Vasteras

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Shopping Centers

Large retail complexes offering a variety of stores, services, and eateries for convenient shopping under one roof.

Sections

Main Shopping Centers in Västerås

  1. Erikslund Shopping Center (Erikslund Shoppingcenter)

    • Overview: Erikslund is one of the largest shopping centers in Västerås and a major retail hub in the region. It offers a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
    • Types of Stores:
      • Fashion: H&M, Zara, Lindex, KappAhl, and more.
      • Electronics: MediaMarkt, Elgiganten.
      • Home Goods: IKEA (located nearby), Hemtex.
      • Sports: Stadium, Intersport.
      • Specialty Stores: Bookstores, toy shops, and beauty stores like KICKS.
    • Entertainment Options:
      • A large play area for children.
      • Restaurants and cafés offering Swedish and international cuisine.
    • Typical Costs:
      • Clothing: 200–1,000 SEK for mid-range brands.
      • Electronics: Prices are comparable to other EU countries.
      • Dining: A meal at a café costs around 100–150 SEK, while a sit-down restaurant meal is 150–300 SEK.
    • Tips:
      • Erikslund is located slightly outside the city center, so plan your visit with transportation in mind. Buses and taxis are available, or you can drive (ample free parking is provided).
      • IKEA is a must-visit if you're interested in Swedish design and home goods.

  2. Gallerian (Västerås City Center Mall)

    • Overview: Located in the heart of Västerås, Gallerian is a smaller, more central shopping center that caters to both locals and visitors.
    • Types of Stores:
      • Fashion: MQ, Gina Tricot, and other Swedish and international brands.
      • Beauty: Apoteket (pharmacy), Rituals.
      • Specialty: Local boutiques, gift shops, and bookstores.
    • Entertainment Options:
      • Cafés and bakeries offering Swedish fika (coffee and pastries).
      • Seasonal events, such as Christmas markets or pop-up shops.
    • Typical Costs:
      • Slightly higher than Erikslund due to its central location.
      • Fika: 50–100 SEK for coffee and a pastry.
    • Tips:
      • Combine your shopping trip with a stroll around the city center, where you’ll find historic sites like Västerås Cathedral and charming cobblestone streets.
      • Many stores close earlier on weekends, so check opening hours in advance.

  3. Igor Shopping Center

    • Overview: Another centrally located shopping center, Igor is known for its convenience and variety of stores.
    • Types of Stores:
      • Fashion: Affordable and mid-range brands.
      • Groceries: ICA supermarket for food shopping.
      • Services: Hair salons, opticians, and more.
    • Entertainment Options:
      • Cafés and casual dining options.
      • Occasional live music or events in the central atrium.
    • Typical Costs:
      • Groceries: Comparable to other Swedish supermarkets (e.g., 20–30 SEK for a loaf of bread, 10–15 SEK for a liter of milk).
      • Dining: 100–200 SEK for a meal.
    • Tips:
      • Igor is a great place for practical shopping, especially if you’re staying in Västerås for an extended period and need groceries or services.

  4. Hälla Shopping Area

    • Overview: Hälla is a retail park located on the outskirts of Västerås, offering a mix of big-box stores and specialty shops.
    • Types of Stores:
      • Furniture and Home Goods: JYSK, Mio.
      • Electronics: NetOnNet.
      • Groceries: ICA Maxi (a large supermarket with a wide selection).
    • Entertainment Options:
      • Limited entertainment options, but there are a few cafés and fast-food outlets.
    • Typical Costs:
      • Similar to Erikslund, with competitive prices for home goods and groceries.
    • Tips:
      • Hälla is best accessed by car, as public transport options are limited.
      • Ideal for bulk shopping or if you’re looking for specific items like furniture or electronics.

Special Procedures and Tips for Shopping in Västerås

  1. Payment Methods:

    • Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and many stores are cashless. Make sure you have a card with a chip and PIN.
    • Mobile payment apps like Swish are popular among locals, but they may not be available to tourists.

  2. Tax-Free Shopping:

    • Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds on purchases over 200 SEK. Look for stores displaying the "Tax-Free Shopping" logo and ask for a tax-free form at checkout. You’ll need to present your passport and keep your receipts.

  3. Opening Hours:

    • Most shopping centers are open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, with shorter hours on weekends (typically 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays).
    • Grocery stores like ICA Maxi often have longer hours, sometimes opening as early as 7:00 AM and closing at 10:00 PM.

  4. Seasonal Sales:

    • Look out for sales during January (post-Christmas) and late June/early July (midsummer sales). Discounts can range from 20% to 70%.

  5. Sustainability:

    • Swedes are environmentally conscious, and many stores offer sustainable or eco-friendly products. Bring your own reusable shopping bags, as plastic bags are not free and cost around 2–5 SEK each.

Cultural Considerations

  1. Fika Culture:

    • Shopping in Sweden often includes a break for fika, a cherished tradition of enjoying coffee and a pastry. Many shopping centers have cozy cafés where you can relax and people-watch.

  2. Politeness and Personal Space:

    • Swedes value politeness and personal space. When shopping, wait your turn in line and avoid crowding others.

  3. Language:

    • Most store staff speak excellent English, so you won’t have trouble communicating. However, learning a few basic Swedish phrases (e.g., "Tack" for "Thank you") is always appreciated.

  4. Recycling and Sustainability:

    • Many shopping centers have recycling stations for packaging and waste. Be mindful of sorting your trash appropriately.

Conclusion

Västerås offers a variety of shopping experiences, from the expansive Erikslund Shopping Center to the cozy and central Gallerian. Whether you’re looking for fashion, electronics, or a taste of Swedish culture through fika, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. Remember to take advantage of tax-free shopping if you’re a non-EU visitor, and plan your trips around opening hours and transportation options. Happy shopping!