Christmas Shopping in Namibia

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Compiled Elzanne Erasmus

Summer is the time of year when large numbers of Namibians flock to the coast to enjoy the sun, sand and holiday season. If you didn’t manage all your Christmas shopping while still at home, have no fear, because Swakopmund has a wide variety of well-stocked shops, brimming with locally-made products. So whether you’re looking for something to put under or even on your tree, pop down to the coast for some festive holiday delights.

• BECOME A CITIZEN OF THE REPUBLIK

Never forget that there is a ton of shopping to be done in the big city. And the hottest new shopping destination in Windhoek is by far the recently built The Grove Mall of Namibia. When stepping into the shiny new hallways, be sure to head straight to the ingenious clothing store My Republik for the most stylish and unique outifts, clothing that will make you look and feel proud to be Namibian. My Republik owner, Ally Angula, has started a truly Namibian commercial clothing line, with her assortment of chic and beautiful garments for men and women. My Republik’s strong sense of purpose and unique brand are reflected in its mission statements plastered across the walls of the shop, describing what it offers as ‘a lifestyle brand that celebrates the freedom of expression and being, through a series of life choices that inspire’. Ally is focussed on encouraging her fellow ‘citizens of the Republik’ to rejoice in their freedom to express themselves and their own unique style. With an amazing retail space on the upper level of the mall and an even greater team to help you pick the perfect look, My Republik is certainly setting out to be the must-shop spot for any fashionista. Follow this tantalising outlet on Twitter at @my_republik and Facebook at www.facebook.com/myrepublikclothing or make contact at administration@leapnamibia.com.

Print lady’s pleated dress N$1,499

Red lady’s pleated dress N$699

Lady’s pencil skirt N$499

Infinity scarf N$385

My Republik at The Grove Mall of Namibia

My Republik

• MAKING HANDMADE WAVES

Choose from a wide variety of handmade products at Make Waves in Swakopmund. The outlet stocks a variety of hand-embroidered cloths and linens, included a fun selection of dishcloths and towels that will brighten up your kitchen. The dishcloths are embroidered with scenes of wildlife in a kaleidoscope of colours. You could also take home a lovely new friend in the form of a bead-and-wire kudu, the perfect truly Namibian toy or adornment. Find Make Waves in The Arcade, 22 Sam Nujoma Avenue, Swakopmund, or make contact at +264 64 461 376.

Dishtowels N$170

Kudu N$295

Bead and wire Kudu at Make Waves

• NEW FRIENDS TO KEEP CLOSE TO YOUR HEART

Tutungeni Namibian Craft Projects currently stocks a variety of beautifully made dolls that help to spread the gift of love around the world. Namibian craftsmen and women from across the country use their hands and finely-tuned skills to create these lovely and detailed cultural dolls, each with its own unique name. The Tutungeni project supports craftsmen and -women to create culturally rich items that reflect both the past and the future, while staying true to traditional skills and indigenous materials. So go and make a new friend at Tutungeni at 14 A Sam Nujoma Street, Swakopmund, or make contact through rohwer@iway.na to learn more about the crafts project and how you can help spread the love.

Cultural doll N$195

• JOLLY AFRICAN CHRISTMAS TREES

Do you prefer a classic Christmas tree or are you more inclined towards something quirky and modern, made out of metal or driftwood? Whatever your style, it’s the decorations that make the tree, so whether you’re looking for something to put on or under your tree, look no further than ‘IKhoba. This eclectic outlet stocks the most creative selection of Christmas-themed ornaments and decorations in Swakopmund. The range includes stars made of Coke cans, angels made of straw, and eccentric flying metal warthogs, all of which will give your tree wings and make your family and friends smile throughout this merry season. Find ‘IKhoba at 25 Sam Nujoma Avenue, Swakopmund, or make contact through +264 64 40 1134 or ikhoba@iway.na.

Coca Cola stars N$53

Coca Cola stars at ‘IKhoba

Winged wildlife N$79

Winged lion at ‘IKhoba

Winged zebra at ‘IKhoba

Winged warthog at ‘IKhoba

Straw angels N$72

Straw angel at ‘IKhoba

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This article was first published in the Summer 2014/15 issue of Travel News Namibia.

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