Shopping in the U.S.
By Brooke Comer
San Francisco's Union Square -- so named because Union supporters
gathered there during the Civil War to commiserate and cheer
-- is the centre of the city's elegant shopping.
Defined by an attractive square of manicured lawn stretching
before the ornate 1904 St. Francis Hotel, Union Square is
still populated by elegant society ladies in white gloves
shopping at nearby department stores Neiman Marcus and Gump's
(in 2001 a Bloomingdales will join the shopping options),
but the atmosphere has changed somewhat with the arrival of
theme stores like Niketown and the Disney Store.
Christmas is a special time in Union Square, when a beautifully
decorated Christmas tree stands tall and shines with light.
Nearby Maiden Lane is now one of the city's priciest shopping
strips, crammed with chic designer boutiques like Chanel and
Jil Sander, though its name is no doubt a coy reference to
its scarlet past as bordello-lined Morton Street, once the
centre of San Francisco's red light district.
Just east at 50 Post Street, you'll find the Crocker Galleria,
a glass-domed pavilion modelled after Milan's famous enclosed
shopping area, Vittorio Emmauelle, offering shoppers three
tiers of temptation, with Nicole Miller, Versace and Ralph
Lauren among the many designer brands.
Just west at 865 Market Street, a spiral escalator at the
San Francisco Shopping Centre leads you to such signature
American stores as Nordstroms, Abercrombie & Fitch, Club
Monaco and J. Crew -- though don't expect big discounts or
unique gifts at this elegant shopping centre.
San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the best Chinese neighbourhoods
in America, possibly because it is the oldest and the most
populated. Turn left where Maiden Lane meets Grant Avenue
and stroll uphill for two blocks to the imposing, tiled Chinatown
Gate. You’ll feel like you’ve walked right into
China with all the exotic shops and markets, red and gold
temples, and tempting restaurant signs, not to mention the
hordes of Asian pedestrians.
Here you'll find everything from inexpensive curios, like
painted fans and an array of colourful toys, to jade jewellery
and silk kimonos.
 Serious
bargain hunters must visit the garment district. Georgiou's
Outlet at 925 Bryant Street, has last season's clothes for
discounted prices. Don't miss the $5 racks! If you like Esprit,
visit the Esprit Factory Outlet at 499 Illinois Street, and
if you take mountain sports seriously, or just like the look,
check out the North Face Factory Outlet at 1325 Howard.
It's worth ringing the Fashion Centre to see if they're
having one of their five-times-a-year sample sales while you're
in town (001-415-864-1561). Designer clothes can be had for
a song (if you're slender enough to fit into a sample size),
but bring plenty of cash, as no credit cards are accepted,
and there is an admission charge.
The Third Street Warehouse (2325 Third Street) has a range
of interesting shops, such as House This (one-of-a-kind doorknobs,
candle holders, napkin rings and such), City Limit (posters,
calendars and unique museum-shop-style gifts), and the Hat
Man (outrageous hats, silk scarves and handbags).
Do you love cashmere, linens and mohair? Bill Lingle's San
Francisco-based Knitting Group of California makes beautiful
jumpers and other yummy winter-wear that sells for $80 to
$400 an item.
But you'll get a steep discount on the same products when
you shop in the tiny shop by the same name near the company's
manufacturing headquarters at 2101 Bryant Street.
Truly serious shoppers should seek professional help. Luckily,
it's available in San Francisco from Susie Davis's Hunting
Bargains, a company that takes you on a five-hour customised
excursion with a pro. Your shopping expert will help you find
exactly what you're looking for, and hotel pick-up and drop-off
are included in the price.
For Flights and Airfares to the U.S - click
here for the Travel Homepage.
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