Who wouldn't want a piece of Mexico to call their own? Souvenirs, jewelry, traditional Mexican clothing, original artwork, and Mexican handicrafts can found in the many stores throughout Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa. The main area of shopping in Zihuatanejo can be found in Centro where there are small jewelry stores, dress boutiques, leather goods, and souvenir shops scattered amongst the downtown restaurants, bars, and businesses. The walkable area is bordered by Playa Principal and la cancha (aka el zocolo or the basketball courts), Benito Juarez and the central Mercado, Avenida Morelas with the Elektra electronics store, and Calle Cinco de Mayo with the Artisan's Market. Ixtapa has its own small mercado with artist and souvenir stalls on the main drag upon entering town. Then there are a series of small malls along the same strip with shops that sell high-end clothing, jewelry, t-shirts, Mexican decor, and beach wear. Store rents are higher in Ixtapa and prices reflect this.

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($$-$$$) Arte Mexicano Nopal is a "dangerous" store. You will be threatened with greed as soon as you walk in because all of the art, furniture, jewelry, and crafts they sell is beautiful and high-quality. The small collection of jewelry includes some of the most unique pieces in Zihuatanejo - and they are at reasonable prices! They have a large offering of Frida Kahlo-inspired pieces including wall hangings, prints, handpainted trunks, frames, and postcards. They also carry a selection of light fixtures ranging from the rustic (fish baskets) to the exquisite (glass lighthouses). The most "dangerous" aspect of Arte Mexicano Nopal? The staff is so friendly and the prices are so fair that you won't be able to leave without succumbing your lust!

meet me @: Arte Mexicano Nopal is located on Cinco de Mayo, across the street from the Artisan's Market and next to Bandido's restaurant.

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Most towns in Mexico have their own outdoor market with its own personality, and the Artisan’s Market in Zihuatanejo does not disappoint. Stretched out along Avendida Cinco de Mayo, this market is the favorite destination of cruise-ship passengers, tourists and locals alike. The end closest to the pier focuses more on ceramics and jewelry, and as you walk away from the ocean, the focus changes to jewelry and t-shirts, wooden and onyx sculptures. At the far end you’ll find the largest collection of leather items and various canvas bags in Zihua.

just the facts, ma'am: the prices always seem to be a bit higher on cruise ship day, but if that is just our imaginations, it is certain that the market is more crowded when the ships are in. This is a place where you can haggle for slight discounts, but please, keep in mind that these people are trying to feed their families and give them a break.

meet me @: the Artisan’s Market is located on Avenida Cinco de Mayo starting just across from the Catholic Church and continuing until Calle Catalina Gonzalez.

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($$-$$$$) Casa Zirahuen has an extensive collection of decorative objects for inside and outside your home. When you first enter the shop, you are almost overwhelmed by the etched metal-framed mirrors that line the walls and the largest collection of metallic balls in all of Zihua. After you pass through the front shop full of indoor and outdoor vases, you enter the back room which is full of lamp shades, Mexican art and rustic wall hangings, and then you can continue into the garden where you can browse the terra cotta plant pots and wall sconces.

just the facts, ma'am: Casa Zirahuen is open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 8 pm.

meet me @: Casa Zirahuen is located on Calle Paseo de los Deportes, Lote 2, just across the street from the football field in Zihuatanejo.

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Probably our most upscale department store in Zihuatanejo (and by some definitions, our only department store) is Coppel. They sell everything you would expect to see in a department store: furniture for the bedroom, living room and dining room, appliances for your kitchen, televisions and stereo equipment, tires, children’s toys and cribs, and clothing and shoes for the whole family. There is not a huge selection of each item they sell, but the stock is definitely nicer and in better condition than most other places in the Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa area. It’s also refreshing to go to Coppel if only just to browse and cool down in the nice air conditioning.

just the facts, ma'am: Coppel is open Monday through Saturday 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. Parking is available. Free home delivery.

meet me @: Coppel is located on Avenida Morelos, Lote 9 in Colonia Centro, just across the street from the Post Office.

