Oslo Shopping

This large department store is 1 block north of Karl Johans gate on Stortorvet square. It a good place if you need to pick up clothes. Thye also have a small souvenir department but the prices are more expensive than the tourist shops.

Steen & Ström is one of the oldest departement stores in Oslo and was newly refurbished to retain the original look. It is now an elegant and fashionable departement store where you can shop in an exclusive and calm atmosphere, as it is never crowded. On the first floor you will find a huge selection of make-up and perfumes, and other cosmetics, in addition to a section with accessories (jewellery, bags, belts, hats..etc). On the second floor you will find Men's fashion and Women's clothes are on the third floor. You will find both Scandinavian and international brands, such as Burberry, Tiger, Gant, Hugo Boss, Bruuns Bazar, Sand, Mexx, Mango etc. There are still two floors left, but they're under construction (summer 2006); expect to find children's clothing, gifts, home decorations and house supplies and toys. You can also find a grocery store, cafes/kiosks and a liquor store.

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The main shopping streets in Oslo are Karl Johans gate, Bogstadveien, Aker Brygge and Bygdøy Allé in progressively exclusive order I would say, though some gems are hidden all around. However, they are all within walking distance from eachother even though an overload of shopped items might make even walking one block a nuisance for the shop-a-holic.

What to buy: The kind of shops you will find in each of the streets are for clothes, jewelery, books, watches, cafées, restaurants, shoe stores, sports gear, (sun-) glasses and more. Especially popular items amongst foreigners/tourists seems to be traditional woven norwegian pullovers of wool and Rolex watches. The former because they are unique in design, very warm, beautiful and good quality - the latter because you don't get screwed by norwegian jewlers and they offer VAT exemption, meaning you can buy Cartier, Rolex, Philippe Patek or other luxury brands cheaper than most other places in the world with a genuine quality certificate proving it's real.

Electronics are also amongst the most competetively priced in Europe/the World. I found out this summer I can buy certain branded items cheaper in Norway than in China and South Korea.

What to pay: You can try to bargain a little if you are going for really expensive items like jewelry, but it's not customary in Norway to put up much bargaining. Less so than in almost any other european country. Never hurt anybody to try though...

I have visited several branches of this chain - they have stores in the airports aswell as towns. They have a good stock of books of all genre and in many different languages too.

This was as a result of visiting the Oslo City Shopping Centre branch.

This danish women's clothing-chain is located several places downtown Oslo, so it's no problem finding one (Oslo City, Karl Johansgate, Aker Brygge, Stortingsgaten and in several different shopping malls across the city). They have very trendy and fashionable clothes and nice prices. The clothes are really popular so it's sometimes hard to get the right size because they sell out so fast. It is similar to Zara.

What to buy: Great tops and jeans for instance. They also have a small selection of bags, purses, belts and jewellery.

What to pay: Clothes: range from 60 NOK - 1000 NOK.

This is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it store as it is very tiny and not that easy to spot when you walk on the busy sidewalk of Bogstadveien. It has three tiny rooms filled with cute, pretty and cool things for yourself, friends, pets or your room.

What to buy: There are so many things to choose from; jewellery, cups, cute photo frames, boxes, slippers, candles, pens, pins, bags, sunglasses etc.

What to pay: You find things in every price range, but it is usually affordable 50-150 NOK.

This is a general advice which is very important to all tourists visiting Norway. In Norway every store is obliged to ask for additional ID with a photo (such as another bank card, driver's liscense, passport) if you are to pay for anything by a credit card such as VISA, Diners.. etc I work in a popular shop myself and experience uninformed and surprised tourists when I ask for additional ID.. This practice is for safety and security reasons, to stop criminals using stolen cards.

Mique has two outlets in Oslo, one in Oslo City shopping mall (2nd floor) and one in Byporten shopping (first floor). This quirky, fun store has lots of cool stuff for your room and house, and weird and smart gifts for friends. The prices are very nice as well! This is the place to find cool, colorful glasses, plates, bowls and cups for your kitchen, and photo frames, key chains, soaps, etc..

What to buy: You'll definitely find something cool to bring home.

What to pay: Most things are priced between 20 NOK - 300 NOK. ($3 - $45)