While not particularly renowned for its shopping, Uruguay has a range of pleasant markets, both in the larger cities, such as Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento, and the smaller towns where unique bargains may be easier to come by.
Leather products, amethyst jewelry, and suede jackets are among the most popular purchases, in addition to the wide variety of colorful paintings, handicrafts, and wool products on offer at the markets.
Within the Uruguay capital of Montevideo, there are a number Western-style malls, including Montevideo Shopping Center and Punta Carretas Shopping, which house cinemas, supermarkets, and a plethora of restaurants. Several boutique shops have started to emerge throughout the capital, selling the latest in fashionable clothing, one-off handicrafts, and many other items that would be suitable to take back home as gifts, such as ponchos and handmade scarves.
Outside of the capital, some of the best shopping can be found in Punta del Este, particularly down Calle Goriero, which is lined with European-style boutiques and stores selling traditional goods. A weekend crafts market is held on Saturdays and Sundays at the Plaza Artigas, where many quality bargains can be found, given a little bartering; while down Avenida Roosevelt you can find the massive Punta Shopping Mall, with over 100 shops and a 12-screen cinema.