Erin Hunter
Colombo has moved on to become one of Asia's top shopping destinations. With the inclusion of several large malls catering to the fashionista, the city offers plenty of therapy for the shopaholic.
Located in the busy hub of Colombo 4, this huge mall offers both leisure and retail therapy. There's a multiplex cinema for catching the latest flicks as well as a huge kiddie's play area complete with all manner of new-fangled game machines. The multi-story mall is fully air conditioned and houses shops selling clothing, shoes, accessories, electronics, high-tech toys, video games and homeware. It is a one stop destination offering convenience and comfort. There is also a large supermarket located at the ground floor for stocking up on your groceries. Should your shopping trip leave you feeling ravenous head on over to the in-house food court where a staggering array of varied cuisine options are yours to choose.
Sitting very close to the breezy confines of Galle Face Green, Crescat Boulevard in Colombo 3 is one of the city's up market shopping malls. The food court is an eclectic blend of restaurants offering food from around the world while the large supermarket is known to stock international favourites. At Crescat the ambiance is laid back and classy with many shops offering branded goods and a thrilling shopping experience.
Your one stop shop for fashion, Odel is a classy department store chain that stocks up on the latest fashions including designer labels, shoes, perfumes, watches and cosmetics. The place is home to its own brand of clothing as well as favourite international labels. Specialising in designer lingerie, swim wear and kiddie's toys, the store caters to men, women and children. There is a French deli and cafes for a refreshing break within the flagship store located at Lipton Circus while branches throughout the city and suburbs bring fashion to your doorstep. Like the Mt Lavinia branch located within walking distance of Berjaya Hotel Colombo. Mt Lavinia by the way is home to one of the country's most popular beaches and is resplendent with plenty of dining options and the best Colombo hotels.
Liberty Plaza is one of Colombo's premier shopping malls. Located in Colombo 3 this multi-story mall has it all. The best place for purchasing the latest in electronics and mobile phones, Liberty Plaza is also home to fashionable clothing stores, shoe shops, homeware, carpeting, DVDs and jewellery kiosks. If you are on the lookout for a gift or souvenir this is the best place to go to. This mall too has its fair share of eateries for grabbing a quick bite.
If you are searching for clothing and accessories at cheap prices then do visit House of Fashion. Located within a multi-story complex in Colombo 8, the mall is a hub for clothing that are factory surplus or rejects – in very good quality of course. Browse the floors dedicated to clothing for men, women and children as well as sections for electronics and homeware.
