Georgetown's best shopping is in the old town's craft and antique shops rather than the malls. Look for batik (the wax-resist Indonesian/Malay textile), Peranakan beadwork, Chinese pottery and porcelain, and 19th-century colonial-era prints — all sold in restored shophouses along Lebuh Armenian, Lebuh Pantai and Lebuh Acheh.
Little India has the city's best selection of saris, Indian fabric, brass and copper kitchenware, jasmine garlands, and spice blends — particularly Penang's distinctive curry powders and chilli pastes. The shops cluster along Lebuh Pasar and Lebuh Pantai.
Khoo Kongsi and the George Town World Heritage Office both have small shops selling well-curated craft pieces from local makers. The Hin Bus Depot Sunday market is the place for contemporary design and independent makers.
For groceries and food souvenirs, the Chowrasta Market at the top of Penang Road is a covered indoor market with a famous upstairs section devoted to dried foods — Penang tau sar pneah biscuits, candied fruit, dried squid, herbal teas, traditional medicines. The Komtar tower and the Gurney Plaza / Gurney Paragon malls are the big modern shopping options if you want air-conditioned chain stores; both are short Grab rides from the centre.