Shopping in Agadir was great fun (and that’s from a guy who only goes into his local town once or twice a year), and I loved the repartee as we attempted to window shop. Moroccans assume that if you’re looking, you’re likely to buy, and so they want to show their goods and negotiate. I, on the other hand, enjoy the banter and the barter but don’t always want to buy. I think if you are good-humoured and recognise "the game", you can get by.
But in Agadir, we wanted to buy. The souk would cover most things, but leather coats were to be bought from a "proper" shop. Around our hotel were a number of quality shops, and we soon learnt that shopping for leather coats required a real sense of determination on the negotiation front. Try a few on for style and colour, agree you like them, have a mint tea, haggle, and then haggle some more. We were tough –- two jackets is a strong negotiating position, and the price was going to be low. We agreed on a price and were happy until we realised that the colour preferred by my wife was not available in her size. "No problem," says our new ‘friend’, "I’ll have one made overnight." True to his word, it was made and fit perfectly!
It was a 20-minute walk from our hotel to the souk, up a bit of a slope, but nothing too energetic. We were prepared for the advances of the locals who would want to guide us, and we were determined to deal with them swiftly and efficiently. What a sense of achievement, as the first two were rebuffed. "No thank-you," I said firmly, "we know where we’re going." They nodded apologetically and left us to our own devices. But we blew our cover as we paused, a few yards from the entrance, to take a photo of grazing sheep at the side of the road. This time, our self-appointed guide would not be shaken off. He would show us places that were hard to find and ensure that we got good deals. We ignored him, told him to "go away", and finally gave up and walked out of the market, only to sneak back in at another entrance. The things you must do to remain independent!
The souk was packed with stalls baring spices, jeans, shirts, leather wares, wooden boxes, sandals, and a whole food section (both alive and dead). We had a great time and got some real bargains, including beautifully finished wooden boxes, comfortable sandals, "designer clothes", and a range of aromatic and colourful spices. All were bartered for, and many came with a chat and a complimentary mint tea. The polo shirts (I’m still wearing them two years on) came after the stall owner chased me round the market, having reconsidered the derisory offer I’d made.
When shopping, throw caution to the wind and haggle to your heart's content. It can be enjoyable and financially beneficial.