Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Xmas Shopping in... Italy

Where to get the best deals on Armani, Gucci and the other big names in fashion
Italy's fashion houses do not advertise these stores, some refuse to admit their existence, but once you know where they are you need never pay high-street prices again.

Rotating around the mother ship of Milan are discreet towns and suburbs with outlets offering massive discounts on top-brand clothes and accessories.

The fashion houses bypass conventional retailers to sell directly to the public, wiping out mark-ups which can account for half the price. But to avoid a retailer revolt they tend to keep it quiet, so quiet that many fashion insiders are ignorant of the bargains on their doorstep. After agreeing to supply addresses for this article, several leading houses changed their mind. Cats out of bags and all that. They are also concerned that too high a profile might debase brands by exuding a whiff of cheapness. Much of the stock comes from seconds or showroom collections, but not all. Discounts of up to 70% are common.

But it took a Dutch woman, Theodora Van Meurs, to blow the whistle by writing a bargain hunting guide to Italy: Lo Scoprioccasioni (Editoriale Shopping Italia, tel: 0039 02 7063 4605), now in its fourth edition. For £9 you get 2,000 addresses. Most of the outlets are in the triangle between Turin, Milan and Florence.

No-frills flights can make it cheaper to fly from Stansted to Milan than to Edinburgh. Go (0845 60 54321) flies from £88 return.

Armani

Armani Factory Store
Provinciale per Bregnano, 12, Vertemate (near Como).
Tel: 0039 031 887 373.
Open: 9.30am-7pm, closed Monday.

Three storeys of clothes and accessories straight from the Emporio production line. A lot of beige and taupe. Coats £145, trousers £29, shirts £14.50, jeans £14.50.

Antinea
Via Stazione, 93, Trissino (near Vicenza).
Tel: 0039 0445 424 100.
Open 9am-7pm, Monday 3pm-7pm.

More Emporio Armani, including seconds. A lot of wool. Suits £125, trousers £48, seconds' jeans £14.

Diesel


Surplus Diesel
Via Ponticello, 34, Molvena (near Vicenza).
Tel: 0039 0424 411 811.
Open: 9am-12.30pm, 3.30pm-7.30pm, Wednesday 9am-7pm.

Contrived bargain-basement atmosphere. Remainders and seconds on the first floor. Section for children. T-shirts and jeans £12-£18.

Dolce & Gabbano


Dolce Saverio
Via Rossini, 70, Legnano (near Milan).
Tel: 0039 0331 545 888.
Open: 10am-1.30pm, 2.30pm-7pm, closed Tuesday.

Remains from the first line. Suits £120-£145. Also shoes.

Fontana di Trebbia

Via Trebbia, 26, Milan
Tel: 0039 02 5519 4353.
Open: 8am-12.30pm, 2am-5.30pm, closed Saturday.

Bags and suitcases from Fontana and Dolce & Gabbana, in vivid colours from £20.

Gucci


Gucci
Via Aretina, 63, Leccio Reggello (near Florence).
Tel: 0039 055 865 7775.
Open: 9am-6pm, Tuesday 9am-1pm.

Spacious and luxurious surroundings. Ties £14, linen jackets £280, shoes £18, classic bags £240.

Jill Sander


Emporio Lario 1898
Via Vittorio Veneto, 52, Cirimido (near Como)
Tel: 0039 031 352 3111
Open: 9.30-7pm.


Jill Sander footwear and boots £30. Also Lario shoes.

Prada


I Pellettieri d'Italia
Localita Levanella, 69, Montevarchi (near Arezzo).
Tel: 0039 0978 9188
Open: 9.30-1, 2-6.30

The Japanese are on to this one, so be prepared to enter a scrum. Prada bags from around £100, ties and scarves £14, shoes £48.

Valentino


New Marbas
Via Croppina, 8, Parre (near Bergamo).
Tel: 0039 035 702 141.
Open: 4.30pm-6.30pm, closed Saturday.

Sweaters mostly, £12. Also stocks Alfred Dunhill and Polo.

Ferre and GM Venturi


Italiana Manifatture
Via San Petronilla, 15, Teramo (central Italy)
Tel: 0039 085 894 2141
Open: 9.30am-12.30pm, 4.30am-8pm, closed Monday during winter.

Factory prices for sport and casual gear. Also stocks from Valentino and Filippo Alpi

48 Hours in Chicago ..Xmas Style..Ho Ho Ho

Go Christmas shopping, visit a winter festival and enjoy spectacular views from the tallest building in America,


WHY GO NOW?

