Shopping in Chania is not the same as shopping in the United States. Americans are used to regular business hours which are consistent every day of the week. In Chania, the hours that stores are open vary by the day.

Typically, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, stores are open from morning until early afternoon (approximately 2 p.m. ). On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, stores tend to open in the morning, close at around 1:30 in the afternoon, and then re-open for a few hours between the late afternoon and early evening.

Shops that normally see a lot of tourists do stay open longer hours and do not close for a few hours in the afternoon. During the summer months when the tourist season is at its highest, many stores stay open until 9 p.m. However, when tourism is very low – normally during the winter months - stores sometimes close completely and do not re-open until the spring.

Chaina is well known for its jewelry and antiques, and there are many stores that sell these items. Most of the jewelry for sale is unique and original to this part of the world and many tourists purchase it as souvenirs as well as gifts to bring home to family and friends.