The Top 10 Malls, Shops and Markets in Shillong

Shillong is buzzing with activity all through the day, and there are plenty of places for a great shopping experience. The main area for shopping in Shillong is the Police Bazar. It’s where you’ll find the most varied collection of local products.

In close second and third are areas in East Khasi Hills and Laitumkhrah. Although most of the products sold here are handicrafts, you do great winter wear as well as locally made fabrics. Other locally available items found in Shillong are a variety of teas and Khasi scrubs. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to shop in Shillong.

Best malls and markets to shop at in Shillong

1. OB Shopping Mall

OB Shopping Mall is Shillong’s biggest shopping mall. It offers a wide variety of branded clothes and electronic. The mall also houses a hotel and a few restaurants. The mall is ideal for those looking to buy branded clothes. Prices at the mall are fixed and there is no bargaining.

• Address: Jail Road
• Best for: Winter clothing and window shopping
• Timings: 10 am to 8 pm

2. Police Bazaar

The Police Bazaar is one of the most prominent spots for shopping and cultural activity in Shillong. The Bazaar is open daily and houses many shops offering local products. From food items to souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, and electronics, one can find it all here.

While shopping here, you may want to note that some shops have fixed prices, while others will gladly quote two or three times the actual price at first. Be sure to bargain.

• Address: Police Bazar
• Best for: Leather goods
• Timings: Daily 10 am to 8 pm

3. Bara Bazaar

This is one of the oldest Bazaars in Shillong. A local market, the Bara Bazar in Iewduh, is typically a spice and food market. Here, one can find plenty of local spices, meats, vegetables, and other food items.

Also available here are a variety of handicrafts made by local artisans. The speciality of this bazaar is that it is run by women. The best time to visit the Bara Bazaar is in the morning when fresh stock comes in.

• Address: East Khasi Hills
• Best for: Buying exotic spices to cook your favourite Meghalayan dishes back home.
• Timings: 8 am to 5 pm

Best Shops for Handicrafts and Clothing in Shillong

1. Purbashree Emporium

A Government of India enterprise, the Purbashree Emporium is the place to go for traditional handloom sarees, jewelry, and cane furniture.

The products at the emporium are all made by hand by skilled local artisans. Prices are fixed and there is no bargaining. Also available here are a few souvenirs that depict the culture and history of Meghalaya.

• Address: Police Bazar
• Best for: Souvenirs to take back home
• Timings: 10 am to 5 pm

2. Khasi Emporium

One of the many places in Shillong to offer traditional handicrafts, the Khasi Emporium is well known for its bamboo handicrafts. This emporium also sells traditional clothes and Chinese products.

The Khasi Emporium is a very popular tourist shopping spot in Shillong. If handicrafts are your crazy, look no further. Also, bargaining for a price is advisable.

• Address: Police Bazar
• Best for: Bamboo handicrafts
• Timings: 8 am to 5 pm

3. Hanumanbux Mahesh Kumar

This store offers a variety of clothing. You’ll find everything from men’s clothing to dresses for women, as well as clothing for kids. The Hanumanbux Mahesh Kumar specializes in warm clothing, Scottish clothing, and dress materials in a variety of colours.

The prices of the clothing are reasonable and carry a fixed rate. Bargaining for a price isn’t recommended.

• Address: Police Bazar
• Best for: Bamboo Handicrafts
• Timings: 9.30 am to 9 pm

4. Rebecca’s Thrift Store

Specializing in vintage products, Rebecca’s Thrift Store is the place to buy old and antique items. The store has a good collection of vintage products, which could give your home a unique touch or be gifted to friends and family.

The store also stocks a small variety of branded products, vintage coats, and clothing that was fashionable in the 60s and 70s.

• Address: Lower Nongrim
• Best for: Vintage products
• Timing: 9.30 am onwards

5. National Book Agency

Specialising in books, the National Book Agency is your one-stop shop for English books and international magazines. The bookstore stocks fiction as well as non-fiction works.

A large store by Shillong standards, works of some of the most famous authors can be found at this popular bookstore. The National Book Agency also stocks a variety of popular travel, food, and lifestyle magazines from across the globe.

• Address: OB Shopping Mall
• Best for: English fiction and non-fiction
• Timings: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm

6. Daniel Syiem

Daniel Syiem is a designer store that specialises in clothing made from Khasi fabric. The store stocks a variety of women’s clothing in different sizes and colours.

From silk dresses to cotton gowns, one can find it all at Daniel Syiem. Shop here if you want to pick up classic western outfits made from Khasi fabric, cotton, and other rich fabrics.

• Address: Beathouse, Laitumkhrah
• Best for: Designer clothing
• Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

7. Meghalaya Handloom and Handicrafts Development Emporium

At the Meghalaya Handloom and Handicrafts Development Emporium, you can find a variety of local textiles and fabrics. The emporium is particularly famous for its Jaintia and Garo fabrics. Besides cloth and fabric, the Meghalaya Handloom and Handicrafts Development Emporium also stocks traditionally-made handicrafts and small home décor items made from bamboo shoot.

You will also find an impressive array of souvenirs at this emporium. Bargaining with the shopkeeper maybe be helpful in getting a product from the store at a good price.

• Address: Police Bazaar
• Best for: Items made from bamboo and locally manufactured fabric.
• Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

One is sure to have a great shopping experience in Shillong, but you would want to keep a few things in mind. Before you go shopping at a local market, get a feel of what prices are from a local resident or the reception at your hotel. You’ll also want to take tips from locals on what specific handicraft and traditional products to buy.

There are what we think are some of the best places to shop at in Shillong. What tips would you want to give people travelling to a city for the first time? We would hear your opinions. You can let us know about them in the comments section below.