Shopping!

Shopping in Argentina is a little different from home.

All the clothing stores are really small, but they tend to have several branches within a small radius. Case in point, India, which has 3 stores plus an outlet within 3 blocks. It's also interesting to note their logo appears to be an Indian, as in a Native American, not someone from India, as you'd think by the name. (Their clothing is mostly typical Argentine in style, with a few Indian pieces thrown in--styles from the country of India.


In general, service is over-the-top. These tiny stores usually have at least 2-3 employees who will immediately welcome you and help you find anything you're looking for. My tactic is to just browse until I'm fairly sure I know that I want something, because once they sense interest, high-pressure sales tactics abound, and it's difficult to leave without buying something. (They will do everything to hunt out the size, color, style, etc. that is missing from whichever piece is in your hand.)

Makeup is generally sold in stores that resemble the makeup department of a drug store, where all the shampoos and are in center isles, and expensive items plus makeup are behind the counter. You take a number, and someone will help you, putting makeup on you with clean utensils to ensure it's sanitary and that you like what you're buying. Time consuming, but a nice touch.

Shoes are also sold in the "take a number" fashion, and many stores are unfortunately keeping their doors closed and locked during business hours, opening them for customers, and locking them after they enter due to a rise in crime (more to come on this note, unfortunately).