Before going to buy anything in Peshawar, you first have to be ready to bargain. You will need to bargain at most of the shops for items especially fabric. If you are a foreigner, be careful when shopping at shops that do not have fixed prices. The shop keepers will try their best to rip you off. When you ask how much, be prepared to offer half of what they ask and then bargain from there. Also, if the price still seems to high, don't be afraid to walk away. Many times they will call you back or you can find the same thing at another shop nearby. If is best to take a local person with you when shopping at stores that require bargaining.
The old town is a good place to stock up on Pakistani and Afghani handicrafts. These markets are located in almost all parts of the Peshawar, most commonly at Bazar Shah Qabool Olia, Namak Mandi, Khyber Bazar, Sadar Road, etc. maslampsh
Shafi Market and surrounding bazaars in the Sadar area is one of the best places to buy clothing fabric. You will find every kind of cloth from simple everyday fabric to fabric suitable for the fanciest of of occasions. The shops in Shafi Market work on a bargaining system for the most part. The market is usually very crowded, so keep a close watch on your money.
Dean's Trade center also just opened in late October 2007. It can be accessed from both Sadar Road and Sonheri Masjid Road. It is a beautiful shopping center. Many of the shop keepers who have stores on Shafi Market are also opening stores in Dean's Trade Center, however there is a lot more than just fabric at Dean's Trade Center. In general the prices are a bit higher at Dean's Trade Center, but it is much easier to shop there as it is less crowded. Some of the stores have fixed prices, but most will bargain with you. A to Z Mart is one a great general department store in Dean's that has clothing, cosmetics, stationary, housewares, and groceries. The prices are all fixed, but very reasonable. As of October 2007, most of the shops at Dean's Trade center are not occupied, so it is bound to only get better as more shops open.
In the Sadar area, the best place to buy fabric at fixed prices is at R-Sheen on Arbab Road. As for Shoes, Imperial, and Jolly, Service, Bata, and Stylo have the best ladies and kids collections as well as fixed prices. There are a number of ready made clothing shops along Sadar Road and Arbab Road as well. Most have fixed prices, but some will still bargain a bit so don't be afraid to ask.Also on University Road there are several Big Plazas and Fashion Outlets with outstanding class and Designs. Most of them are Fixed Price, take a look in the shop if its Fixed Price they must have it displayed otherwise don't forget to bargain.
