The best fashion and gift stores Armenia

The Yerevan flea market and the best place to go shopping at reasonable and bargain prices. First set up behind the Opera House, among the painters who had set up their easels there in 1988, it moved to an alleyway to Republic Square, and the painters followed. No antiques: after 70 years of Soviet rule, there was not much left in the cupboards. But Soviet souvenirs, insignia and objects stamped with the KGB seal, samovars, books, clothes, jewellery and carpets and kilims from Armenia and Central Asia.

Tastefully furnished, on the ^2nd floor of a building at the beginning of Abovian Street, a multi-purpose place, sewing and design workshop. A wide selection of handcrafted creations in fabric, wood and other materials inspired by Armenian traditions. Nina Hovnanian reigns over these "Treasures", which have spread to Armenia (in Dilijan) and the United States. Creator of the place, she produces a line of clothing, especially for children, toys, leather goods, shoes and bags, jewellery and accessories, handmade and made in Armenia.

Recognizable with his sign that reproduces the multicolored canvas bag where the Armenian peasant stole its salt (aghaksak), this small boutique located at the very beginning of Abovian Street, after the place de la République and offers a wide selection of memories. It is one of the very first signs of the capital to have offered unformatted and original souvenirs. You will surely find something to bring into your luggage from the multitude of ceramic or fabric objects (kilims and carpets) inspired by traditional Armenian crafts, at high prices for local but affordable standards.

The appearance of the Carrefour brand in mass retailing was an event that was feared by local competitors. Less than a year after the signing of the agreement between the French group and its Armenian partner, Carrefour was inaugurated on March 11, 2015 with great pomp and circumstance, in the shadow of the Yerevan Mall, a huge shopping mall in the capital. Located on the road to Lake Erevantsi, this temple of French-style trade has disappointed some local consumers who were hoping for more attractive prices.

It's a little out of the way from the centre, but music lovers love to go there. In a pleasant disorder that will please music lovers, there is a large choice of musical instruments, traditional Armenian or not, whose owners ensure the sale and possibly the repair. In addition to the oud, santur and other canun, the establishment has also adapted to modern times and offers a wide choice of electric guitars.

Located on a street in the centre of Yerevan where the competition for jewellery and costume jewellery is fierce, this establishment offers a large selection of low-priced jewellery and watches, and other accessories and gadgets, some of which are suitable for children. Not luxury jewelry, but rather, in a minimalist decor, items made by local designers who use obsidian and other semi-precious stones, which are numerous in Armenia, for small jewelry and objects that can make nice gifts.

Located on the top of the prestigious Abovian street, rather on the side of the Opera esplanade, this shop offers handicrafts, ceramics, wood, fabrics, copper, but also kilims, scarves and traditional musical instruments including the famous duduk and silver and obsidian jewellery, in a cheerful and colourful bric-a-brac of objects and prices of all kinds. Of course, as the sign says, you will find Armenian crosses.

One of the many signs located at the beginning of the prestigious Abovian Street offering souvenirs to tourists. There you will find everything you can look for in terms of souvenirs and gifts to bring back from Armenia, from handicrafts, accessories, and other items inspired by local tradition, such as the unmissable khatchkars as keychains or other, to more modern gadgets and other accessories that will appeal especially to children.

A souvenir shop located in the lively area near the Opera esplanade. Don't be selfish and remember to take a gift back to your friends among the many items on display in this establishment. It offers the full range of iconic Armenian souvenirs, from the inevitable reproductions of the Ararat and mini khatchkars stamped with the letters of the Armenian alphabet in marble, obsidian, or wood, to slightly more original handmade items inspired by traditional Armenian handicrafts. And this, at all prices.

Owned by the Tashir Group, one of the country's largest retailers, which includes department store chains, a chain of pizza parlours and several restaurants, it is one of the capital's brand new American-style shopping centres. Ideally located on Yerevan's newest thoroughfare, Northern Avenue (Hussissain), it offers a certain luxury, with a large shopping mall, restaurants, a cafeteria, and multiple shops, which make the Soviet-era shops seem light years away.

Armenia, although it does not have deposits of precious stones and diamonds (which it has specialised in cutting), still has important gold mines. Armenian jewellers have always been famous. Their reputation has been maintained, and many signs intend to show it in Yerevan. This one is one of the most prized, and offers a large selection of jewelry and other pieces of precious metals. A luxury jewelry, therefore, which shows the willingness of Armenian jewelers to become better known on the international market.

Located on the outskirts of the historic district, this souvenir shop does not offer local handicrafts, let alone Kutahya ceramic collectibles. But in the nice jumble of objects offered for sale, one will be able to find enough to bring back souvenirs from Gyumri or more generally from Armenia, and not only the unavoidable miniature khatchkars or representations of Ararat, at varied but never high prices.

General and specialized literature, scientific works, recent publications and ancient books.

At the very beginning of the prestigious Abovian Street, at the corner of Republic Square, a sign now known for its innovative interpretation of the traditional Armenian repertoire, whether for fashion accessories and ornaments or interior decoration. Tastefully furnished, the store offers original gift ideas, from fabrics and scarves to ceramics and leather goods (some of which are available at Yerevan airport), to which young designers have added a typically Armenian touch.

A good idea for a souvenir to bring back from Armenia. This photo workshop, which can take your portrait like any other, has the advantage that it has a wide range of traditional and folk costumes from Armenia. All you have to do is choose between the "tchekessa", with its fur hat, soft boots and cartridge belt, if you are a man, or among the many "taraz" of velvet and brocades in bright colours and beaded, if you are a woman, to pose in front of the camera like an authentic Armenian.

A shop that offers the articles of the local brand Sharan, specialized for children from 0 to 8 years old and pre-adolescents. A wide selection of handmade items and accessories made in Armenia, dresses for girls with a little Armenian touch, sweaters, shoes and other items that will make parents fall for them and make them want to take some home in their suitcases. Another shop, located in the halls of the Historic Yerevan Hotel in Tufenkian, on the corner of Vernissaj, also sells the products of this brand.

Located in the luxurious setting of the Marriott Hotel's shopping gallery on Republic Square, this elegant and refined boutique offers a wide selection of Armenian handicrafts, carpets and kilims, as well as the work of local artists, including painters. Souvenirs can also be found in nearby shops, not necessarily at the best price, but quality is guaranteed. The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions of Armenian and international artists that attract the All Yerevan.

A wide range of Armenian souvenirs and handicrafts that you can bring back in your luggage, offered in this beautifully appointed shop in the lively Cascade district, rich in cultural and artistic events. There you can find bags, multicoloured scarves, Kutaya ceramics, wooden toys, without falling into the trap of reproductions of Mount Ararat in all its aspects. But we can't help but bring back the little khatchkar in obsidian.