largest shopping center in the Caucasus, built as a trade city. Inside East Point, there are not only dozens of outlets and a Carrefour supermarket but also McDonald's.

Among the visitors of the Georgian capital, other popular shopping centers include Merani Mall, Karvasla, Central Tbilisi, Axis Palace Mall, Gldani Mall, Tbilisi Sea Plaza, and Isani Mall.

In each of the mentioned shopping centers, you can find pharmacies, several cafes (including pizzerias and those serving national cuisine), and household appliance stores. There are also showcases with handmade Georgian souvenirs.

Batumi

From Large Shopping Centers to Small Shops

Relatively recently, several large shopping centers were completed in Batumi: MetroCity Forum, Batumi Plaza, Batumi Mall, Sea Plaza.

In addition to the "standard set" of clothing, shoe, and grocery stores, Plaza has a swimming pool and a casino. MetroCity Forum is known for its modern cinema.

In Batumi, you can find most of the retail chains that are present in the capital, such as:

• Supermarkets

Carrefour, Spar, Nikora, and Goodwill.

• Clothing, Shoe, and Accessory Stores

Flabour, LC Waikiki, GEPHERRINI.

• Jewelry Boutiques

ZARAPXANA.

The city also has several specialty stores:

• Wine House

where wine from hundreds of grape varieties is represented.

• Maximus Beer

a place to buy live Georgian beer.

• Spice Boutique

where they will help you choose spices for the most demanding housewives. If necessary, the shop can beautifully package any chosen spices and sauces for a gift.

Markets in Batumi

Several markets are constantly operating in the city. The largest trading areas of interest to tourists include:

• Central Market

also known as Boni or Parekhi. Here, mainly food, clothing, and household goods are sold. The market is known for its inexpensive souvenirs.

• Hopa Market

a huge trading point for clothing and footwear. You can also find decent costume jewelry at the stalls.

• Fish Market

where dozens of varieties of fish and seafood are sold, from shrimp and bullhead to trout and mussels. There are cafes on the market premises where you can have the chosen fish cooked.

Kutaisi

Kutaisi is more of a resort city than one that is suitable for a shopping tour. However, you can still buy traditional wine, cheese, or churchkhela here. Delicious souvenirs can be found at one of the two markets:

• Kolkhida Market

located near the fountain of the same name.

• Chavchavadze Market

set up on the outskirts of the city.

Tourists also visit the famous Grand Mall and the well-known Karvasla, reminiscent of the one in Tbilisi.

From Georgia to Turkey

There are plenty of Turkish goods available in Georgian stores, but they can be purchased cheaper in the country of origin. You can reach Turkey by minibus. The journey takes about half an hour from the Georgian town of Sarpi. Interestingly, after passing through customs, tourists arrive in the Turkish town of Sarpi. From there, for shopping purposes, one can choose from the following options:

• Take a bus to the Istanbul Bazaar Shopping Center.
• Travel 200 kilometers to the shopping mecca of Trabzon.
• Shop for clothing and household items while traveling on a less popular shopping tour route: Istanbul, Rize, Kemalpasa, Ordu.