I believe I wrote about shopping in the US being second to none. It is true. Of the more than seventy countries I have visited, only Japan comes close.

Name any high end US, European, or Asian brand, you'll find it in all 50 states. In San Francisco, my favorite department store of all is Neiman Marcus. Some people I know call it Neiman Markup. It is indeed a very expensive store, but, it is very beautiful and thoroughly upscale. The only times I go crazy shopping in this store is Christmas time specifically during the after Christmas sales. Seasonal merchandise goes 50% to 65% off and I know people who take time off from work to be able to join the rush right when the store opens on Dec. 26 year after year. It can be crazy but a lot of fun.