Introduction to Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the capital and the cultural center of Argentina. The city features classical European architecture, a lively cultural scene and historic shopping areas such as Patio Bullrich.

Demographics

As the largest city in Argentina, the metro Buenos Aires area has a population of over 15 million. Most of the population is of European descent, the majority being Italian and Spanish. 

Top Five Shopping Districts

1. Microcentro: Extending from Plaza San Martín to Avenida Corrientes, Microcentro has a concentration of offices, service companies and banks, and large crowds of pedestrians on weekdays. Approaching Plaza San Martín, you will find shoe stores, jewelers and leather brands. The area also features a pedestrian zone with shops selling everything from power converters to extension cords.
2. Avenida Santa Fe: Famous for its architecture reminiscent of Paris, Avenida Santa Fe is one of the main shopping areas of the city. The diststrict features reasonably priced shops, boutiques and cafes. The Alto Palermo Shopping Center (where the Avenida intersects Güemes) is home to a variety of international and Argentine chain stores.
3. Alto Palermo: Alto Palermo is the main shopping area and transport hub around Avenida Santa Fe, near Parque Las Heras (Las Heras Park) and the Alto Palermo shopping center. Many young designers have opened boutiques in this area and have made deals with local restaurants to replace the outdoor foldup tables with more fashionable clothing displays on weekends.
4. Recoleta: Located in a residential downtown area, the historic neighborhood is known for shopping. The most important French and Italian designers have shops in Recoleta.
5. San Telmo and La Boca: These neighborhoods are popular for buskers, with street performers and artists everywhere – especially on weekends. Visit San Telmo and La Boca for antiques or to visit art studios.

Famous Retail Events

eRetail Week Buenos Aires: eRetail Week Buenos Aires is a five-day conference covering all things digital related to retail, with each day dedicated to a different theme, such as digital payments, personalization, delivery, etc. The event covers fashion, retail, pharmacy, beauty, supermarkets, consumer electronics and other retail sectors.

