The best fashion and gift stores - Louisiana in 2024

Practical information : Treat yourself (& others) Louisiana

Timetable

Opening times may vary from one establishment to another, but in general they open in the morning between 10am and 12pm and close between 6pm and 9pm. On Sundays, opening hours are often limited (12pm to 5 or 6pm). Opening times may also vary from town to town, and may be reduced out of season. In cities and small towns, there may also be closing days, mostly on Sunday and/or Monday (although some prefer to close on Tuesday and/or Wednesday). And whatever the season, most shops are open 7 days a week in the big cities, and even 24 hours a day for some grocery and convenience stores.

Budget & Tips

The cost of living in Louisiana is below the national average. When it comes to shopping, we do rather well, thanks in particular to a slightly favorable exchange rate. While prices may seem attractive, sales taxes are never included, unless otherwise specified. You must therefore add them to your purchases (4.45% + local tax of up to 7%, although some products, such as unprocessed food, are tax-exempt). Debit and credit card payments are generally accepted everywhere, even outside the major centers.
Louisiana also offers a state tax refund system on certain purchases for foreign visitors. Over 1,500 businesses are members of the "Louisiana Tax Free Shopping" program (hotels, restaurants and locally consumable services are not included). At checkout, and upon presentation of your passport, you'll be given a refund voucher for the amount of state tax - and sometimes local tax as well (don't forget to include your sales receipt). For tax refunds (in cash up to US$500, or by post for higher amounts), you need to go to one of the following four locations with your refund voucher and invoice, as well as your passport and round-trip airline ticket valid for less than 90 days: The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk (New Orleans), Canal Place (New Orleans, refund by post only), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Kenner) and Tanger Outlets (Gonzales). For further information: louisianataxfree.com

Sales

Sales are common practice in Louisiana and throughout the U.S., whether they are generalized to a certain period (end of season) or offered on a one-off basis in a specialized type of business (hardware stores and home improvement centers just before summer). Louisiana also takes part in major sales such as Black Friday (the Friday following Thanksgiving in November) and Boxing Day (the day after Christmas), which attract huge numbers of consumers, often in a frenzy...

What's very local

There are, of course, some great classics to bring back from a stay in Louisiana, such as colorful Mardi Gras accessories, voodoo or hoodoo items, gourmet products like hot sauce (there's a panoply of them!) and alligator jerky, or local beers and spirits. And since Louisiana is world-renowned for its musicians, a trip to a record store is highly recommended. However, haggling is not at all common in the state, except perhaps in certain parts of New Orleans. For ideas on souvenirs, see our "What to bring back" section.

Tourist traps

The great classics bearing the effigy of the destination are always popular with visitors. Unfortunately, souvenir stores are ubiquitous in major cities and high-tourism destinations, and are often filled with items made in China. The same applies to some craft stores. So be sure to buy local and authentic to encourage the local economy.

The best fashion and gift stores Louisiana

PRIEN LAKE MALL

LOUISIANA MUSIC FACTORY

THE OUTLET COLLECTION AT RIVERWALK

BLUE DREAM

SIMON OF NEW ORLEANS

ENGLISH MARKET

EUCLID RECORDS

SILVER DOLLAR PAWN & JEWELRY

PLANTATION TREASURES

BASS PRO SHOPS

ALEXANDRIA MALL

CRAFTS GALORE - THE REBEL STORE

SHOPPES AT BELLEMEAD

ANTHROPOLOGIE

SOUTHLAND COINS & COLLECTIBLES

SANTA’S QUARTERS

M.S. RAU

OCTAVIA BOOKS

LAGNIAPPE RECORDS

LOUISIANA MARKETSHOPS AT THE 115

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