Shopping
Reykjavik’s primary shopping district centres on its main artery, Laugavegur, in the downtown area. A selection of boutiques, designer labels, arts and crafts galleries and jewellery design studios can be found here. Over the past few years, Skólavödustígur – the street leading from Laugavegur to the Hallgrímskirkj church – has been transforming into one of the most chic shopping streets in the city. As would be expected in a country that experiences extreme weather conditions, several shops can be found selling high-quality outdoor wear and equipment, such as Skátabúdin, Snorrabraut 60, which stocks a range of well-known labels, including the Icelandic trademark Cintamani (website: www.cintamani.is).
The Kringlan shopping mall – in the part of the downtown area know as the ‘new city centre’ – is a hub of social activity. Among its 150 shops is Íslandia, a one-stop outlet for Icelandic souvenirs. Similar souvenir shops are located on Laekjargata, Bankastraeti, and the area between Tjörnin and the harbour. Fur clothes are a particular Icelandic speciality and these can be found at the upmarket Eggert, Skólavördustígur 38. The famous lopapeysa (or Icelandic jumper) can be bought in many of the tourist shops or from The Handknitting Association of Iceland, Skólavördustígur 19, although buying one is the mark of a tourist – they are seldom worn by Icelanders. The flea market at Laugardalur 24 is open Saturday 1000-1700 and Sunday 1100-1700 and sells all manner of typical flea market paraphernalia.
Shopping hours are Monday to Friday 0900-1800 and Saturday from 1000 to between 1400 and 1700 (depending on the shop). The Kringlan shopping centre is open Monday to Thursday 1000-1830, Friday 1000-1900, Saturday 1000-1600 and Sunday 1300-1700. Some shops stay closed on Saturdays during the summer. Many supermarkets remain open until 2300, seven days a week. A VAT refund will allow 15% of the retail price of goods to be reclaimed. To qualify, a minimum purchase of IKr4000 (including VAT) must be made in a store displaying the Global Refund Tax sign (website: www.globalrefund.com) and a refund cheque obtained at point of purchase. The refund can be claimed back on departure. For refunds of over IKr5000, the goods must also be shown.
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