The eleventh annual "Chicaglo" season, a three-month festival of seasonal celebrations and family activities, reaches its climax in December. There are candlelit concerts and Christmas markets, and a particular highlight will be the Joffrey Ballet's presentation of The Nutcracker at the Auditorium Theatre , 50 East Congress Parkway (001 312 902 1500) from 5 December (tickets from $15-$90 (£10-£60). For more information and a programme of events, contact the tourist office on 001 877 244 2246; or visit www.877chicago.com/chicaglo.

BEAM DOWN

December is a cheap time to go - search the internet for the best deals (www.deckchair.com is a good site) and you may well be able to find tickets for less than £300, including non-stop flights with British Airways. If you can travel before 15 December, Trailfinders (020-7628 7628) has flights from £229 with Air India. All international flights arrive at O'Hare airport, which is 17 miles north-west of downtown Chicago and vies with Atlanta for the title of busiest airport in the world.

GET YOUR BEARINGS

From O'Hare airport, the "El" (short for elevated railway, as the CTA network is known) takes you anywhere in the city. At the airport station, invest $9 (£6.30) on a two-day unlimited-travel pass, and ask for the CTA map. Alternatively, a taxi will cost about $35 (£20). Once downtown, the main tourist offices are at Chicago Water Works , 163 East Pearson, open daily 7.30am-7pm; and in the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 East Randolph, open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, and 11am-5pm on Sunday; 001 877 244 2246; www.choosechicago.com.

CHECK IN

If it's spectacular you're after, try the Drake Hotel , 140 East Walton Place (001 312 787 2200; www.thedrakehotel.com), located just by Michigan Avenue, the shoppers' paradise. Expect to pay between $139 (£98) and $469 (£310) for the executive rooms. The Hotel Burnham , 1 West Washington (001 312 782 1111; www.burnhamhotel.com), has rooms from $169-$249 (£112-£166). The Days Inn Lincoln Park North , 644 West Diversey Parkway (001 773 525 7010; www.lpn daysinn.com) is in a great location close to Lincoln Park Zoo . Rates start from $111 (£74) for a double. The rates are for one person, and you pay $10 (£7) for each extra guest; children under 18free.

TAKE A VIEW

The Sears and Hancock Towers provide the best views. Although Sears is incredible (the tallest building in the US), don't overlook the Hancock . It's less touristy, but just as spectacular, with views spanning up to 80 miles. The Hancock Observatory at 875 North Michigan Avenue (001 312 751 3681), is open 9am to 11pm; $9.75 (£6.50). You should try out the Skywalk while you're there: although you're fenced-in, you can still feel what the air is like 1,000ft above the ground. At Sears, 233 South Wacker Drive (001 312 875 9696), you can visit the Skydeck , which is 1,353ft up. Admission is $9.95 (£6.60), and it's open May-September, 10am-10pm; October-April, 10am-8pm.

TAKE A HIKE

Start at the Art Institute (see Cultural Afternoon), then walk north up North Michigan Avenue, which will give you a chance to do some shopping. You can then head down a block or two west, and walk parallel with Michigan Avenue. It's not difficult to find your way back, and this way you'll avoid the crowds and find the smaller cafés. When you come to East Lake Shore Drive, there's a subway to get to Oak Street Beach . It's well worth a visit in the summer, but winter may be a little chilly...

TAKE A RIDE

Take advantage of the city's free "trolleys" which run between the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Amtrack stops, and drop you off at many popular tourist destinations, including the Navy Pier , the museum campus (incorporating the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Plantetarium) and Michigan Avenue. They usually run every 20 to 30 minutes, and operate for longer at the weekends (10am-6pm), but it depends greatly on the time of year, so call the free number, 001 877 244 2246, for more information.

LUNCH ON THE RUN

At Water Tower Place , 835 North Michigan Avenue (001 312 440 3165; www.shopwatertower.com) head to Foodlife, the food court. You'll find everything here from burgers and fries in a basket to fruit smoothies and luxury salads. Hectic, but fun.

WINDOW SHOPPING

The "Magnificent Mile", North Michigan Avenue, has far too many shops to list, but you could start at Marshall Field's flagship store, 111 North State Street (001 312 781 1000, open 9am-9pm Monday-Saturday, 11am-6pm Sunday), which boasts 10 floors of spending heaven. Water Tower Place is also worth a visit: it's the biggest mall on North Michigan Avenue with more than 100 shops, and comes complete with a welcoming water sculpture. Check out the giant candy-filled sign in the window of FAO Schweetz.

AN APERITIF

You won't get very far unless you carry ID proving you are 21 or over. However, if you can drink, a wonderfully lively place is Lalo's , 1960 North Clybourn (001 773 880 5256). See if you can fit one of their "medium" margarita glasses comfortably in one hand - a task made all the more tricky when you're applauding the live mariachi music.

