The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

The weird and wonderful Cairo shopping scene is welcoming more and more international brands with open arms these days and one of the biggest names to whip up a frenzy among shopaholics is Victoria’s Secret, which recently opened in New Cairo’s Cairo Festival City Mall.

Let’s clear something up first, though; the shop was lauded as the first to come to Egypt – a statement that is wholly untrue, as Victoria’s Secret actually opened a small shop in Citystars in 2013. Granted, it was rather under-stocked and had more of the brand’s toiletries and perfumes than its lingerie, but the CFC branch is definitely not the first.

The first thing you notice about the Cairo Festival City Mall branch is its massive space, with both Victoria’s Secret and sub-brand, PINK, having opened door-to-door. We first entered Victoria’s Secret and were met by a sultry ambiance; black marble floors, hot pink signs, black and white pictures of the VS angels hung on every corner, flamboyantly feathery wings acting as centre pieces and laid back and summery background music all reflected the brand’s unambiguous sensuality.

Product-wise, the store definitely outdoes itself, with displays upon displays of great quality, not to mention extra-lacy, finds. We spotted some practical basics including lace panties (360LE/3) and t-shirt bras in the most flattering lilac shades (395LE). Some more luxurious items worth spoiling yourself – or someone else – with included a padded black, white and pink ‘No Peeking’ eye mask (275LE) and a white satin bridal robe (695LE).

A wide perfume display is located the middle of the shop, showcasing testers for VS’s most coveted scents, with popular perfumes Victoria, Scandalous, Bombshell on Bloom and Angels Only amongst the ones we spotted – and shamelessly sniffed.

Taking a right turn, we found ourselves in the much less intense and more brightly lit PINK, which showcases Victoria’s Secret’s more youth-inspired collection. PINK offers a lot more than lingerie. We spotted a comfy crème sweatshirt (500 LE) and slouchy sweatpants (700LE), as well as tank tops (200LE) and sports bras (350LE) – aka your “I don’t feel like making an effort today” starter pack.

The staff, who sported all-black uniforms, could be seen roaming around the store ready to assist any shoppers and their relaxed attitude made the shopping experience all the better.

After the disappointment of the Citystars branch, this Cairo Festival City Mall’s Victoria’s Secret, as well as PINK, has finally delivered what every female shopper in Cairo has been wishing for. The stores are impressively well-stocked and the staff were pleasantly, not even a little, intrusive.