CCS, City Centre Sofia, Arsenalski Blvd.
Just behind the Hilton Hotel, on the edge of the south park this mall is spread out over six levels.
There is a cinema complex, a fast food court and a couple of smart bars and restaurants, including Kabuki. Among the shops that caught our attention was ‘Genesis’ stylish home decor and utensils, ‘Sinequanon’, the smart French ladies wear chain. Sisecam, the Turkish glass producer on the second floor with a great choice of glasses, vases, jugs and crockery, all very affordable. And of course Marks & Spencer. The very handy Picadilly supermarket is on the lower levels.

Mall of Sofia, Stamboliiski Blvd.
By far the most attractive of the malls.
It’s interior is light, airy and smoke free. It would also be fair to say there is a slightly better mix of shops here. An extremely well stocked ‘Intersport’ for all your sporting requirements, as well as several shops for children’s clothing including ‘mothercare’. On the top floor is an extremely well stocked bookshop, where you can also find our guidebook ‘the insider’s guide to Sofia & beyond’
The food court area is generous and offers a mixed variety from Korean dumplings (Soho), Lebanese and TexMex through to healthy salads and juices (Bamboo). There is a creche run by the well managed team from Wonder World, 12 cinema screens plus the new attraction the IMAX screen. It is worth noting that IMAX movies are dubbed into Bulgarian.
Look out for yummy Jeff de Bruges Belgian chocolates, on the Ground floor.

Sky City, 52 Kosta Lulchev St., Geo Milev district
A little smaller than the other two, the shops in this mall are more realistically geared towards the needs and purchasing power of the average Bulgarian. However we were pleased to discover a few new stores in Sofia, like the Reno shoe store (from Germany) which had some decent shoes at reasonable prices also for children. There is a large Fantistico hypermarket and a 24 hour bowling alley on the lower levels.

Obviously visitors to Sofia shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore Sofia’s other main shopping areas to get a clearer overview of Bulgarian products, and maybe discover a real gem or two. Here are some of Sofia’s other good shopping areas, with a few nearby shops worth looking out for.

Alexander Nevski Square
Come rain or shine, the area in front of the church hosts a flea market aimed directly at tourists. Here you will find everything from antique cameras, coins and medals to hand knitted socks and Russian lacquered dolls and boxes. Well worth a browse, but remember haggling is essential (don’t show too much interest and watch the price drop!)

Vitosha Blvd & side streets
Vitosha Blvd is Sofia’s "posh" shopping street and it is probably worth wandering down the semi-pedestrianised area between Patriarch Eftimii Blvd and the Sheraton Hotel to see for yourself what’s on offer.

Ten Senses, 41 Fritjof Nansen St., t.988 5200 www.tensenses-bg.com
Fair trade products; coffee, cacao, brown sugar and tea. They also have a selection of hand made gifts and accessories all made my local artists and charities.

Shishman St.
Starting just behind the Radisson Hotel, this street has a wealth of smaller, privately owned shops and galleries.

 Magasin 10, 4 Shishman St.
Long established arty boutique. Clothing and jewellery.

Dar za gorene, 19 Slavianska St., entrance from Shishman St. Gifts for burning. Original, locally hand-made candles in all sizes, colours and shapes at very reasonable prices, oil lamps, incense sticks, essential oils, new age music and decorative lamps from Morocco and Indonesia.

TZUM, Dondukov Blvd
TZUM is an abbreviated version of the Bulgarian ‘Tzentralen Universalen Magasin’, which literally translated ‘means central universal shop’. This was the original name of Sofia’s department store which is now a modern shopping centre.

Pirotska St
Just across from TZUM, Pirotska St. is the only pedestrian shopping street in Sofia, and for that reason alone it is worth a visit.
‘Halite’ the former food market at the beginning of this street also has a variety of small shops on the upper level, in addition to the predominantly food orientated stalls on the ground floor.

Shipka/ San Stefano
The small streets around ‘Doctor’s Garden’ are another pleasant area for shopping although most shops tend to be on the small side.
Pretty Things Workshop, Krakra St., Rag dolls, patchwork quilts and other charming gift items made in the local workshop.
Dara, 32 Shipka St. Stylish and tasteful selection of gifts, locally made and imported.
GriGri, 15 Assen Zlatarov St. Quaint shop on two levels promoting original works by local artists as well as foreign artists.

PRICES
All prices by law should be displayed in the local currency, the Bulgarian Lev (plural leva). Prices are similar to those in the West, in some cases a little higher, in others a little lower. Most shops still accept cash only or local debit cards. Some of the international stores will accept credit cards but if not you can usually find an ATM/ cash point that will give cash advances against credit cards. VAT (currently 20%) is included in displayed prices unless indicated otherwise.

FINDING WHAT YOU WANT
can be a bit of a hit and miss affair. Shops do not tend to carry large stock supplies and it is still worth remembering “If you like it - buy it!” as you may well not find it again.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
is a horror and very inconsistent in this country. It can range from the most friendly and attentive shop assistant to a rudely grunting cashier. Now that there is more choice for the consumer, customers should be less prepared to put up with bad service. Walk out again if not happy with the service or in the case of bigger organisations file a complaint.

REFUNDS If you are not sure about something always check the possibility for exchange or refunds before buying. Most shops are reluctant to do either unless the item is faulty.

OPENING HOURS
generally from 09.00 - 18.00 or 10.00 - 19.00 Monday - Saturday. More and more shops are now also open on Sundays although with slightly shorter hours. Small shops might close for a lunch break. CLOTHING SIZES in Bulgaria are different from European sizes,  so it is best to try before you buy. You will also find that shops tend to stock very small sizes only, anyone of slightly larger than average build will have difficulty finding ready made clothes in their sizes.