Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
9
Shopping with
Your Kids
Shopping and kids don't always go
together. Some kids get hiv es at the mer e
mention of the wor d. O thers lo ve shop-
ping—as long as you're shopping for them.
In the case of little ones, an entir e shop-
ping excursion may be spent chasing gig-
gling kids out fr om behind the clothes
racks.
But we all need to buy stuff and some-
times it's inevitable that we'll have the kids
in to w when w e do so . S uccessful shop-
ping with childr en calls for teamwor k,
moderation, giv e-and-take, and a flexible
attitude. I f ther e's something y ou r eally
need to buy—like a present for the neigh-
bor who 's watering y our plants while
you're away—let the kids in on it and have
them help you with the project. Also, keep
shopping trips shor t and strike a bargain
with the little ones. For my children, a trip
to the boutiques on F illmore or Chestnut
streets means they get to stop at J amba
Juice, and an ex cursion to the Westfield
San Francisco Centre comes with a (quick)
visit to the S anrio Store. I f ther e's some-
thing small you can buy for your children,
they'll feel the shopping ex cursion was
intended for them as w ell. Lastly, be pr e-
pared to take a br eak if the kids hav e run
out of steam.
Fortunately, San Francisco has plenty of
stores that kids will enjo y checking out as
much as their par ents. And for those
moments when ev eryone's had enough,
there ar e always nearb y par ks or cafes
where you can have a rest or a snack.
1
THE SHOPPING SCENE
San Francisco is a terrific place to shop. Those who enjoy leisurely perusing boutiques to
find unique treasures can enjoy the city's amazing collection of locally owned stores sell-
ing everything from distinctive clothes, toys, and gifts, to one-of-a-kind topics, ar t, and
housewares. For others who pr efer convenience and kno wn brands, the U nion Square
area is a shopper's paradise.
Most independent stores in neighborhood shopping districts like Chestnut, F illmore,
and 24th streets are open from 10am to 6 or 7pm M onday through Saturday and from
noon to 5 or 6pm on S undays, although larger chain stores may stay open later. Down-
town, department stores and major r etailers are open longer hours, with M acy's, Nord-
strom, and Bloomingdale's open until 9pm every night but Sunday. If you plan to visit a
particular store in the evening or on a Sunday, call to make sure it will be open.
California has a
sales tax
of 8.5% that's added at the r egister. Purchases shipped out
of state by the store are not taxable, but the shipping charges may come to more than the
taxes unless you're buying a very expensive item.
THE NEIGHBORHOODS
Union Square/Financial District
Stand in the center of Union Square and take a slow
360° turn. You are surrounded by some big names in retailing: Neiman Marcus, Macy's,
