Take a Walk on the Canal Walk Side

Why stop at the corner shop, when you can shop the world at Canal Walk shopping centre in Cape Town?

Canal Walk is arguably the best shopping centre in Cape Town and definitely the biggest: brands, leisure and convenience, under one Venetian roof. The Mall alone houses over 400 lifestyle and speciality stores, 30 restaurants and more. So, it was time I joined the Canal Walk revolution.

Our drive in revealed that Canal Walk is a strong contender for the 8th Wonder of the World and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s tracked by its own satellite. It is characterized by a manmade Venetian canal, complete with gondolas. The canal is in turn surrounded by indoor avenues lined with shops, and a restaurant and entertainment hub that should come with a strobe warning.

Shopping comprehensively at Canal Walk

The only thing I was wondering was how to tackle all 400 shops in 2 hours. But helpful touch screen pods ensure that Canal Walk is shopping-comprehensive. We frequently saw ATM’s - convenient, but a gentle coax in the direction of heavy spending. Revolving doors detected our presence automatically, so we didn’t even have to push.

Canal Walk does not cater exclusively to one particular market, nor do its affordable prices. The mall will satisfy the needs of everyone; from Dads to their fashion conscious offspring, with everything from jewellery to home furnishings.

Shopping for clothing at Canal Walk

Poetry
Expect enchanting vintage clothing (there was even a tutu on display). Their range of cosmetics and aromatic candles is worth a browse.

Vertigo
Women and men of winter – stock up on warm, funky winter coats and woolly hats here.

Boogaloo’s Concept Store
Surfers and skaters will find all their favourite brands of clothing, skateboards and accessories.

Department stores
Canal Walk boasts a selection of department stores, like Edgars and Stuttafords. You will find everything from clothing, to shoes, to cosmetics. Stores feature both South African and International brands.

International brands
Canal Walk is home to international high street brands including; Rockport, Levi’s, Nine West, Forever New, Urban Degree, Ecko Unlimited, Guess and Sass Diva.

Shopping for kids at Canal Walk

Canal Walk has plenty of children’s clothing stores including Afri Kids and Earth Child. Why not customize a bear at Build-a-Bear or treat your tykes to sugar delights at Sweets From Heaven?

Shopping for jewellery at Canal Walk

Pearl Culture
Expect timeless salt water, oyster pearls from Japan and freshwater, mussel pearls from China.

Harris Jewellers
Want to tell the time in style? Head to Harris Jewellers for brands including; Tag Heuer and Seiko.

Mario’s Jewellery
Celebrating a special occasion with your other half? Find elegant diamond and gold pieces here by brands including; Mont Blanc and Diamonds From the Source.

Shopping for the home at Canal Walk

Rugs Original
Festoon your floor with an imported rug from Iran, Pakistan or Belgium, hand-knotted with wool and silk.

Winston Sahd Interiors
In search of a show-stopping sofa? Expect bedroom, dining room and lounge furniture, made from quality woods, leathers and plush fabrics.

Home Etc
Home Etc stocks printed crockery, like Hollywood memorabilia, and brands including; Maxwell Designer Homeware.

Shopping for the unusual at Canal Walk

Dad’s Toys
Boys who love their toys will marvel at this collection of taser guns, knives and amphibious tanks.

Cherry Melon
Women whose bumps are kicking to be dressed to impress should head to this specialty store.

Blades and Triggers
Wow! A store devoted to paintballing, air soft and archery. Truly a mecca for the adventurous.

Shopping for technology at Canal Walk

Apple i-Store
Purchase your MAC, iPod or iPhone, complete with free training and workshops.

Nintendo
Nintendo has a clever marketing strategy - interactive Wii’s in the aisles.

Shopping for Food at Canal Walk

Why not get your weekly food shop done at the same time? Push your trolley to major supermarkets; Pick and Pay and Checkers.

Dining and Entertainment at Canal Walk

Head to the Piazza on the Canal and plonk yourself down amidst the bright lights and large screens. Expect fast food favourites including; McDonalds, Debonairs and Subway. Of course, no shopping experience would be complete without a noodle dish from Canal Wok.

Canal Walk has a whopping 17 Nu Metro cinemas and features a gaming arcade, Wonderland Family Entertainment Centre.

Shopping for tourists at Canal Walk

The Visitors’ Centre is packed with information on Canal Walk and organises accommodation and tourism bookings. The centre runs a shuttle bus service from nearby hotels including; Crystal Towers Hotel and Spa and Protea Hotel Island Club.

By Lisa Nevitt

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