One of the first events I had to attend after moving to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan was a friend's wedding. That meant I had to hit up the malls to find a suitable dress for myself and a suit for my boyfriend. In this blog post, we will explore the best shopping malls in Bishkek, highlighting their unique features and the shopping experiences they offer.
SHOPPING MALLS IN BISHKEK
1. Asia Mall
This mall is going to be hard to miss because you'll immediately recognize the beautiful mural on the mall. It is one of the most popular shopping destinations. This multi-level mall features a diverse selection of shops, including local boutiques, and specialty stores. From fashion and accessories to electronics and household items, Asia Mall caters to a wide range of shopping needs. The mall also boasts a spacious food court offering a variety of cuisines, as well as a cinema complex for entertainment enthusiasts.
2. Bishkek Park
Bishkek Park is a modern and spacious shopping mall that offers a comprehensive shopping experience. This mall features a mix of international and local brands, catering to various tastes and budgets. International brands wise, you can find Levi's, Lacoste, and Mango.
Bishkek Park's fashion stores, home decor shops, electronics outlets, and supermarkets provide shoppers with a wide range of options. The mall also offers a large food court with a variety of cuisines, a cinema complex, and a children's play area, ensuring a fun-filled experience for the whole family.
3. Dordoi Plaza
Dordoi Plaza is another popular shopping mall in Bishkek. Dordoi Plaza houses numerous shops and stalls offering a vast array of items, including clothing, footwear, accessories, home decor, and much more. Don't confuse it with Dordoi Bazaar which is a famous wholesale market. It's a paradise for bargain hunters and business owners looking for affordable products.
4. Tsum Center
Tsum Center, located in the city center, is a mall that features a selection of different brands and boutiques. The mall also doesn't have many dining options or international brands and a sophisticated ambiance compared to other malls such as Dordoi Plaza and Bishkek Park.
5. Seoul Plaza
It's not the fanciest building to go shopping in, but the multi-level mall is comprised of a diverse selection of local shops. You'll find beauty and clothing stores so don't expect to find a food court or any movie theatres.
THINGS TO KNOW WHEN SHOPPING IN BISHKEK
1. International Brands
If you're looking for a Zara, H&M, or any luxury brand, you won't be able to find that in Kyrgyzstan. Your best bet is to take a day trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan to do your shopping. However, there are MANY local shops here that act as a reseller. They will purchase the products from, for example, Zara in Turkey, bring them over to Kyrgyzstan, and then sell them.
2. Sizing
When I'm in South Korea, most of the clothing runs small and it's even difficult to find shoes from local brands that have a size 8.5 US. I haven't found any trouble with sizing in Kyrgyzstan so hopefully you don't either!
3. Counterfeit Items
Counterfeit items can be found in many parts of the world, and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, is no exception. Unlike some other countries where it's illegal, it seems like there aren't any risks or consequences in purchasing these counterfeit goods. They openly sell it in malls and street stores, so I think it isn't regulated.
Even though Kyrgyzstan isn't known to be a shopping destination, you shouldn't have trouble finding what you need. Make sure you explore these shopping malls in Kyrgyzstan to understand what type of clothing is offered here and how the fashion styles/trends may differ from your home country.