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($$$) For elegant, traditional Mexican clothing, Lupita’s Boutique is the place to go. Lupita’s clothes are handcrafted, hand-embroidered cotton and satin, made in Oaxaca, Chiapas and the state of Guerrero. She also sells accessories such as handmade purses, scarves and hats to match.

just the facts, ma'am: If your goal is to haggle and get a cheap price on discount clothes, this shop is not for you. The quality is exceptional and priced accordingly. Everything in the shop is comfortable and lovely, and if it doesn’t fit, Lupita is happy to do alterations. She also ships her clothes internationally so you don't have to worry about cramming them into your suitcase along with all of your other Zihua finds.

meet me @: Lupita’s Boutique is located on Calle Juan N. Alvarez, # 16, on the corner of Calle Vicente Guerrero. Her shop is open from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm daily.

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For furniture slightly less rustic than many local shops, but still made of solid wood, Muebleria Cuauhtemoc has a great selection. Their shop has on display cabinets, wall units, bed frames, dining tables, dressers, cribs, and much more. Their furniture is made to last, and also can be made to order.

just the facts, ma'am: Muebleria Cuauhtemoc is open from 9 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday. They also are an authorized Singer sewing machine repair shop.

meet me @: Muebleria Cuauhtemoc is located on Avenida Morelos, local #2 and 3, just before you reach the big Comex paint store.

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Muebles Rústicos Tonalá have all shapes and sizes of furniture, bed frames, large wall units, bar units, dining tables, dressers, end tables, rocking chairs, toddler tables and chairs, and even small treasure chests. They also have leather-covered chairs, fabric covered couches with wood frames and art and wall hangings.

just the facts, ma'am: Muebles Rústicos Tonalá is open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 6:30 pm. In addition to the rustic pieces on display in the shop, they are happy to make furniture to order.

meet me @: Muebles Rústicos Tonalá are located in Zihuatanejo on the Highway to Ixtapa, Carretera Nacional Zihuatanejo- Lázaro Cárdenas, No 23 in Colonia El Hujal.

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If rattan is your thing, then Rattan Muebles is the shop for you. They sell all sorts of furniture made of rattan and pine. You can buy tables, chairs, bookshelves, cabinets, dressers, and even artwork and wall hangings. They are also happy to make pieces to order if you have something particular in mind.

just the facts, ma'am: Rattan Muebles is open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 9 pm.

meet me @: Rattan Muebles is located in Zihuatanejo on Avenida Ejido, #17.

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($$) Rosimar Artesanias boasts an extensive and colorful collection of ceramics, hand-blown glass, pre-Columbian art replicas and oil paintings. All of their wares are crafted by local artisans.

just the facts, ma'am: Rosimar Artesanias is one of the few shops in Zihua that sells ceramics that are properly fired and made without lead and will be safe to use with food. They are open from 9 am to 9 pm daily, and are always happy to give a good price.

meet me @: Rosimar Artesanias is located on Calle Cuauhtémoc, Number 42 between Calle Ejido and Calle Catalina Gonzalez in Colonia Centro.

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If you need furniture or accessories for your home, Segusino has a gorgeous selection to choose from. The furniture is made in the factory in Puebla, and is a lovely blend of contemporary with rustic Mexican style. All wood pieces are finished in your choice of natural wax or high gloss, and the two different finishes come in numerous colors options. The accessories on sale are contemporary pieces from local artisans in Puebla, Oaxaca and Guadalajara.

just the facts, ma'am: You can buy what you see in the shop, or special order something in particular. Segusino is open Mondays through Saturdays, 10 am to 2:30pm and 4 to 8. There is some bi-lingual staff, but if the English speakers are not in the shop, they’ll put one on the phone to answer questions and help with orders.

meet me @: Segusino is located in Zihuatanejo on the Carretera-Nacional (Highway 200) on the right-hand side on the way to Ixtapa, just next to the Montessori School.

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