Gratis is a major shopping destination for beauty, cosmetics, and personal care across Istanbul and Turkey. With stores in Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, Üsküdar, and most shopping malls, this chain makes it easy to find everything from makeup and skincare to haircare and baby products.
Founded in 2009, Gratis is a leading beauty and personal care chain with 700+ stores across Turkey, offering 15,000+ products through a seamless omnichannel experience. The chain is known for combining international brands with private-label options at accessible prices.
Quick Facts
| District | Multiple districts |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Typical hours: Mon–Sat 9:00–22:00; Sun 10:00–22:00; varies by location |
| Admission | free |
| Best time to visit | Morning and midweek hours tend to be quieter. Evenings and weekends see higher foot traffic, especially in mall locations. Most branches have extended hours (many open until 22:00), making shopping convenient after other activities. |
| Website | gratis.com |
| Operating status confirmed | October 2026 |
Why Visit Gratis?
For personal care, cosmetics, and cleaning products, Watsons and Gratis are the most popular chains in Istanbul. They’re present in all shopping malls and main avenues, with stores in Taksim, Nişantaşı, Kadıköy, and Üsküdar. Gratis carries an extensive range across 15 product categories, making it convenient for daily essentials, travel purchases, or sourcing specific brands. Staff are attentive, and the store layout makes browsing straightforward.
History of Gratis
The company opened its first store on July 17, 2009, at Istanbul Metrocity Shopping Mall and, as of 2024, operates more than 700 stores across 81 provinces in Türkiye. What began as a single outlet has grown into the country’s leading beauty retailer, now serving millions of customers nationwide.
Launched in 2017, the Gratis Beauty service provides personal care treatments such as skincare, hair care, hand and foot care in select stores. This expansion reflects the brand’s evolution beyond retail into service-based beauty offerings.
Tickets and Booking for Gratis
Gratis stores are open to all visitors without reservation. Most locations accept international payment cards, but cash (Turkish lira) is always welcome. Bags are typically allowed; follow store staff directions at entry. Find store locations through the official website (gratis.com), mobile app, or by visiting major shopping malls such as Tersane Istanbul, Mall of Istanbul, and Istanbul Cevahir where multiple Gratis shops operate.
How to Get to Gratis
Gratis has multiple locations across Istanbul. Major accessible stores include: Beyoğlu branch near Istiklal Avenue (short walk from Tünel metro station on the M2 and T1 lines); Kadıköy branch (walk from Bostancı metro station on the M4 line); Üsküdar branch on Hakimiyeti Milliye Avenue. Most shopping malls contain at least one Gratis location. Use Google Maps, Apple Maps, or the Gratis app to find the nearest store and plan metro or taxi access.
Accessibility
Most Gratis locations in shopping malls and commercial areas are wheelchair accessible with level entry and accessible restrooms. However, accessibility varies by individual store. Call ahead or check the specific location before visiting if accessibility is essential.
Food Nearby
Gratis stores are typically located in shopping malls and commercial areas where restaurants and cafés are nearby. In Tersane Istanbul, the mall offers dining options. In Beyoğlu and Kadıköy, surrounding neighborhoods have numerous cafés and eateries within walking distance of Gratis branches.
What to Bring
Turkish lira or an international payment card. The stores are climate-controlled, so dress for comfort. If shopping for sun protection or after-sun products, note the intensity of Turkish summers. Small bags are practical for carrying purchases.
Photography Rules
No official restrictions on photography within stores, though it is courteous to avoid photographing other customers. Flash is permitted. Do not photograph staff without permission.
Family Suitability
Gratis is family-friendly, with products for all ages including baby care items and children's toiletries. The open layout makes it easy to navigate with strollers in most locations, though spaces vary by branch. Older children will find items of interest in cosmetics and skincare ranges.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- Download the Gratis mobile app before shopping to access loyalty rewards, exclusive promotions, and store locator features. Many discounts are app-only.
- Gratis loyalty cards are free and available at checkout. Sign up during your first visit to earn points on every purchase for future discounts.
- Mall locations stay open later than standalone stores, often until 22:00, making them convenient for evening shopping.
- Private-label Gratis brand products are competitively priced compared to international brands and offer good quality—try them for basic skincare and hygiene items.
- If visiting in summer, head to Gratis in air-conditioned malls to escape heat while shopping for sun protection or cooling products.
Where to Find Gratis in Istanbul
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FAQ: Gratis
Does Gratis accept foreign payment cards?
Yes, most Gratis locations accept international credit and debit cards. However, carrying Turkish lira or using an ATM is recommended, as some standalone stores may occasionally have card processing issues. Cash is always accepted.
What brands does Gratis stock?
Offering more than 15,000 products across 15 categories—from makeup and baby care to cleaning and home-living—Gratis brings consumers together with a wide and innovative product portfolio. The chain carries international brands alongside its own private-label products.
Can visitors earn loyalty rewards at Gratis?
Yes. Gratis loyalty cards are free and available at checkout. Members earn points on purchases and access exclusive promotions through the app and in-store.
Does Gratis have online shopping?
Through its Beauty stores, e-commerce platform, mobile applications, and click-and-collect services, Gratis delivers a seamless omnichannel customer experience. Order online at gratis.com and pick up in-store or arrange delivery.
Are there Gratis stores outside Istanbul?
As of 2024, it serves customers through over 700 stores across 81 cities and reaches more than 20 million loyalty card members under its "Güzel Bak Kendine" motto. Gratis operates nationwide, not just in Istanbul.
Can I return or exchange items at Gratis?
Gratis has a return and exchange policy, though terms vary. Ask staff at checkout about specific policies for your purchase. Unopened items are typically returnable within a set timeframe.
What are Gratis Beauty stores?
Launched in 2017, the Gratis Beauty service provides personal care treatments such as skincare, hair care, hand and foot care in select stores. These are specialized locations offering professional treatments beyond retail shopping.
Is there a flagship Gratis store in Istanbul?
Gratis operates multiple major branches across Istanbul rather than a single flagship. Prominent locations include stores in Beyoğlu (Istiklal Avenue), Kadıköy, Üsküdar, and at Tersane Istanbul, Mall of Istanbul, and Istanbul Cevahir shopping malls.
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This guide is created with the help of AI and is based on official sources where available. Mistakes can still happen. Opening hours, prices, rules and other details are given to the best of our knowledge as of the date shown and can change without notice. It offers general recommendations only, not professional, legal or travel advice. Please confirm important details with the official source before you travel; you are responsible for your own plans and decisions.
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