REVIEWS OF HOTEL EXECUTIVE CLUB LOUNGES, KIDS CLUBS AND MORE.
Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and the main economic hub and financial centre, where a lot of business and trade happens. People from all over Pakistan and beyond live here, giving the city a rich and diverse culture.
If you enjoy shopping for stylish items without spending too much, you will also love Karachi’s fake markets. Here, you can find trendy clothes, bags, and shoes that look like big brands but at a much lower cost. Let’s take a look at some of these markets below.
Located in Saddar, Zainab Market is a go-to for tourists, both for fake branded items and cool local crafts. It is housed inside an older colonial-style building, and once you step in, you are welcomed by a maze of shops selling all types of clothes you can think of.
The fake goods here are often so well-made that you might not realise they aren’t genuine. You will see “Nike” shoes, “Chanel” perfumes, and “Gucci” T-shirts that look straight out of a luxury store, but cost just a fraction of the price. Don’t forget to visit the surrounding stalls. They often offer better deals than the main shops inside.
Tariq Road is one of the busiest and most diverse commercial streets in Karachi, with large shopping centres sitting right next to tiny stalls and pop-up vendors. When it comes to fake designer fashion, look for roadside sellers and shops offering "branded" handbags, watches, perfumes, and even makeup.
You will find knockoffs of Michael Kors, Zara, Nike, and more, all priced for bargain hunters. The sellers are fast talkers and masters of persuasion, so be prepared to haggle. And, don’t be surprised if a “leather” bag turns out to be plastic. Always inspect before you pay.
Hyderi Market, located in North Nazimabad, feels more local. It is less touristy but hugely popular among Karachi residents, especially women looking for trendy clothes, handbags, and accessories on a budget.
You will find plenty of fake brand-name makeup products (be careful here and avoid anything that touches your skin), perfumes, and watches, as well as high-street fashion dupes, like H&M, Forever 21, and MAC.
This mall-style shopping centre is tucked away in Clifton. It doesn’t look very fancy from the outside, but looks can be deceiving. Gulf market is packed with small, air-conditioned shops that sell luxury fakes in a more relaxed environment.
You will find handbags with Louis Vuitton tags, “Rolex” watches, “Ray-Ban” sunglasses, and branded belts displayed with pride. While you know they are copies, some of them are high-quality replicas that can easily pass as the real deal from a distance.
Many stores have fixed prices, but you can still try your luck bargaining, especially if you are buying multiple items.
In markets like these, the goal is often to get the best-looking items at the best price. This means making sure to inspect the quality of the products before you pay for them. Some are usually very low quality, while others look and feel premium, almost like the real thing.
Make sure to haggle whenever it is allowed. Vendors usually quote higher prices and can charge even more if they know you are a tourist, so don't be shy. Start with half the quoted price and work with the seller from there.
Don't be afraid to walk away, either. If you feel like you are not getting a good deal, there are plenty of stores around that are selling whatever you are looking for.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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