
In Nuevo Laredo's downtown area, there are the numerous stands that offer tourists the opportunity of taking a small piece of Mexico home. The options go from a fine piece of jewelry, a colorful hand-made rug or sarape, a comfortable hammock and even a brightly decorated pinata for your kids' birthday parties. Handicrafts from all over the country, coming from such interesting, faraway places such as Chiapas, the Yucatan Peninsula or Oaxaca, can be bought in Nuevo Laredo's stores. Always for sale are bottles of fine tequila and mezcal, as well as ceramics or clay figures representing funny or awkward scenes in the form of jars, cups, dishes, pens and pretty much almost anything! If you've ever been to Mexico before, you already know that Mexicans have a dirty sense of humor.
Laredo, Texas
For decades, the large shopping plazas, outlets, and malls on the U.S. side of the border, in Laredo, have attracted thousands of Mexican citizens because of their impressive offers and discounts, as well as for the great variety of high quality commercial brands found here. Nowadays, the largest shopping center in Laredo, Texas, is Mall del Norte, where window shoppers find a paradise on Earth. Mall del Norte has close to 150 stores and 7 department stores selling almost everything, from perfumes, shoes and furniture to clothing, accessories, sporting goods, and much more!
However, Mall del Norte is not the only option for getting the best prices while shopping in Laredo. There are dozens of stores on San Bernardo Avenue, and lots more in downtown Laredo. Three more malls are currently under construction now, one of which is planned to be even larger than Mall del Norte, so watch out if you're visiting this part of Texas soon. Just remember to check your passport hasn't expired and to renew your visa, then have fun shopping in Laredo!
Maclovio Herrera Market
The Maclovio Herrera Market has a long, illustrious history in the city of Nuevo Laredo. It was first built in 1947 and was the most modern of its time. In 1980, it was destroyed in a fire, rebuilt and in 1985, was renamed "Reforma Market". The locals, however, didn't accept this change and continued to call it by its original name: Maclovio Herrera, which is still used to this day. Typical costumes, traditional candies, pinatas, jewelry, handicrafts and a wide variety of the finest handmade Mexican goods are also available here.
Marti's
Marti's presents the work of the most experienced craftsmen from all over the country to those visitors interested in the art pieces created by the Mexican people as a reflection of their history, religion and beliefs. This unique gallery is located in downtown Nuevo Laredo, only steps away from the International Bridge. Marti's history started almost half a century back and ever since then the owners have dedicated their efforts to preserve and spread Mexico's finest artwork. Between the multiple curiosities that you can get at Marti's are wool textiles with colorful motifs from Oaxaca, gold and silver jewelry coming from the southern state of Guerrero, blouses and shirts hand made by the Huicholes and even furniture made out of carved wood.
Nuevo Laredo's Shopping Malls
Nuevo Laredo has some small and medium sized commercial complexes. At any of these malls, you can find anything you are looking for, such as fresh food or canned items, medicine, clothing, personal hygiene products and much more. These plazas usually include a supermarket, gift shops, laundry and dry cleaning services, as well as restaurants. If you feel like watching Hollywood's latest releases during your visit to Nuevo Laredo, the city offers a couple of comfortable and modern movie theaters.