Though many of Kuwait's traditional souks (markets) still exist, the country has an abundance of modern supermarkets and shopping malls. Most areas in Kuwait have a large supermarket operated by cooperative societies. These cooperatives (Jameeyah) usually open early, work till quite late at night and stock a vast range of food and other household items. Some of the basic food items are subsidised. The prices of some other items are controlled.

There are also many private supermarkets. Of these, some are open 24 hours a day. The larger ones stock a range of goods such as toys, furniture, car accessories, clothes and accessories and perfumes.

Stocked with goods from all parts of the world, their prices are somewhat higher than the cooperatives, though prices of some basic foodstuffs are subject to control. Fresh food may be bought a bit cheaper in the markets. Most of Kuwait's shopping malls have been rebuilt since the looting and destruction in the 1990 Iraqi invasion. They range from the most exclusive (in price) to the ordinary. Many contain small shops which specialise in certain items, such as coffee and exclusive brand names.

Gold Souks

The Gold souks, for which Kuwait is famous, were prime targets for the Iraqi troops during the first days of the invasion in August 1990. Most of these souks are now back in business, with the exception of the old gold souk in Kuwait City centre, which has been shifted to a specially-built building. There are gold souks and gold shops, which both buy and sell gold, in most of the shopping areas in Kuwait. Jewellery styles are mainly Arabic, Indian (which is very popular in Kuwait) and Italian.

Gold is considered of immense value by many in Kuwait, whether Kuwaitis, Arab expatriates or those from the Far East, and not just an ornament. Most gold jewellery sold is 21 or 22 carat, or sometimes 18 carat too. All gold sold must be hallmarked and the gold shops are inspected by the Government for quality. An official receipt, clearly showing the purity and weight of the gold, should always be demanded. Any doubts about the gold content and weight can be then resolved at the government assay office.

Gold jewellery is priced per gram. Jewellery is always weighed and the price of the piece calculated from the weight. The price quoted includes a charge for workmanship, and the buyer is advised to ask the price of the gold content, which tracks world market prices and fluctuates daily. The price for the workmanship stays fairly constant but varies according to how intricate the design is.

Pure gold can also be bought in bar form, in 10 gm, 100 gm and in kg bars, hallmarked accordingly. In some countries these are classified as bullion and expatriates intending to take gold home should check the legal position with their embassies.

Traditional Open Air and Friday Markets

Despite the influx of modern supermarkets and shopping malls, some of the traditional markets are still flourishing. The souk area in central Kuwait City retains some of its labyrinths of covered streets and passageways lined with stalls and shops.

The central city souk is, in fact, made up of the remains of about 20 different interconnecting souks, some removed by development, others destroyed by the invasion in 1990. The shops in each souk used to specialise in particular items, such as clothing, hardware, spices, etc. Many of these stalls and shops are still open for business. In the Souk Al-Hareem, for instance, women selling everyday items sit with their wares on a raised pedestal running down the centre of the street. Shopping in the area is an interesting and cheap alternative to the modern supermarkets and shopping malls, though bargaining is essential to secure a good price.
Traditional souks still survive in Kuwait, notably in Fahaheel and Jahra. Many of these souks have been reformed and reorganised. Courteous bargaining is essential.

Several open air Friday markets (Souk Al-Juma'a) operate from early morning until evening on that day, selling everything from second-hand furniture and clothes to carpets and antiques, as well as livestock of various types. Major Souk Al-Juma'as are in Al-Rai just off the 4th Ring Road, in Jahra and in Fahaheel.

Fresh Food

Most food shops in Kuwait sell a mixture of chilled or frozen products, and canned and preserved foods. However, plenty of fresh meat, fish, fruits and vegetables are readily available. The main large souks for fresh foods (meat, fruits and vegetables) are in Shuwaikh and in Fahaheel. Though these are essentially wholesale markets the vendors welcome all buyers. Prices are cheaper than at the large private supermarkets.
Fresh fruits and vegetables can be bought at several vegetable souks, such as the vegetable souk near the Hawalli Immigration roundabout in Salmiya. Most areas of Kuwait have a souk selling fresh vegetables. Bargaining is expected.

The main fish souks are on Arabian Gulf Street (just east of the Seif Palace), in Shuwaikh and in Fahaheel. The variety of fish and crustaceans, much of it from the Arabian Gulf, is superior to anything found in the world. Sold by the kilo or by the bucketful, prices are reasonable but seasonal. Fresh mutton is a traditional part of Kuwaiti cuisine. Fresh chicken shops are also found in most neighbourhoods.
Small bakeries are found in many areas of Kuwait. The bread, often Iranian style, is baked on the spot and presented in large rounds which can be easily carried away.

Modern shopping malls have become popular. There are many opportunities in Kuwait to buy clothing, household goods, cosmetics, perfumes, and other items imported from all over the world. There are numerous modern facilities with spacious walkways and attractive shop displays, such as the Salhiya Complex in the city, Al-Watiya behind the Sheraton Hotel, the Zahra Complex and Laila Galeria in Salmiya, the Muthana Complex across from Le Meridien, and the Al-Othman complex in Hawally. In addition, there are many major shopping areas, or souks, in districts such as Salmiya, Fahaheel, Hawally, and elsewhere. These offer not only consumer items but may also include opticians, travel agents, and amusement centers for children.