After exploring the panoramic Red Square, head to GUM for some retail therapy. Built in the 1880s to replace older trading booths and initially called the Upper Trading Stalls, GUM has been a local favorite for centuries. Today the magnanimous complex features premium designer labels and upscale brands like Levi's, Sony, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Dior. Lovely cafes serving local specialties as well as international classics punctuate the shopping scape. Make a 90 degree upward turn for a vertigo-inducing view of the majestic glass ceiling that nestles the central fountain and Victorian accents.
Benetton is of course best known in the west for their controversial advertising campaigns, but here they are best known for their bold colours and the bright white of their stores. This newly opened three-storied shop is full of Italian knitwear and outer clothing for customers of all ages. Huge mirrors give the impression of lots of space. One advantage of the shop is the great number of fitting rooms.
Located in the row of famous bookstores in Kuzhnetskii Most, this shop specializes in foreign books (especially English language), including fiction, textbooks, dictionaries, art books and textbooks for students of English. Fiction is represented by lots of paperback titles by Merdock, Forsythe, Fowles, Grisham, Rex Stout, Danielle Steel, Bredford Woodhouse, and other mainstream authors. You'll also find some British, American, and Russian classical literature. Prices of hardcover books are generally at the same level as in the US. They sell many city guides in English and a lot of books about Moscow and Russia from various international publishers. A lot of cookbooks and gift books are available at reasonable prices.
Dom Knigi is the most well-known and the largest bookstore in Moscow, devoting a large part of its buidling to a selection of fiction and literature. The latter is divided into sections, according to scholarly disciplines. Like fiction, Russian scholarly books are inexpensive and have a hard-cover monograph or collection of papers. Translated scientific books are generally more expensive. The most expensive are books on computer programs and hardware. Dom Knigi also has a good collection of foreign books in English, German and French (fiction and scientific publications), a section of rare books, a department of music scores, a department of maps and a gift store. The audio and video section also offers a decent choice. They have a good selection of classical Russian animated films and old Soviet children's films.
Opened in 2009, Kuznetsky Most 20 or KM20 is an upscale boutique showcasing designer ware and eclectic artworks. Set in Kuznetsky Most, one of the popular shopping streets of the city, you will find an elite crowd shopping here. Some of the brands gracing their shelves are Meadham Kirchhoff, Ashish, Gosha Rubchkinskiy and Marques’Almeida. Their collection is considered to be unique and hence the price as well. From clothing to accessories and chic objects, their curated selection is really interesting. You can also refresh yourself in their on-site cafe.
Look glamorous everyday by pairing your regular clothes with some elegant accessories from Tiffany & Co. Housed inside the GUM mall, this store is known for showcasing a variety of trendy jewelry designs from necklaces, tiaras, bracelets, earrings, rings and more. Be it for casual occasions or special ones, this shop has got something for everyone. The store has specializes in designs for engagement rings, so do check it out before the D-day. Pamper yourself or your loved one with the products from Tiffany & Co. as it makes up for a memorable gift.