Tips on good shopping i St Petersburg

[bjoer751]

Hi everyone,
I've been a member of the board for some time, and quite enjoy many of the discussions here. And most of the time, I find that people asking questions get some kind of good answer. So, I thought I'd give it a shot...

My fiancee (living in Russia) and I will go to St Petersburg in mid-september for a very short trip (3 days - to stretch my vacation days and to see each other as often as possible we try to plan short trips at least every other month). We've been there once before (went to an opera, all the places a tourist "should" visit, got mugged (her camera), and had a good time). This time we'll go to Peterhof one day, and plan to walk about in Piter the other two days.

The thing is, that her birthday is in august - and we've agreed that I'll send her a small gift on her birthday - and when we get to Piter, we'll go shopping something she wants/needs. (the idea of shopping together was my idea - we've done it a few times before, for shoes, and she still wonders if I don't find it tedious to follow her around 1000 shops... I don't - actually I think it's kind of fun)
Anyhow...

I know that she is looking for a new handbag, and since neither she nor I are familiar with the stores i Piter I thought I'd ask for advice here - on what might be a few good shops to go to?
And before anyone suggests the most expensive brands... I can go as far as $350-400 - but not higher. I'm a normal guy, living with a normal Swedish income. (I'm also in the middle of moving - paying double rents, and saving for our wedding next year...)
So, any advice will be very appreciated - by me and Sasha.

[BillyB]

got mugged (her camera),

What a coincidence, my fiancee got mugged too and her cell phone was stolen.

Near the Hermitage, there there are hotels that are 4-5 star and they have shops in the area that sell quality items. I wanted to buy a goose egg and checked out all the souvenir shops outside the city center but they did not have the quality eggs but the shops near the city center did and the eggs where not all that expensive compared to the lower quality eggs elsewhere.

Here's a thread where a poster named Phil posted. PM him since he lives there and he may be able to give some tips where to go and where to eat. Also there are pics of the egg I bought.
http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=5066.0

[Wayne B]

Billy, I wanted to buy an egg, but at Houston customs they confiscate them. You didn't have any problems ???

[GalinaF]

I know that she is looking for a new handbag, and since neither she nor I are familiar with the stores i Piter I thought I'd ask for advice here - on what might be a few good shops to go to?

Where are you going to stay?

[bjoer751]

Where are you going to stay?

We've booked a room at Абажуръ на Невском 23 (http://www.abat-jour.ru/), quite cheap and not big - but it's got great location and it seems nice enough.
Last time we stayed at hotel Moscow, but it felt very unpersonal - and also they treated Sasha sort of badly (they asked her for passport every time we came in to the hotel - to check so she had a room..., among other things) - and it's in the south-east end of Nevsky, too far away from the centre.

[Phil dAmore]

In the past few years there has been an explosion of new malls constructed throughout St. Petersburg, many very close to the metro stations. 

Like any mall anywhere in the world, most of the shops cater towards women.  If it's handbags you want, go to any of these places: Grand Canyon, Mega, Mercury, or the soon-to-be-completed Atlantic City.

Prices are about what you would expect for the quality.  Be warned though:  I never met a woman who bought a new handbag that didn't then want the matching shoes to go with it....

Stay out of Gostiny Dvor on Nevsky.  Far too touristy and overpriced.

Peterhof is a good choice.  Take the bus from Metro Leninsky Prospect. It's faster than the hydrofoil and cheaper.

When you get back to Petersburg, consider a canal boat ride.  Always an enjoyable time, shop around and you can get a good rate on a boat.

Enjoy your stay!

[bjoer751]

Thank's ever so much Phil!
Those we're exactly the answer I hoped for - and more.

[BillyB]

Billy, I wanted to buy an egg, but at Houston customs they confiscate them. You didn't have any problems ???

I had no problems when I entered the US through Washingtion D.C.  Are you sure Houston customs forbids egg shells? I understand eggs in it's entirety and other food products but egg shells can't be carrying any insects or disease that may destroy American crops. Keep in mind they make imitation goose eggs if you are worried it'll be confiscated or maybe you could have a real egg shipped to you.

If you're willing to buy the egg through the internet, here's a search I've done and maybe you might find one you like.
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=russian+goose+egg&fr=yfp-t-501&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8

Here's a little history and pics.
http://www.angelfire.com/rock3/sandgirl/page2.html

[Wayne B]

Billy, it is Texas Fish and Wildlife...It says 'Any part or product such as skins, tusk, bone, feathers or eggs. Or products or articles manufactured from'  That is for international flights to Houston ???.  We have a local branch close to my work. I think that I will drop by there and ask them in person.  Thank you for the sites that you posted

[Phil dAmore]

Thank's ever so much Phil!
Those we're exactly the answer I hoped for - and more.

Hey, it's what we do!  Have a good time!