Penang is a pleasant shopping centre. Its shopping facilities - ranging from modern complexes to roadside stalls and the 'pasar malam' (night markets) - offer an almost endless range of products. The main shopping centres are in Penang Road, Burmah Road and Campbell Street in the city. One of the more prominent shopping complexes on the island is Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR) in Penang Road; it has over 200 shops. Bona fide tourists, whose stay does not exceed 14 days, can purchase goods at special prices from duty-free shops. These shops display the `duty-free' sign. Roadside shops are Penang's most popular bargaining centres. Prices are negotiable and reasonable, depending on one's skill at bargaining. Prices are however fixed in the larger departmental stores.

Certain parts of George Town are also famous for certain things for shopping:

Lebuh Campbell:
Chinese jewellers, Rolex watches, luggages, clothes, electrical items and Chinese medicines and herbs

Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling:
Indian jewellers, money changers and florists

Chulia Street:
Clothes, antiques, framed art and glass items

Bishop Street:
Imported clothes, carpets, antiques and banks

Penang Road:
The entire stretch of Penang Road is lined with shops selling clothes, shoes, imitation perfumes and edible
favourites like nutmeg, pickled mangoes, banana chips, cookies and belacan.

Shopping tips :

Bargaining is still very much a part of life here; so don't be afraid to politely ask for a discount (except at departmental stores, hypermarts and chain stores) if you really want an item. Remember that bargaining involves offers and counter-offers, so be patient and slowly work the price down to something both you and shopkeeper are happy with. A word of advice - don't bargain if you have no intention of buying.

Shopping calendar:

The annual Mega Shopping Carnival is definitely a great SALE day for almost anything. Check the local papers for dates, which vary slightly every year. All shopping complexes and chain stores hold special sales frequently, and usually just before a major Malaysian holiday. Some great bargains can be found during this time. Flyers and announcements are widely distributed by stores and complexes to homes and offices just before a sale is lauched. The mass-media (newspapers, radio and television) also announce and advertise sale carnivals, so keep your ears and eyes tuned for shopping updates.

by www.penang.com