Buying clothes, shoes, bags and fabric in Egypt
Cairo's fabric markets and old commercial districts have a huge range, while brand shops in malls have clear return rules.
Return rules
- Article 17 of Consumer Protection Law No. 181 of 2018 gives the buyer 14 days from receipt to exchange or return goods without giving a reason. Exceptions include perishable goods, goods made to the buyer's own specification, goods damaged by the buyer, and books and software.
- The Consumer Protection Agency says underwear and wedding dresses once unwrapped, and jewellery, are excluded from no-reason returns.
- The Consumer Protection Agency says defective goods can be exchanged or returned within 30 days of receipt.
Shopping in markets
- Fabric is usually sold by the metre. Check colour, flaws and shrinkage before it is cut.
- Compare several shops, ask whether exchanges are possible, and keep the receipt.
- Markets are crowded, so keep your phone and wallet safe.
Buying in bulk
- If you trade in clothing, get a sample first to confirm fabric content and finish.
- Put quantities, size breakdown, delivery date and how defects are handled in writing.
Related shops and markets
Al-Muski market
Cairo · historic centre · Shopping area / market
One of old Cairo's largest wholesale districts: household goods, toys, textiles, cosmetics and seasonal goods. Many retailers buy their stock here.
Al-Ataba
Cairo · Downtown · Shopping area / market
Commercial district next to Al-Muski for everyday goods, stationery, clothes and bags, wholesale and retail. Nearby Souq Hamam El-Talat sells clothes, shoes and perfume.
Wekalet El-Balah fabric market
Cairo · Shopping area / market
Large fabric market in Bulaq near the Nile Corniche: dress fabric, curtains and upholstery, plus new and used clothing. Fabric is usually sold by the metre.
Khan el-Khalili
Cairo · historic centre · Shopping area / market
Historic Cairo bazaar known for handicrafts, brassware, jewellery and souvenirs. Al-Sagha next to it is the gold and silver street.
Kerdasa
Giza · Shopping area / market
Town in Giza known for fabric, hand-embroidered clothing and traditional galabiyas.
Zanqet El-Sittat
Alexandria · Shopping area / market
One of Alexandria's best-known markets, with narrow crowded lanes famous for women's goods, fabric and accessories.
Al-Mansheya, Alexandria
Alexandria · Shopping area / market
Old Alexandria's commercial centre with many wholesale and retail shops (OpenStreetMap neighbourhood).
El Mahalla El Kubra textiles
El Mahalla El Kubra · Industry hub
Delta industrial city and one of Egypt's largest textile centres.
Port Said commercial district
Port Said · Industry hub
Port city at the northern end of the Suez Canal, long known for clothing and imported-goods trade.
City Stars
Cairo · Nasr City · Shopping area / market
Large mall complex in Nasr City with brand stores, a good place to buy goods with an invoice and warranty.
Hours and what is sold can change, so check before you go. Wang Fu has no business relationship with the places listed and does not vouch for their goods.
Official and public sources
Need an interpreter to come along, or want to post a real sale or rental?