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Back-to-School Shopping
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Like any big city, Philadelphia boasts an impressive collection of upscale retailers, specialty boutiques, and famous department stores. But it's the area surrounding the city that makes the shopping here unique---the Philadelphia & The Countryside Region is home to designer factory outlets and enormous malls. Best of all, there's no sales tax on clothing in Pennsylvania, so your back-to-school dollar goes a lot farther here. Grab your credit cards and let's go!
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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Mention downtown shopping to Philadelphians of a certain age, and they will recall one store with particular fondness. The legendary Wanamakers, Philadelphia's first department store and home of the world's largest pipe organ, is now Macy's. The iconic eagle sculpture and the organ are still there, and shoppers still enjoy the experience of browsing high-end goods in an elegant and historic environment. For a change of pace (and decidedly different fashions), head over to South Street, the absolute epicenter of eclecticism. Once you've done downtown, head out to Manayunk, where you'll find familiar retailers like Banana Republic and Nicole Miller as well as unique resale shops, boutiques, restaurants, and more.
Back-to-School Shopping PHOTO GALLERY:
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Neshaminy and King of Prussia
>>>>>>>>>You'll need to get up really early if you're going to hit both attractions we've chosen for day two. Yeah, they're malls---but they're incredibly huge! Bensalem's Neshaminy Mall is the first stop; it features three large department stores, about 125 specialty shops, a food court, and a theatre complex with 24 screens. Not big enough for you? Well, then, get ready for the King of Prussia Shopping Complex eight world-class department stores, super-upscale boutiques, restaurants, salons, specialty shops, jewelers, and more. In all, there are more than 400 stores here, so whether you're looking for a ball gown, school clothes, a haircut, an aspirin, or just a cup of coffee, you'll find it. Hope you packed your walking shoes. On second thought, just buy some here.
Back-to-School Shopping PHOTO GALLERY:
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Reading Outlets
Ok, we've saved the best for last. The Reading Outlets are famous the world over for their extensive selections, excellent goods, and super-low prices. We're not kidding---people seriously come here from all over the world to shop, and with prices that are up to 70% off retail (and with no sales tax on clothing), who can blame them? You'll find your favorite brands at the outlets: Coach, Nautica, Bass, Tommy Hilfiger, and more. There are also china and glass outlets, hardware and tool stores, toys, sporting goods, and of course food. You could pretty much build your entire back-to-school wardrobe here without breaking a sweat (or the bank). Have fun!
Back-to-School Shopping PHOTO GALLERY:
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