İstanbul’s second shopping festival brings free events and discounts

The second İstanbul Shopping Festival will run from June 9-29 and is predicted to bring in around TL 7 billion. The city is on its way to becoming one of the world’s leading shopping centers.

The shopping festival will offer up to 50 percent off all goods, from clothing to electronics. In addition to discounts, some brands are offering free store credit after customers spend a certain amount of money.

During the festival, shopping malls and smaller stores will host events and extend their opening hours for the 21 days. Streets will be colorfully adorned with festive lighting and decorations. Street parties, galas, surprise events, music activities featuring concerts from renowned musicians, races, fashion shows and special overseas presentations are all scheduled to take place throughout the festival. İstanbul will become a center of attraction for serious shoppers worldwide. The festival includes gifts, promotions and raffles. All this season’s stock will be on sale.

More than 100 modern shopping centers are taking part in the festival, including ones in Taksim, Nişantaşı, Şişli, Bakırköy and Fatih. For visitors who prefer to shop while strolling through the city, the stores of famous shopping streets, such as Bahariye and Bağdat Caddesi, will be filled with heavily discounted goods. Customers will be able to relax at nearby cafes and restaurants before heading out for more shopping. Last year the festival attracted approximately 5 million visitors and this year organizers expect millions more.

The festival kicks off with a large parade on İstiklal Caddesi in Taksim beginning on Saturday, June 9, from 1-2 p.m. and continuing later on Bağdat Caddesi from 5-7 p.m. The Kent Orchestra, Tiny People and Zalinde will perform, along with clowns, jugglers, stilt walkers and skateboarders.

The festival website, http://www.istshopfest.com/, lists specific retailers and their discounts and gives links for following the daily events and discounts. Shoppers can check in on Foursquare using ISTSHOPFEST, and a free mobile application, ISF mobile, is available for iPhone, iPad and android phones. For foreign visitors, the website also features historical places, museums and a guide for traveling with children.

The festival is a must-visit for savvy bargain hunters and shopaholics alike. Happy shopping!