Top Innovative Retailers

Patio Bullrich [caption id="attachment_95845" align="alignright" width="254"] Source: http://www.shoppingbullrich.com.ar/servicios.php[/caption] Originally built in 1867, Patio Bullrich is an historical shopping center in the Retiro section of Buenos Aires. After a 1995 modernization and expansion of this historic building, Patio Bullrich began attracting  international luxury brands such as Carolina Herrera, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix and Tiffany & Co. With once tight import restrictions now eased, many luxury brands that left Argentina are returning: Ermenegildo Zegna and Louis Vuitton are two brands that have announced plans to return, and to open shops in Patio Bullrich. Location: Avenida Del Libertador 750, Buenos Aires C1001ABU.   Casa Cavia [caption id="attachment_95846" align="alignright" width="220"] Source: www.casacavia.com/the-house[/caption] Built in 1927 by Norwegian artist and architect Alejandro Christophersen, Casa Cavia was carefully restored and transformed into a new concept boutique operated by five women entrepreneurs. The interior features a flower shop, a bookstore and a perfumery, books and flowers. Casa Cavia is also popular for its eateries, especially Argentine steak, desserts and cocktails. Location: Casa Cavia, Cavia 2985, Palermo Chico, Buenos Aires C1425DDA.     Gil Antigüedades [caption id="attachment_95847" align="alignright" width="288"] Source: www.gilantiguedades.com[/caption] For more than 35 years in Buenos Aires’ San Telmo neighborhood, Gil Antigüedades has offered a variety of selected and quality objects. The boutique is run and served by owner María Inés Gil. With a passion for visiual art, Gil Antigüedades has become a collection of thousands of pieces from the end of the nineteenth century to the end of the twentieth century. You can find vintage items such as beaded clutches, Panama hats and antique jewellery boxes. Location: Gil Antigüedades, Humberto Primo 412, San Telmo, Buenos Aires C1103.   [caption id="attachment_95848" align="alignright" width="293"] Source: www.facebook.com/Galeria-Patio-del-Liceo-208515089189784/[/caption] Galeria Patio Del Liceo Offering a variety of goods and artwork, Galeria Patio Del Liceo is a collection of boutiques and galleries that supports local artists and designers. Every visit to the shared space is a unique shopping experience connecting art galleries, apparel, shoe shops and boutiques that sell eco-friendly home decor. Many of the spaces also function as workshops where the goods are made: Visitors may have the chance to see the design and process of hand-making artwork. (add a space here) Location: Galeria Patio del Liceo, Avenida Santa Fe 2729, Barrio Norte, Buenos Aires C1425BGP.   Panorama [caption id="attachment_95849" align="alignright" width="357"] Source: https://www.facebook.com/pg/PANORAMAARGENTINA/about/?ref=page_internal[/caption] Panorama is a collection of merchandise and clothing with innovative Argentine-made fashions, most of which is created by local designers. The owners, also clothing designers, select pieces from popular local brands including JT by Jessica Trosman, Tramando by Martín Churba, Sette and Vanesa Krongold. In addition to clothes, the shop features pieces by local jewelers, handwoven accessories from Argentina’s indigenous communities, Juan Gatti’s bold silk scarves and Andean-accented felt hats by Made in Chola. Location: Panorama, Républica de la India 2905, Palermo, Buenos Aires C1425.   La Restinga [caption id="attachment_95850" align="alignright" width="347"] Source: www.facebook.com/patronbuenosaires[/caption] Previously receiving customers by appointment only, La Restinga recently renovated its 1930s Palermo house and takes walk-in customers. Shopping assistants offer each customer a choice of beer, whisky or a drink at the door – no matter what time of day. A giant tree growing inside the store creates a unique shopping experience. The shop sells mainly men’s accessories, with an upstairs for customers to rest and enjoy a cigar. Location: Av. Cnel. Niceto Vega 5181, Buenos Aires C1414BEK.   [caption id="attachment_95851" align="alignright" width="337"] Source: larestinga.com[/caption] Patrón Located on the Palermo Soho shopping circuit, Patrón is a stylish boutique displaying artwork handmade by local artists and designers. The offerings are selected by the owner Laura Patrón Costas, who wants to support and provide exposure to local designers, artists and artisans. The collection features contemporary jewelry crafted from a range of materials, handmade ceramics and some pieces from artisans from the Wichí indigenous community.The shop hosts around three pop-up exhibitions a year, inviting local artists to exhibit their work under different themes. Location: Calle Malabia 1644, Buenos Aires C1414DMH.   Net Muebles [caption id="attachment_95852" align="alignright" width="309"] Source: www.facebook.com/Sticotti.net/photos/a.438879952816897/844395458932009/?type=3&theater[/caption] Net Muebles is an open-plan architecture and design enterprise located in the neighborhood of Palermo. It was created by Argentine architect Alejandro Sticotti. The central idea of the design studio and much of Alejandro Sticotti’s furniture is to make use of the raw beauty of natural materials. Location: Godoy Cruz 1740, Palermo, Buenos Aires 1414.     Tramando [caption id="attachment_95853" align="alignright" width="253"] Source: www.facebook.com/tramando/photos[/caption] Tramando is a business made up of four projects: garments, textiles, objects for home use and consultancy. Tramando, located in Recoleta, is as famous for its regularly changing window displays as it is for its innovative textile processes. The kaleidoscopic collections combine digital prints and vibrant colors. The store also provides design consultations.   Location: Rodriguez Peña 1973 Buenos Aires C1021ABO.     [caption id="attachment_95854" align="alignright" width="242"] Source: www.instagram.com/p/BzjRKXopVWx/[/caption] Arandú Arandú is famous for leather goods. Its selection includes jackets, bags, boots and shoes. The store specializes in Argentine handicrafts, from leather wallets, belts and riding boots to hand-worked silver and mate gourds. The store also features a full range of polo gear, as well as silverware and traditional steak knives.   Location: Paraguay 1259, Buenos Aires C1057AAS.   Must-See Street: Avenida Dorrego The Avenida Dorrego is an important and busy street in downtown Buenos Aires featuring many innovative and interesting shops.

1. Libreria La Meca: Located on Av. Dorrego 1058 in Distrito Federal, Libreria La Meca offers various books and office supplies.
2. Imprenta Dorrego: With a more than 70-year history, the print store is popular for its indoor decorations and impeccable service.
3. Mercado Punto Verde: Founded in 2011, the store is famous for organic food and cosmetic supplies.
4. Actualizarte: A new concept in decoration and antiques, the store has a selection of chandaliers, ceramics, furniture, mirrors, windows and more.
5. El Mercado De Las Pulgas: The biggest flea market in the city, selling both new and old items – with many antiques.