Shopping

Panama’s merchants, operating in one of the great crossroads of the world, bring to the isthmus the finest merchandise; and the volume generated by buyers who flock in from all over the Americas guarantees variety and excellent prices.

The Colon Free Zone is a significant contributor to Panama’s success as a shopping center. Many wholesalers operating in the Colon Free Zone have retail outlets in Panama City and many other city shops draw on the huge variety offered in the zone and pass on to their customers the benefit of low freight rates.... a mere 50-mile truck journey across the isthmus.

Panama’s old-established and traditional shopping areas are Avenida Central, now a pedestrian precinct, and Calidonia, the extension of Avenida Central up the first few hundred yards of Via España. Panamanians flock to these areas and foreigners are often astounded at the bargains that can be had there.

In recent years, as the city has grown, big malls and commercial centers have been developed and the choice of a place to shop can be bewildering. There is a good selection of shopping on Via Espana in the main hotel and banking area, which also offers the Plaza Concordia.

On the highway locally known as the Tumba Muerto, the El Dorado Mall, the first to be built a couple of decades ago, is now surrounded by other shopping centers within walking distance of each other. But Panama City's first mall is keeping up with the times. Construction is underway to give the facility a completely new image, both inside and out. A 30-million-dollar investment will enlarge the main building, install central air conditioning and build a series of parking towers and tunnels to decongest busy Avenida Tumba Muerto.

The last two years has seen an enormous expansion in the shopping potential. Albrook Mall between Marcos A Gelabert Airport and the Country’s central bus station (El Gran Terminal) was built at a cost of $22 million and covers 460,000 square meters. The food court has 35 restaurants.

In the center of the city on Avenida Balboa adjacent to the banking and hotel area is the Multicentro Mall, a multi-storied complex of impressive architecture, incorporating a large casino and the Decapolis Hotel.

The Multiplaza Pacific yet another gigantic mall, opened recently in the newly-developed area of Punta Pacifica.

And speaking of malls, if you are visiting the city of David, capital of the province of Chiriqui, you will want to check out the Mall Chiriqui.

The following is a resume of some of the fine shopping offered in Panama City.

JEWELRY

Reprosa. This unique store, located on Ave Samuel Lewis in the city’s Obarrio district and with a branch out on the Amador Causeway, specializes in reproductions of pre-Columbian gold and silver jewelry. They also offer reproductions of natural items of beauty such as orchids and seashells, in the form of brooches, pendants, earrings, necklaces and charms. Some of the items are surprisingly moderate in price and each one makes a delightful memento or gift.

Emerald Plaza. Colombian products are reaching Panama in significant quantities. One of the most spectacular is the emerald. One specialist you should try to visit is Emerald Plaza jewelry factory on the Amador Causeway. You don’t have to spend a fortune, since prices start from $10. You can buy loose stones straight from the mines; choose from a large selection of 18 karat gold pieces, or you can select a stone and have them make a piece to your own design.

CLOTHES, ACCESORIES

Renato Cueros. Neighboring Colombia is renowned for its leather goods. It is at once an industry, a handicraft and an art form and the Colombians have a special word for it – Marroquinería. It is not surprising then, that Colombian leather is available in Panama. The best-known store is Renato in Albrook Mall which sells Colombian shoes, bags, wallets and belts and other items, crafted and tooled to perfection.

Outdoors. Good news for outdoor people, sportsmen, campers and aficionados of extreme sports.... the Colombia Sportswear Company has opened three branches of its renowned "Outdoors" company in Panama City. This company specializes in clothes, shoes and accessories made with latest technology and materials. All tastes are catered for including fishing, biking, trail-walking.......the clothes are made to take punishment. The branches are at Multiplaza Pacifico, Multicentro on Ave. Balboa and Albrook Mall.

HANDICRAFTS

Terracotta. There is probably nothing like it in town: boutique specializing in modern Panamanian handicraft. Wooden ornaments, exotic paintings and even colorful comforters and blankets will give your home a refreshing country or tropical ambiance. Expert craftsmen work at Terracotta's shops to transform recycled materials (glass, wood, pottery from the interior provinces, foliage, iron and aluminum) into veritable works of art. There are two Terracotta branches in Panama City: one in the exclusive Marbella neighborhood in the city's banking center, and another one at the new Multicentro mall, in Paitilla.

Arts & Antiques. There is no doubt that antique style is the preferred decor trend of many households. Arts & Antiques offers rugs, lamps, sculptures, crystals, porcelain, furniture, metal works, mirrors...the list is as fascinating as the epochs they represent: Luis XV, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveu, Art Deco and Spanish colonial.

Art & Antiques is located at Balboa Bay Plaza, on Avenida Balboa and Calle Anastacio Ruiz and opens Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

La Ronda. For a lasting souvenir of Panama visit La Ronda, a picturesque handicraft store located in the colonial district of San Felipe.

The store offers a variety of pieces created by various Panamanian ethnic groups, such as the Emberá-Wounaan Native American nations of the Darién rainforests, known for their sturdy, woven baskets made with natural fibers. Visitors at La Ronda can also find a variety of carved animal and flower figures and jewelry, as well as the "Sombreros Pintados" (the authentic Panamanian hat), and the "Panama Hat", which is a product of Ecuador.

Also available are ceramic figurines of the Pollera, Panama’s national attire for women; semi-precious stones from throughout Panama and books on Panamanian subjects, such as ecology, tourism, and history.

La Ronda is located on Calle primera, San Felipe.

A visit to La Ronda could be coupled with a tour of the various tourist attractions of the San Felipe district.

Custom Wooden Doors. How about taking home a mahogany door, hand carved with tropical motives of your own design? The company which specializes in the doors is Custom Wood. They bring them from different parts of Central America. If a door sounds like too big an item to carry on the plane, the company has many other items such as chests and wall hangings superbly carved in different tropical woods.

FRAGRANCES

Ibiza. Decades ago, when hundreds of passenger ship travelers, en route to Europe or the Orient, crowded Avenida Central in search for the best bargains, perfumes were one of the most sought-after items. Nothing has changed. Now, visitors are seeking out branches of Ibiza, Panama City's largest chain of perfume boutiques. The company recently re-invented its image to offer clients more product variety as well as promotions, gifts and a more personalized service. Expect only the top perfume and cologne brands at Ibiza, at the best prices in the market. There are branches in El Dorado, Albrook Mall, the National Bus Terminal, Multicentro mall, Los Pueblos shopping center, Hotel Continental and Calidonia.