Shopping in Georgia

Little mountainous Georgia strives to become the tourist Mecca of the Caucasus. This country has plenty to see, places to relax, and things to buy. Georgia’s population is just 3.7 million — 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 people crossing the border stay in the country for only a day, which likely means they came for shopping. To make your Georgian shopping tour successful, follow these tips.

Tips for smart shopping

• You should have the local currency — GEL (lari)

You can bring a small amount of euros or US dollars and exchange them for lari at a local exchange point in Georgia. Bank exchange rates are usually less favorable for tourists. Due to banking fees, it is better to pay in cash.

• It’s cheaper to buy food, clothes, and other goods in shops

Marked with a Tax Free sticker. If your purchase exceeds 200 lari and your stay in Georgia is less than three months, you can apply for a 15% VAT refund.

• The best time for shopping with major discounts

Is January – early February, and July – early August. Keep an eye on national holidays too — on those days, prices can drop by up to 30%.

• Check the opening hours on Google Maps

It’s a good idea. Most supermarkets in Georgia are open 24/7. Small private stores are usually open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Markets and fairs open at 6:00 AM, but trading often ends by 2:00 PM.

• Georgia is a hospitable country full of friendly people

Market vendors love giving advice. Ask them where to find the best fruits, cheese, or wine — and you’ll get a tip from real experts.

• The safest shopping

In Georgia is in malls, supermarkets, and specialized stores. They all have the necessary quality certificates. Markets and private stalls are more like cultural excursions — a way to experience local color. Be extremely cautious when buying food there. If you buy homemade sweets, soak them in salted water or a mild vinegar solution before eating. Otherwise, your trip to sunny Georgia might end with E. coli or a few types of parasites.

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 of all southern countries – churchkhela – can be found at food markets (homemade) or in supermarkets (from the family-run Badagi factory, which has all the quality seals and health certificates). Traditional churchkhela is made from walnuts and hazelnuts, dipped in dark Saperavi grape juice.

For customs transport as a gift for yourself or loved ones, besides churchkhela, pastila (tkhlapi) is also suitable. These are thin dried sheets made from apple, plum, or peach purée.

Kozinaki and baklava are best enjoyed on-site and bought only for yourself. These perishable, soft desserts do not travel well.

An excellent and inexpensive gift for a gourmet is a sweet basket. In a wicker container, you’ll find a selection of nuts, pastila, and churchkhela.

Sweet souvenirs from Georgia for yourself or friends may also include:

• jams and preserves

made from walnuts, almonds, pinecones, white cherries, feijoa, figs, or watermelon rind;

• honey

especially delicious honey is produced and sold at the Batumi Botanical Garden;

• chocolate

locally made (some of the best candies are produced by the Barambo brand);

• exotic fruits

such as feijoa, which travels well. Figs are better transported as jam;

• hazelnuts and almonds

prices for nuts in Georgia are much lower than in any CIS country;

• Kakhetian oil

which is said to have healing properties;

• tea or coffee

(the Sumbato brand is most recommended), both with a unique chocolate aftertaste.

Spices and sauces

Most tourists leave Georgia with a packet of Svan salt – a fragrant reminder of their trip. The most appreciated sauces are satsabeli, adjika, and tkemali.

You can buy seasonings both at food markets and in supermarkets. Everything from rare spices to salt is available at the Khurjini brand store. You can also buy traditional and herbal teas there.

Important: Don’t forget to check the airtightness of the packaging for your spices. This will preserve their aroma for longer and prevent your suitcase from smelling like spices. Supermarkets offer well-packed products by the company Vaime.

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 part of this sunny country to a friend is with these souvenirs:

• Minankari

handmade jewelry and souvenirs carefully crafted using cloisonné enamel. These include affordable and colorful earrings, pendants, bracelets, rings, brooches, animal figurines, and more. Minankari pieces can be found everywhere:

- along city promenades, at street markets, and in boutique stores;
- the best value-for-money options are available in shopping malls;

• Clay dishes

at markets or during excursions, you can buy a wine jug or a ketsi (a clay pan that can also be used for serving food);

• Antiques

paintings, musical instruments, candlesticks, and household items. Valuable vintage pieces can be found at flea markets (e.g., the Dry Bridge Market in Tbilisi) or in antique shops;

• Religious items

icons, jewelry, candlesticks, and candles from monasteries. A church bracelet inscribed with “Save and protect,” brought back as a gift, is a common souvenir;

• Original gifts

for example, khinkali-printed socks from AlterSocks or a cotton bag with 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, a market is a place where you can buy everything at once. There are plenty in the capital. People come not only for exotic fruits, affordable clothing, aromatic spices, or handmade souvenirs. Markets allow tourists to meet locals and learn about Georgia directly from the source.

The most popular markets include:

• Deserter (Borjomi) Market

This food market is located near Vokzalnaya metro station. You'll find a wide selection of national cheeses, homemade wine, aromatic spices, and traditional sweets.

• Dry Bridge

A modern flea market. Visitors come here for souvenirs, antiques, and rarities. You can buy vintage watches, cameras, collectible coins, stamps, and handmade musical instruments directly from vendors.

• Lilo

A huge trading area five kilometers from Tbilisi Airport. Lilo offers not only food and household goods, but also clothing, toys, furniture, and electronics from Georgia, China, Turkey, and the UAE.

• Samgori (Navtlugi)

A small food market located near the Deserter Market.

• Souvenir Market

Located on Rustaveli Avenue, this market sells handmade items. It’s a great place to find gifts for friends or a keepsake from your trip.

Supermarkets and Shopping Malls

In tourist countries, the growing number of supermarkets and improved service are clear signs of stable investment flow. Today, Tbilisi is known for its shopping malls:

• Tbilisi Mall

It covers 72,000 square meters. The complex includes a cinema, Carrefour supermarket, and many clothing, shoe, and accessory stores. You can find both mass-market goods and unique handmade items here.

• Galleria Tbilisi

A classic shopping center featuring global brand stores and a grocery supermarket (Goodwill).

• East Point

The largest mall in the Caucasus, built like a shopping city. It houses dozens of outlet stores, Carrefour, and even a McDonald’s.

Other popular malls among visitors include Merani Mall, Karvasla, Central Tbilisi, Axis Palace Mall, Gldani Mall, Tbilisi Sea Plaza, and Isani Mall.

Each of these malls has pharmacies, several cafes (including pizzerias and traditional Georgian cuisine spots), electronics stores, and souvenir displays with handmade items.

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 town than a destination for shopping tours. However, you can still buy traditional wine, cheese, or churchkhela here. Tasty souvenirs are best purchased at one of two markets:

• Kolkheti Market

— located near the fountain of the same name;

• Chavchavadze Market

— situated on the outskirts of the city.

Tourists also visit Grand Mall and the famous Karvasla, which resembles the one in Tbilisi.

From Georgia to Turkey

There are plenty of Turkish goods on sale in Georgia, but it's cheaper to buy them directly in the country of origin. You can reach Turkey by minibus — the trip takes about half an hour from the Georgian town of Sarpi. Interestingly, after crossing the border, tourists arrive in the Turkish town of Sarp. From there, you can choose one of the following shopping options:

take a bus to the Istanbul Bazaar shopping center;

travel 200 kilometers to the shopping mecca — the city of Trabzon;

buy clothes and household items by following the less common shopping tour route: Istanbul, Rize, Kemalpaşa, Ordu.

Georgia may not be known as a shopping destination, but millions of tourists visit the country each year, happily strolling through its markets and shops — proving that even here, shopping can become a true adventure.