Shopping in Nairobi

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Nairobi is a thriving metropolis and shopping destination. The city is home to tens of world-class shopping malls, including Africa's second-largest shopping mall.

However, you can experience Nairobi’s charm through its must-visit local shopping destinations away from standard shopping malls. So, steer clear of tourist traps during your trip to Nairobi and follow this guide to discover the hidden gems where plugged-in Nairobians get their retail therapy fix.

West African Market

West African Market is arguably Nairobi’s best-kept secret, akin to an obscure island hidden by the raging waters of the chaos and high energy of Nairobi’s central business district.

Located in a two-story building on Dubois Street, the West African Market features a central courtyard surrounded by on-looking shops. Each shop has the widest selection of textiles, masks, carvings, statues, beads, and brass jewelry from various West African countries.

Unlike typical malls, items in the West African Market do not have price tags. So, haggling, a Nairobi shopping ritual, is how you settle prices and get deals.

Toi Market

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Toi Market is an open-air market along Nairobi’s Ngong Road. The market features thousands of stalls, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce and street food to thrifted clothes, footwear, and household items. Toi Market is the go-to place for plugged-in Nairobians on a budget seeking to keep up with the trends.

Unlike typical markets, shopping at Toi is a mission, so adhere to the following simple rules. First, have a shopping list to avoid impulse buying.

Second, wear something comfortable because there’s plenty of walking. Third, inspect your purchases, although most items are as good as new. Lastly, compare prices, haggle, and carry cash (Kenyan shillings).

Jimmy’s Vinyls

Jimmy’s Vinyls

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Jimmy’s Vinyls is a two-decade-old vinyl store that has weathered the evolution of music storage. The store, located in Kenyatta Market’s stall #80, is a treasure trove of 7” and 12” vinyl records carrying old Western music and classic East African albums. The vintage stall is the it-spot for music connoisseurs who love digging in the crates.

BizBaz

BizBaz

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BizBaz (Bizzire Bazaar Crafts Festival) is a product showcase pop-up market featuring exclusively African brands selling authentic African products, including homemade and artisanal products. Therefore, you can buy anything from artisanal snacks and condiments to fashion staples and accessories, beauty products, and curated gift boxes.

Besides one-on-one interactions with authentic African brands, you can indulge in fun craft activities, including painting and Pottery. BizBaz took a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic but is back with a mega event slated for December.

Shamba Cafe & Shop

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Shamba Cafe & Shop is a food market located in Nairobi’s Loresho area, selling homegrown products, including artisanal goodies. The shop segment of the Shamba project features artisanal products, including baked goods, dairy, snacks, and chocolates. Moreover, the shop delivers fresh produce straight from their farms every Wednesday and holds a farmers market every Saturday.

Pop Up & Chill

Pop Up & Chill

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Pop Up & Chill is a bi-monthly market featuring handmade products by Kenyan artisans. The vendor threshold for the pop-up market is that their products must be original, handcrafted, eco-friendly, and made in Kenya or Africa; no displaying of mass-produced products or imports from outside Africa.

Product categories in the market include food, fashion, homeware, decor, scented candles, books, furniture, and grooming/skincare products. Enjoy upbeat African music while shopping while your little ones keep busy at designated kids’ crafts stations.

The Insta Market

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The Insta Market is a pop-up market where Kenyan Instagram vendors sell their products. Its primary purpose is to support small businesses by linking them to consumers.

Initially, the market focused on fashion items but expanded its vendor list. Therefore, you can buy anything, including art pieces, decor, pastries, skincare products, and more. Other perks of attending The Insta Market events include live music, creative workshops, all-day cookouts, picnic spots, games, and great vibes.

Shopping like a plugged-in Nairobian should be on your itinerary the next time you travel to Nairobi. Therefore, contact us for a curated trip and explore Nairobi while shopping till you drop.

Header Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

Shopping in Nairobi: 7 Best Local Shops and Markets for Retail Therapy