The man who has ensured much of the area's development, and who trademarked the moniker Cotai Strip, is Sheldon Adelson, chairman and chief executive of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, whose detractors are eating their words while shoppers from China, South Korea, Japan and elsewhere spend their dollars.

Hong Kong shoppers picked up quickly on the fact that Macau retail arcades are offering global brands unavailable in Hong Kong. American handbag label Dooney & Bourke's spokesman tells the story: Based on the brand's tenancy in Las Vegas, brand founder Peter Dooney was flown to Macau with a group of retailers on Mr Adelson's 767, to entice him into taking space in the Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes. Mr Dooney agreed, and Dooney & Bourke Macau is now the brand's second stand-alone shop outside of the United States.

'Our decision to open in Macau marks our growing commitment to the region,' says Teresa Kong, district manager for Macau Dooney & Bourke. 'It's been exciting to see such a beloved American brand make its mark in this dynamic marketplace.'

Many brands see their presence in Macau as the gateway to the mainland. Many of the 90 high-end brands that leased space in the Shoppes at Four Seasons (instead of the massive DFS Galleria alongside Louis Vuitton, Chanel and others) are spreading their wings elsewhere in Asia.

Where to Shop

Near the ferry terminal, shoppers can enjoy the Mandarin Oriental Macau's retail arcade or head over to traditional areas such as Senado Square, but there really is only one major shopping area these days. It's the Cotai Strip. Speciality items and historical flavour can still be found in Lai Kei Ice Cream or at 80-year-old Choi Heong Yuen Bakery but, let's face it, Macau has been dubbed the Las Vegas of the East and, gradually, the name is beginning to fit.

The Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes offer more than 350 brands, plus the 90 high-end luxury brands now sold through Shoppes at Four Seasons. Add to that the mega DFS Galleria Macao, which houses an additional 120 brands, and shoppers can feel like they're in paradise.

'The Shoppes at Four Seasons has the best collection of brands I have ever seen in one shopping mall,' says David Sylvester, head of the retail division of the Venetian. Names such as Jimmy Choo draw shoppers to the mall, but it's the high-end service that makes a lasting impression. Shoppes at Four Seasons sets itself apart with Image Consulting and Personal Shopping - services that luxury-brand shoppers have come to expect but may not typically associate with shopping in Macau. These services are limited to the upper floor of the arcade, where the 90 marquis tenants are housed.

Also drawing attention is the Limited Edition concept at Four Seasons. Several of the luxury retail tenants have issued limited-edition items available only in Macau, including Fendi and jeweller David Yurman.

Once you've meandered through the vast Shoppes at Four Seasons' upper floor, head to the DFS Galleria. To illustrate that this is not your typical airport cosmetics clearing house, look no further than the Chloe Python Heloise. A coveted handbag by fashion label Chloe, only 50 pieces were available worldwide. Fifteen of those 50 were allocated to DFS Galleria Macao, and DFS was the first location to unveil the bag. Other brands include Dior and Armani, several of whom are offering items unavailable in Hong Kong.

Even professional-level shoppers would be flagging at this point, having traversed floor after floor offering shoes, handbags, cosmetics, cufflinks and diamonds. But if you think you're made of sterner stuff, keep going to the Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes.

A jaw-dropping (and blister-inspiring) 1 million sqft of retail space plays home to more than 350 brands in the Grand Canals. Hip overseas brands such as 555 Soul and Miss Sixty stand alongside Zara (which carries some variations on the items available at Zara outlets in Hong Kong), Agnes b.'s largest store in the region, high-end jewellers and upmarket fashion labels such as Missoni. One area is known as handbag alley because of the sheer range of products available. It starts with Coach and continues with Francesco Biasia, Hogan and Dooney & Bourke.

Getting There

Heading to Macau is simple, though the lines for immigration have grown exponentially. The Venetian alone sees about 100,000 visitors each day, so expect to wait in line once you're off the ferry. For Venetian overnight guests, a dedicated ferry is available, so ask the hotel for details.

Even day-trippers can enjoy the complimentary shuttle service from the ferry terminal to the Venetian, which drops you off in front of the new Shoppes at Four Seasons. Be careful taking the shuttle back to the ferry, as there are multiple shuttles (to the ferry, to the airport, etc) and the lines are not clearly marked.