DINNER WITH THE LOCALS

If it's food with entertainment you're after, look no further than Ed Debevic's, , 640 North Wells Street (001 312 664 1707). There are good, hefty American burgers and giant salads, but it's the insults you go for. The waiters will shout at you and at each other, and then get up on the counter (it's a Fifties-style diner) and do Rose Royce's "Car Wash". Not for the shy and retiring, great for the children. For something completely different, try the Soundings Restaurant at the John G Shedd Aquarium , 1200 South Lake Shore Drive (001 312 939 2438). You can enjoy pasta, fish and grilled food with a spectacular view of Lake Michigan. A smaller, neighbourhood choice is Big Bowl , 6 East Cedar (001 312 640 8888). You won't be leaving hungry - the Asian food there is delicious.

SUNDAY MORNING: GO TO CHURCH

The oldest public building in Chicago is Old St Patrick's church , 700 West Adams (001 312 648 1021; www.oldstpats.org), which was founded by Irish immigrants on Easter morning 1846. It's one of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. There are regular services on a Sunday.

OUT TO BRUNCH

The best place for brunch has to be Toast , 2046 North Damen (001 773 772 5600), open 8am-4pm at the weekends, 7am-3pm during the week. A wonderful little restaurant worth travelling out for, Toast is just out of the way enough not to get too packed, but popular with the local residents. It has a light, airy feel, with a no-smoking policy, and it's very reasonably priced, with free refills on the thoroughly dreamy hot chocolate.

A WALK IN THE PARK

Follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway and the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and head to the picture-perfect suburb of Oak Park. The former was born here, and the latter lived in the area and designed 26 of its buildings. Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio can be found at 951 West Chicago Avenue (001 708 848 1976; www.wrightplus.org); the official tour starts every 20 minutes from 11am to 3pm at weekends, and at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on weekdays and costs $9 (£6).

WRITE A POSTCARD

Buy a selection of postcards featuring Oak Park's gingerbread house-fronts and white picket fences from the museum shop at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio . Then wander back towards this peaceful suburb's main thoroughfare, Lake Street, window shopping at Fannie May's Chocolate Shop, before sinking into one of the vinyl booths, pen in hand, in the Cozy Corner Cafe, a Fifties-style diner complete with bouffant-haired waitresses.

CULTURAL AFTERNOON

The Art Institute , 111 South Michigan Avenue (001 312 443 3600; www.artic.edu) could easily take up most of your day with its collection of 300,000 works of art. There's a wide variety of objects from medieval armour to works by Andy Warhol here. It's open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. If you can go on a Tuesday it's free, while on other days you must give something (they recommend $10/£7).

THE ICING ON THE CAKE

The Field Museum , 1400 South Lake Shore Drive (001 312 922 9410; www.fmnh.org), boasts the world's largest and most complete T-rex - Sue - whose head is so heavy it has to be displayed separately from the body. It's open 9am-5pm every day except Christmas Day. On Mondays and Tuesdays, until 23 December, basic admission is free. Otherwise, it's $10 (£7) for an adult, and you might have to pay more on special exhibitions

Shopping for a Cool Franchise ?? Gotta Love the Name

Featured Ice Cream Franchise:
MaggieMoo's Ice Cream and Treatery

MaggieMoo's International, LLC, franchisor of retail ice cream treateries, offers a unique concept and a product offering that has been selected as the "best ice cream in the market" in consumer surveys conducted by several local newspapers and magazines. They are also the only national retail chain to win five Blue Ribbon Awards from the National Ice Cream Retailer’s Association for Vanilla, Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, and Strawberry.MaggieMoo's offers super premium ice cream, which is made fresh in their Treateries each day. Forty-five ice cream flavors are available and rotated on a regular basis, with 22 flavors on display at one time. Customers select their ice cream flavor, which is then customized with their choice of "mix-ins" such as candy, nuts, cookies, or fruit. Then, in full view of the customer, these mix-ins are hand-folded into the ice cream on a frozen granite table, pushing out any pockets of air, elevating the product's temperature to an optimum consumption level and creating the finest and freshest product served in the customer's choice of a waffle cone, cup, or sundae. Moolicious!Their spokescow, Maggie, brings smiles to children of all ages. She celebrates her award-winning ice cream in style, always decked out in her pink dress and pearls. She is often seen around town buying a frozen coffee, making a charity donation, or checking out books at the library!
In addition to a superior concept and product, MaggieMoo's offers its franchisees unparalleled operations and marketing support,

