Black Friday: These Are the Department Stores You Must Visit at Least Once

Black Friday

Black Friday refers to the day after American Thanksgiving. This day has evolved into one full of special shopping offers and huge discounts, and it’s considered the official start of the holiday shopping season!

Did you know that many airlines also participate in Black Friday? At CheapTickets, we call it: Black Flydays! Keep an eye on the deals!

Dedicated bargain hunters are known to camp out on Thanksgiving night to secure a spot in line at their favorite store. Promotions usually last through Sunday or Monday (now known as Cyber Monday), and both physical stores and online retailers experience a significant spike in sales. It works! Are you a fan of Black Friday?

Shopping in the Netherlands is always fun, but shopping abroad is even better. In many countries, Black Friday is celebrated on a much larger scale than here, and in numerous shopping cities, you’ll find the largest, most beautiful, and most bizarre department stores and shopping malls, some so famous they’ve become tourist attractions in their own right. Must see, must go, and must shop! They’re a feast for the eyes. Here are a few for you to check out:

• 1. Les Galeries Lafayette — Paris, France
• 2. Harrods — London, United Kingdom
• 3. Mall Of The Emirates — Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• 4. Bergdorf Goodman — New York, USA
• 5. Macy's — New York, USA
• 6. Tokyo City Dome — Tokyo, Japan
• 7. The Mall Of America — Bloomington, Minnesota, USA
• 8. Yas Mall — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

1. Les Galeries Lafayette — Paris, France

The Galeries Lafayette has grown into a mini-chain with 280 stores worldwide, but the stunning flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris, France, is still a heart-stopper for any fashionista! Established in 1895, this department store features a stunning 10-story stained glass and steel dome, art nouveau staircases, and 19 restaurants. Free fashion shows are held weekly, a must-see!

2. Harrods — London, United Kingdom

Harrods is perhaps the world's most famous department store, and a visit to this shopping mecca is a must during any trip to London, even if just to grab a bite in its renowned food hall or one of its 27 restaurants. Once a modest grocery store in the early 1830s, Harrods now boasts 330 departments and employs 5,000 people. Their motto? Omnia Omnibus Ubique: All Things for All People, Everywhere.

3. Mall Of The Emirates — Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai’s incredible Mall of the Emirates offers countless stores, over 100 restaurants, and much more. It’s home to Ski Dubai, an indoor facility where you can ski, snowboard, and play in the snow. It’s the first indoor ski facility in the Middle East and the largest indoor snow park in the world! You’ll also find Magic Planet, a family entertainment center featuring a bowling alley, billiards tables, video games, bumper cars, a carousel, the RoboCoaster, and XD Dark Ride, a 7D adventure. Wow! Head to Dubai.

4. Bergdorf Goodman — New York, USA

The iconic Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue in New York spans eight floors featuring designer clothing and luxury brands, as well as a restaurant and café. This ultra-luxurious Manhattan staple was founded in 1899 as a small tailor shop and moved to the chic Vanderbilt mansion in 1928! New York proves once again to be the place where dreams come true.

5. Macy's — New York, USA

Let’s stay in New York, as Macy’s must be on this list. This department store on Herald Square in New York City was founded in 1858 as a small shop and grew to become the world’s largest store from 1924 to 2009. The all-American department store is a registered NYC landmark and a cultural icon: it introduced the first escalators, is known for its themed window displays, and organizes events like the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a fireworks show on July 4th.

6. Tokyo City Dome — Tokyo, Japan

Japan is known for its hyper-modern and unique fashion, and its department stores are a sight to behold. Visit the Tokyo City Dome for quirky Japanese stores, and it’s nearly impossible not to buy something. The best part? You can also enjoy a roller coaster ride, go swimming, and more!

7. The Mall Of America — Bloomington, Minnesota, USA

Not to be missed: The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. It’s the largest shopping mall in the United States, almost like a theme park. You can spend several days here without getting bored! Shop to your heart’s content, or visit Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor theme park with roller coasters and other attractions. Take a shopping break at the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, walk through a long tunnel to see 4,500 sea creatures, or even snorkel with them. The mall also features the Crayola Experience, FlyOver America, and mini-golf. Let’s go, it’s unmissable!

8. Yas Mall — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

If you’re looking for great shopping, you’re in the right place in Abu Dhabi! The largest shopping mall, Yas Mall, is located on Yas Island. This three-story shopping center boasts over 370 international retailers, 60 indoor and outdoor restaurants, a 20-screen cinema, a family entertainment zone called Fun Works, and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari-themed park.

Can’t wait to shop at these places? Check out all the flight tickets now!