Introduction
 Guadalajara
has a great variety of high-quality merchandise at low prices.
Shopping malls, especially, are springing up everywhere; the metropolitan
area now has more than 30. Store hours tend to be Monday through
Saturday 9-8, Sunday 10-2; shopping mall stores generally stay
open at lunch. Tianguis (street markets) run every day throughout
the Guadalajara area; you never know what you'll find.
Blown glass, hand-carved wood
furniture, fine leatherwork, and hand-glazed pottery are Guadalajara
traditions, and the town is also home to a thriving shoe industry.
At sprawling markets you can bargain for anything from embroidered
shirts to huaraches, and sleek shopping malls have full-service
department stores and trendy boutiques.
Markets & Shopping
Centers
 Instituto
De Artesanias Jaliscienses:
Run by the state government, this store has a wide selection of
the exquisite blown glass and hand-glazed pottery typical of Jalisco
artisans. There are also fine crafts from other parts of Mexico.
Everything is sold at fixed prices. Calzada González Gallo
20 and Calzada Independencia Sur, next to Parque Agua Azul. Phone:
3/619-4664. Weekdays 10-6, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-3.
El
Baratillo: This is
one of the world's largest flea markets. Thirty city blocks are
lined with stalls, tents, and blankets piled high with new, used,
and antique merchandise. On and around Calle Esteban Loera, some
15 blocks east of Mercado Libertad. Sun. 7-5. General Markets
Mercado
Libertad: Also known
as the Mercado San Juan de Dios, the Liberty Market is one of
Latin America's largest enclosed markets. Within a three-square-block
area you can browse through more than 1,000 privately owned stalls
selling everything from clothing to crafts to live animals and
gold watches. Calzada Independéncia Sur between Dionísio
Rodríguez and Av.  Javier
Mina. Daily 10-8.
Bazar
Capitán: Serious
art, crafts, and antique lovers may want to consult an expert
if time is limited. Bazar Capitán's Robert Alvarado, who
has 30 years in the art and antiques business, runs personalized
buying tours for small groups. His bilingual El Antiquario magazine
promotes local antiquities dealers. Argentina 73, a half block
off Avenida Vallarta. Phone: 3/827-1990. Weekdays noon-6.
La
Gran Plaza: A sleek
three-story glass-and-steel exterior houses 334 commercial spaces
and a 14-plex cinema, surrounded by a large food court and some
quality restaurants. It's east of the Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce
and the Camino Real hotel, on the city's far west side. Av. Vallarta
3959, Phone: 3/122-3004. Daily 10-9:30.
Plaza
Del Sol: The city's
largest mall sprawls like a park, with 270 commercial spaces,
outdoor patios, trees and garden areas, and parking for 2,100
cars. It's across from the Presidente Intercontinental hotel.
Avs. López Mateos Sur and Mariano Otero, Phone: 3/121-5950.
Weekdays 10-8, Sat. 10-9, Sun. 10-7.
 Plaza
Galería Del Calzado:
The 60 stores in this west-side complex all sell shoes. Guadalajara
is one of Mexico's leading shoe centers, and high-quality footwear
and accessories are available here, many at lower prices than
in the States. Av. México and Juan Palomar y Arias, Phone:
3/647-6422. Mon.-Sat. 11-9, Sun. 11-8:30.
Plaza
México: There
are about 120 stores in the city's second most popular shopping
mall, seven blocks west of the Plaza Galería del Calzado.
Av. México 3300, Phone: 3/813-2488. Daily 10-8.
 Centro
Magno: This three-story
mall is just a few blocks from the Minerva Fountain. A number
of upscale boutiques and bistros, along with a Hard Rock Café,
make this a trendy spot to shop and dine. A large cineplex is
on the top floor. Av. Vallarta 2125. Daily 10-10.
Calle
Esteban Alatorre: Several
blocks of shoe stores -- all reasonably priced -- line this street.
East of Calzada Independencia Norte and 4 blocks north of Av.
Hidalgo.
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