Shopping in Dunkirk: The best places to go
Dunkirk is not only about its harbor, carnival, or beaches. On the shopping side, the city is full of great places to explore, from big brands to independent stores and local specialties.
A city full of history and character, Dunkirk also charms visitors with its friendly atmosphere and human-sized shopping center. It’s the perfect place to stroll around, browse, and make real discoveries.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the best spots for shopping in Dunkirk, while also explaining how to easily benefit from tax-free shopping if you live outside the European Union.
Fashion, home décor, gastronomy, or crafts: treat yourself in Dunkirk!
Also check out our guide to the best wine shops in Calais and how to claim your VAT refund.
In short
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In Dunkirk, shopping means lively streets, independent boutiques, and local specialties you absolutely have to discover.
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The city is also home to excellent wine cellars, including Vendanges Tardives, La Cave Dunkerque, and La Cave de Malo, all eligible for tax refund.
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With Zapptax, non-EU residents can get back up to 90% of the VAT paid on their purchases.
Shopping streets in Dunkirk
Rue de la Marine
One of Dunkirk’s main shopping streets. You’ll find ready-to-wear shops, décor stores, and many independent boutiques. It connects Place Jean Bart to the city center and is easy to walk through.
Rue de l’Amiral Ronarc’h
Parallel to Rue de la Marine, it features several national brands. It’s a strategic street to mix different stores while staying in the heart of the city’s shopping area.
Rue de la République
A little quieter, it offers more specialized stores — perfect for finding an original piece or a handmade item.
Rue Clemenceau
In the heart of Dunkirk, Rue Clemenceau stands out with its independent shops offering clothing, jewelry, and cosmetics. You’ll find for example Nanademalo, a ready-to-wear boutique that offers clothing “up to size 48” and gift ideas for every taste.
Place Jean Bart
The symbolic heart of Dunkirk, this lively square is lined with shops and cafés. It’s a great starting point for exploring the surrounding shopping streets.
Shopping malls in Dunkirk
Centre Marine
Located in the city center, Centre Marine houses around forty stores: Sephora, H&M, Cop.Copine, JD Sports, and more. The perfect place for quick, efficient shopping when you’re short on time.
📍24 Rue des Fusiliers Marins, 59140 Dunkirk
Aushopping Grande Synthe
Just a few kilometers from downtown, this suburban mall features an Auchan hypermarket and a variety of other shops. Very convenient if you’re driving or passing through the outskirts.
📍RN 40, 59760 Grande-Synthe
What to bring back from Dunkirk: the best souvenirs
Dunkirk is full of authentic regional products worth taking home. Here’s our selection of must-have souvenirs — and the best places to find them.
Sea-inspired gifts
Dunkirk’s soul is maritime through and through. A striped sailor shirt, a captain’s cap, a mug with a sailboat motif, or even a tiny lifebuoy — these small tokens perfectly capture the spirit of the sea.
Souvenirs du Grand Large offers a wide range of nautical gifts just steps from the beach.
📍18 Place Paul Asseman, 59140 Dunkirk
Craft beers from the North
LaBieRoTeK is a beloved beer cellar known for its creative, local, and artisanal selections.Les Hauts-de-France sont une terre de brasseries. Une sélection de bières locales fera un souvenir gustatif parfait, à partager une fois rentré chez vous.
📍29 Rue du Président Poincaré, 59140 Dunkirk
Wool clothing and accessories
For an elegant gift or a stylish keepsake, think wool sweaters or accessories inspired by British and nautical fashion.
Le Comptoir Irlandais offers wool jumpers, scarves, beanies — plus teas, sweets, and whiskies from Ireland and Scotland.
📍6 Rue de la Marine, 59140 Dunkirk
The best wine shops in dunkirk
Vendanges Tardives
An elegant wine cellar on Place Voltaire, offering a refined selection of French wines, champagnes, and spirits.
📍21 Place Voltaire, 59140 Dunkirk
La Cave de Malo
Specialized in wines and whiskies from around the world, this shop is a local favorite — with warm service and expert advice.
📍71 Rue Belle Rade, 59240 Dunkerque
La Cave
A traditional wine shop in the city center, perfect for picking up a good bottle before heading home.
📍14 Place Calonne, 59140 Dunkerque
Claim your VAT refund with Zapptax
If you live outside the European Union, you can claim back up to 90% of the VAT on your purchases made in Dunkirk.
With Zapptax, the entire process is easy and paper-free:
- Shop wherever you like.
- Ask for an invoice made out to Zapptax.
- Upload the invoice in the app.
- Validate your electronic tax-free form at customs (PABLO kiosk or customs officer) when leaving the EU.
- Receive your refund from Zapptax on your bank account.
Why choose Zapptax?
- Works in all stores across France, even small boutiques
- No paper form or in-store paperwork required
- Combine your purchases to reach the €100 minimum
- English and French support, with a highly responsive team
Conclusion
Shopping in Dunkirk is the perfect mix of local discovery and retail therapy — all in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re into fine wines, elegant fashion, artisanal goods, or nautical souvenirs, the city has plenty to offer.
And with Zapptax, you can reclaim most of the VAT paid on all your French purchases — in any store, big or small.
So why not make your trip even more rewarding and leave Dunkirk with both a great souvenir… and a refund?
FAQ
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Where to shop in Dunkirk?
The main shopping streets include Rue de la Marine, Rue Clemenceau, Rue de la République, and Place Jean Bart. You’ll find both local boutiques and national chains. The Centre Marine mall in the city center is also a must for a complete shopping session.
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What souvenirs to bring back from Dunkirk?
Typical souvenirs include local craft beers, sailor shirts, sea-inspired accessories, regional products (wines, biscuits, sweets), and decorative items from local shops.
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How to validate my Tax-Free Form before leaving Dunkirk?
If you use Zapptax, you’ll need to validate your electronic tax-free form at a PABLO kiosk or with a customs officer before leaving the EU. Kiosks are available in ports (Dunkirk, Calais, etc.) and airports. If you’re taking a ferry, check whether a PABLO kiosk is available at your terminal or ask an officer for assistance.