Shopping Atlantic City/ Tropicana Resort and Casino

Atlantic City shopping has reached new heights at Tropicana Resort and Casino in Atlantic City! With The Quarter, Tropicana's newest addition, you are bound to find just what you are looking for with over 30 Atlantic City shops under one roof.
From Cary Grant to Ben Affleck, leading men throughout the ages have sought out Brooks Brothers to clothe them both on screen and off. Founded in 1818, Brooks Brothers has defined American style for close to two centuries. The Quarter at Tropicana. 609-340-0092

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With its exclusive private-label designs, and 350 locations nationwide, Chico's has transformed the way women shop for clothes. In the two decades Chico's has grown to become one of the country's leading specialty retail companies. Truly, no shopping area would be complete without Chico's. The Quarter, Atlantic City shopping at Tropicana. 609-345-5998


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Fashion is black and white at White House/Black Market. For nearly twenty years in cities around the country including Baltimore, Miami Beach, Chicago and dozens of others, women have relied on White House/Black Market for some of the most romantic clothing, lingerie, accessories, jewelry and gifts in classic black and white only. For shopping in Atlantic City at The Quarter call 609-340-8224

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For more than 100 years, Swarovski has been the world's leading manufacturer of cut crystal. Pioneers ahead of their time, Swarovski has a legion of loyal followers. Their entire product line is based around the beauty of high quality crystal, and includes some of the finest art, jewelry, giftware and home décor items available anywhere in the world at any price. The Quarter at Tropicana. 609-344-1323

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Keeping up with the hottest styles will be easy when shopping Caché. With style that stuns and attitude that stops traffic, fashions and accessories from Caché don't just make a statement - they make an entrance. The Quarter, Atlantic City shopping at Tropicana. 609-343-0318

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The Old Farmer's Almanac General Store embodies the old-fashioned, down-home charm that has made The Old Farmer's Almanac an American cultural icon for more than 200 years. The Old Farmer's Almanac General Store provides a unique turn-of-the century atmosphere and a truly distinctive shopping experience. For shopping in Atlantic City at The Quarter call 609-345-3600

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bluemercury apothecary offers the largest selection of unique, innovative and highly coveted cosmetics and skin care products in Atlantic City. The apothecary's selection includes Kiehl's, Molton Brown, Fresh, Laura Mercier, NARS, Trish McEvoy, Acqua di Parma, Creed and more. 609-347-7778 Hours 10am - 11pm 7 days a week! ®

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One of the world's premier designers is showcasing his trendsetting designs at the Tropicana in the exclusive boutique, The Collection by Tahari. From distinctive sportswear to elegant business wear, and the most glamorous evening clothes on the market, you'll find it at The Collection by Tahari.
609-348-1882

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"Magic Masters has conjured up a new retailing gimmick; upscale magic stores. Vintage treatises on magic fill the book cases, and photographs of famous magicians are everywhere." - NEWSWEEK "When you go in to buy magic effects, you know immediately that this is no tacky five and dime novelty shop. The walls are lined with mahogany bookcases and the floors are covered with Oriental rugs." - SUCCESS MAGAZINE

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Jake's Dog House has the specialty items to make a pet's life more fun and exciting. Fresh-baked doggie treats at the in-store doggie bakery are available, and Jake's Dog House features an amazing selection of toys, gourmet treats and awesome accessories. Indeed, the giant red fire hydrant located in the center of the store cannot be missed. For shopping in Atlantic City at The Quarter call 609-344-0060

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A multi-level culinary paradise, Zeytinia Gourmet Food & Marketplace will ensure that visitors experience the future in gourmet food shopping. Featuring an upscale grocery store plus a gift shop offering European imports and sleek kitchenware, Zeytinia provides the perfectly uncommon experience its discerning customers seek. The Quarter, Atlantic City shopping at Tropicana. 609-344-7051

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Originally available only in New York, Beverly Hills, and in boutiques on the glamorous Cote D'Azure, the magic of Melonie de France will cast a spell on every home. These totally unique, vibrantly colored and lushly aromatic flower arrangements will be the center of attention at every gathering. The Quarter at Tropicana.
609-347-5001

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"Quality You Expect at an Affordable Price". The same upscale jewelry featured in fashion magazines and department stores, competitively priced and in a greater variety, awaits inside Brandeis. The Quarter at Tropicana. 609-449-1222

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A Rittenhouse Square address has long been synonymous with the very best Philadelphia has to offer. So you can be assured that any store that carries this name offers the finest appliances and accoutrements for your home improvement projects. The Quarter, Atlantic City shopping at Tropicana. 609-344-0033

