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Fortunately for Amsterdam the major chain stores selling international brands are located in two main streets and a shopping centre in the suburbs. Otherwise, there are many smaller specialist stores and independent retailers to be found along picturesque streets, selling anything from Latin American effigies to expensive cigars. There are also some fantastic markets which can be enjoyed for their atmosphere or because they offer lots of bargains.
Traditionally, shops and markets are closed all day Sunday and Monday mornings. Normal shopping hours are 9 am or 10 am to 6 pm, although some are now beginning to stay open later in the evenings. Most of the shops on Kalverstraat, one of the main shopping streets, are now open on Sundays. There is late-night shopping on Thursdays, when most shops in the city remain open until 9 pm.
The main shopping areas are the semi- pedestrianised Leidsestraat between the Leidseplein and Spui and the Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk, leading from the Munt Tower via the Dam to near Centraal Station. The big chains stores such as C&A and Hennes and Mauritz can be found here. There are two large Dutch department stores near the Munt Tower (V&D and Hema), and at the Dam (Bijenkorf and Magna Plaza). There is also a large Albert Hein food supermarket behind the Palace at the Dam, open until 10 pm, even on Sundays. The Jordaan and the ''negen straatjes'' (nine streets) contain many fascinating individual shops. You can find ethnic shops selling votive candles or handmade glassware, antiquarian booksellers and specialist delicatessens. It is worth exploring the varied Urechtestraat, off Rembrandtplein. There's a boutique selling clothes made from hemp, an upmarket shoe shop, a delicatessen selling oil and vinegar and a number of excellent record and CD shops. Some of the most avant-garde furniture and interior design shops in Amsterdam are located on the street, but you have to order most of the objects that can be seen in the showroom.
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