Shopping in Morocco- Each region has its own specialties

Shopping in Morocco

Shopping in Morocco is one of the great attractions and this is because despite the fact that lately thanks to department stores it is possible to buy anything from anywhere in the world. Morocco has a great attraction and a great advantage and that is that it has rich local craftsmanship with picturesque and richly decorated items. Which we are not used to seeing in our home countries or at least at the same price.

Thanks to its rich culture Morocco can boast of having a great variety of beautiful handicrafts, exceptional and unique pieces. In addition to the persuasive power of Moroccan merchants, the bargaining and the magic of spices. As well as the rich colors of the beautiful pieces make it inevitable to fall into the temptation to buy. Morocco is a country with great craftsmen. Do not forget that much of the country’s economy comes from handicrafts.

There are many cooperatives of artisans and it is very common to see small stores and workshops where you can see live the work and expertise of these artists.

Shopping in Morocco, Often the greatest charm of a place is in the most simple or essential. You can get lost in souks full of objects, trinkets, antiques and all kinds of junk for hours in which it seems that time has stopped. No need to have money, or go with the idea of buying something. The simple fact of walking and observing is an experience for the senses that should not fail to experience.

If you go with strength and you feel like going for an object of your liking. Be prepared because it will not be easy to buy unless you are willing to pay the first price that the shopkeeper gives you. It is usually much higher than what you could get with patience and the technique of bargaining.

Each region has its own specialties

RABAT: embroidery and carpet

CASABLANCA: leatherwork and carpet of Mediouna

MEKNES: woodwork and mosaics

FES: blue pottery of Fès, copper plateaus and leather work.

MARRAKECH: leather work (slippers, briefcases, jackets, pants, coats …), spices and Berber carpets.

SAFI: potteries

TAZA: Berber Benhaddou carpets, jewelry and marquetry.

ESSAOUIRA woodwork (boards, sculptures, plateaus, … in thuya), Berber jewelry.

If you are looking for something in particular and want to take it at a good price. Look for craft complexes, which are in almost every city, where you will find crafts at good quality and price.

For any complaint regarding the purchase of a handicraft object, please contact the Local Delegation of the Ministry of Handicrafts.

As for prices, it is very common to be told “this is a gift” and if it is expensive. It is because “it is handmade”, it is all part of a tug of war. The tourist must also play his role wandering among the carpets and fabrics or any other object that does not give away our true intention to buy. Must mislead the shopkeeper by touching and feeling the feel of the leather to see if it is goatskin (good quality) or sheepskin (inferior quality) so that he sees that you know what you are buying.

“An Arab proverb says: “May God cause uncertainty between the seller and the buyer”. Sociologist Jamal Khalil. Bargaining comes from the first forms of trade such as barter. For which it was necessary to find the right balance between the value of things.

In Morocco, the bargaining became a tourist offer in itself. It is one more attraction of the country, supplying the reputation of hospitality of the Moroccan and prolonging the reputation all cheap that the tourists come to look for in the kingdom. Although on the other hand this type of trade inspires a lot of distrust. Especially to those who have realized that they have paid in a store the triple of the three stores later.

Buying in Morocco: Bargaining

Bargaining when shopping in Morocco is at the same time an amusement, a sport, a game for which you need a touch of humor, cunning, subtlety, cunning, cold-bloodedness and a lot of patience. For a small item of just 20 euros you can bargain for more than 10 minutes. But if we are already talking about items of more than 60 euros do not hesitate a moment to bargain. You will probably even be invited for a cup of tea. As a tip you should not show much interest in the chosen object, walk around the store consulting other items and of course you should never say initially the price you want to pay, nor make it seem that you have a lot of money.

Tips for bargaining

Divide the first price asked by the merchant by two, or even three, until you find a fair price.
Do not chat for a long time with the merchant without buying anything.
Do not back out after an agreement, this can be quite offensive to the merchant.
Keep smiling at all timesBargaining is not a death match with the merchant, it should be a subtle means of weaving a social bond.
Never be too interested or excited about an item because you are going to pay much more than it is worth.Make it clear that you know a little about prices.
Never say that it is much cheaper than in Europe.

If you want to buy without bargaining, it is possible to do so, in artisan cooperatives, and in stores that indicate “fixed prices”. There you will generally not be ripped off but do not expect to find the bargain of the century.

Legal Restrictions

As in all countries, the exportation of works of art, antiques or other particular riches (such as fossils) must be previously authorized. Some animal species are also protected. Do not buy turtles or geckos or other animals, first of all, these animals have little chance of surviving outside their own territory, and also it is to encourage a trade that destroys little by little these species.

Shopping in Morocco