Shopping

In Muscat, there are shops selling suitable clothes for adults (e.g. Benetton, J C Penney, Prisunic, BHS, Salam Studio, Capital Stores, and the new City Centre Complex near Seeb which has a Carrefour superstore and many smaller shops and boutiques) and a variety of small boutiques but the choice is limited, particularly if looking for larger sizes. 

Children's clothing is readily available. In Muscat, top of the market brands like Absorba and Osh Kosh can be purchased, also mid-priced garments from Prisunic, Mothercare, J C Penney and cheap clothes from the "Souq".

Footwear for men and women is available. The range is quite wide, varying from Bally, Clarks to cheap shoes from the Far East. Flip flops and that type of shoes are everywhere, particularly in the "Souq". Children's shoes are readily available, from cheap canvas designs to expensive leather. Good brands like Clarks, Start-Rite, Elefanten and Hush Puppies are all found in Muscat.

Shopping in Oman is varied. In Muscat and the Capital Area, there is a wide range of shops and shopping complexes and most things can be obtained easily - including European foodstuffs, a good variety of electrical items and an extensive range of household goods and appliances. However, it is always wise to check the stock of an item. It is not unusual - particularly for larger items - for the shop to have only one, and the same item is unlikely to be reordered.

Most towns in the Sultanate - including Muscat have a "Souq". This is a traditional type of covered market. There are several types of souq, including general type goods, gold, fish souqs and vegetable souqs. Generally, prices in the souqs, particularly for fish and vegetables, are cheap.