The shops in Cannes are concentrated between La Croisette and rue d'Antibes - a distance easily covered on foot. Shopkeepers who have signed a ‘Cannes Prestige' charter will reimburse VAT, accept payment in the most commonly used currencies (at the exchange rate published in the Nice Matin newspaper, plus a maximum of 5%) and have at least one assistant who speaks fluent English.

A wide array of international designer shops line La Croisette, including Chanel, Dior and Gucci. A Jean-Paul Gaultier can be found in the Gray d'Albion arcade at number 17. Rue d'Antibes has the best confiseries, chocolatiers and delicatessens, including Chez Bruno, 51 rue d'Antibes (crystallised fruit and marrons glacés), and Maiffret, 31 rue d'Antibes (chocolates made on the premises).

Rue Meynadier is a bustling street with a market atmosphere and bargain prices. The best cheese in town is sold at Ceneri, 22 rue Meynadier. Cannolive, 16 rue Vénizelos, is good for small gifts, while film festival posters are sold at Ciné-Folie, 14 rue des Frères Pradignac. La Vendange des Moines wines and Lérins liqueurs are a boat trip away on Ile St Honorat, or are sold at La Cave Forville, 3 Forville Market.

At Marché Forville (Forville Market), situated between the town hall and the railway tracks, locally grown flowers, fruit and vegetables are available. The fish on sale are from the day's catch. Nearby is the colourful flower market, on allées de la Liberté. Forville Market is open Tuesday to Sunday 0700-1300.

Standard shopping hours are Monday to Saturday 1000-1200 and 1430-1930. In high season, many shops do not close for lunch. Sales tax varies between 5.5% (food) to 19.6% (luxury goods). Visitors from outside the European Union can claim a refund upon departure for each purchase over €175.