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Salsa Shoes' exclusive designer line features the fashionistas' favorites Donald Pliner, BCBG Girls, Cole Haan , Kate Spade, Prada and Fendi. If you're searching for the perfect shoe, whether it's that strappy stiletto or a flirty kitten heel, Salsa Shoes is the newest destination for women who know shoes. For shopping in Atlantic City at The Quarter call 609-344-2555

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The Hat Emporium is a bustling chain of six hat shops- each of which is brimming with every imaginable kind of hat for both men and women. Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, they've chosen The Quarter at Tropicana as the location for their seventh shop. The incredible hat shop, Hats In The Belfry, carries dress hats, casual hats, cowboy hats, berets, Borsalino hats, Indiana Jones hats, baseball caps, top hats- you name it, Hats In the Belfry has it. It's a hat lovers' heaven. Come in for a sun hat, and leave with a metal Viking helmet…it is that much fun. 609-348-1777

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Fashion jeweler Erwin Pearl rarely follows convention. Working in the finest and most expensive materials, Pearl brings innovation and artistry to the industry while fashioning his visions of fine jewelry into reality. The Quarter at Tropicana.
609-345-7300

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The Spy Store is the comprehensive source for high-quality electronic surveillance and counter-surveillance products. Everything from the "spy" industry is here, from hidden cameras and body recorders, to indoor and outdoor surveillance systems, low-tech to high-tech and much more. The Quarter at Tropicana. 609-348-1500

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The 1st on the east coast, Tinder Box/Vino 100 combines two of life's greatest pleasures in one store. Enjoy the finest in premium cigars, pipes, tobaccos, and accessories from the country's largest and most respected cigar store. Indulge in Vino 100's handpicked and very special selection of wine, cognacs, and champagnes, chosen from small-batch artisan vineyards from around the world-and all priced at $25 or less! Select from a unique assortment of gifts and accessories certain to please the aficionado and connoisseur. 609-441-9500

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From fun, funky and fantastic furniture to unique gifts and home accessories, Zephyr Gallery is one of America's most exciting craft galleries. Visitors will be able to take a playful journey through art, featuring an ever-changing parade of exciting, creative and exceptional creations from hundreds of talented artisans. The Quarter, Atlantic City shopping at Tropicana. 609-340-0170

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Savor a flaky croissant for breakfast or select the perfect dessert for a romantic dinner for two. For a worldly selection of gourmet treats beyond compare, Panaderia dul Mundo is the first choice for the discerning guest. For shopping in Atlantic City at The Quarter call 609-344-7051

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The hottest fashion trend? Leather and suede, of course. From jackets to full-length coats, vests and accessories, Perfect Accessories & Leather features an eye-popping selection of the finest leather handbags and luggage from such designers as Coach, Fendi and Dooney & Bourke. 609-449-1222

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From sunglasses and souvenirs to postcards, papers and Tropicana logo'd apparel, you'll find the essentials at the Boardwalk Corner Store in the Marketplace on the Boardwalk. The store is open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

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Havana Sundries
In the heart of Old Havana, right in The Quarter, you'll find Havana Sundries. This shop covers the basics from candy and tobacco to newspapers and beverages. There are also plenty of postcards, sunglasses, souvenirs, gifts and items with the Tropicana logo!

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Since the 1880's, James Salt Water Taffy has been a seashore tradition. Now this favorite destination is interactive! See how chocolate is made and watch the salt water taffy being pulled. Treat yourself to any of 17 mouth-watering flavors or try your taffy coated in sweet, dark chocolate, or filled with succulent fudge, nuts and marzipan. James also sells luscious homemade macaroons, English toffees and 8 low-sugar varieties of taffy.

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Only the finest menswear is available at Barron's Gentlemen. Choose from Italian suits, men's sportswear line, designer neckwear from Versace, Torras of Spain, Cole Haan & Donald Pliner , fabulous leather goods and accessories for every occasion, plus much more. For shopping in Atlantic City at The Quarter call. 609-345-7999

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Recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the "Ten Most Admired Companies in America", Starbucks has revolutionized the coffee culture in the United States and abroad. The leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world, Starbucks crosses the globe with more than 7,000 retail outlets.

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Tropicana Lobby Market
Day or night, head to the Lobby News & Gifts shop for those practical travel essentials and a prime selection of Atlantic City souvenirs. Centrally located in the South Tower, this 24 hour store has everything from band-aids and beverages to sun glasses, sundries, and the perfect remembrance to take home.

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Tropicana Casino Market
Just steps away from the casino floor, Casino News & Gifts is a quick stop for a full range of sundries. Grab a quick snack, beverage or smoke, check out the day's news, and pick up a casino souvenir for the folks back at home.