jdslater1

Going to the Voodoo festival next month and was wondering if there was any decent DVD stores I could visit. I will still be staying on Baronne street. I know that Best Buy and Target are too far away which is a pity. I will be going to the Lakeside shopping centre but that doesn't look to hopeful.

big whoppa

Bestbuy and Target are not far from Lakeside shopping mall. Target is just a few miles away. Bestbuy is a little further down and closer to the airport. Wal-Mart is a little past Bestbuy. Circuit City is a past Wal-Mart. They all are on Veterans Blvd. Easy to get to by car. I haven't been to Lakeside after Katrina but I don't remember any video stores inside.

jdslater1

Just found the Best Buy you mean, at a guess how much would you think a cab would be as I don't drive.

Also found what Target you where referring to, Clearview Mall is hardly cutting edge is it?! But I could do both I suppose. I only have the one day for shopping.

cdollaz

There used to be a decent, although messy, used cd/dvd store somewhere near Tulane. Not sure of the name or if it is still there, but you may be able to do some research and find out.

jdslater1

I think I found that store but while trying find that I found that there is a Virgin Megastore nearer to my hotel.

big whoppa

Yes, that's the one near Jackson Square and Cafe Du Monde.

Clearview Mall is pretty small, yes. Lakeside is the big one. But the Target there by Clearview is pretty large. 2 story building. Cab could cost $20 each way. Not sure since I rarely used them there except to go to the airport. Circuit City and Best Buy would have the largest selection of CDs besides Virgin.

If you're coming from London and don't get to shop in the US often in general, there is a New Orleans Centre near the Superdome that contains a Macy's. Otherwise, go to Lakeside for the big name stores.

jdslater1

Thanks for the details big whoppa. I had to decide between DVDs or clothes (from Lakeside) I obviously had to pick DVDs/BDs!
Clearview does look pretty small but I just like looking in Target. It just has some pretty cool stuff. I want to go to Target to look for some exclusives.
I really wanted to go to Lakeside because of Hollister (went to that store in MoA and San Francisco, i love it) but I'll have to see how my time goes, I only have one whole day for shopping. The Virgin store I can walk to before the concerts.
Strange thing is, where I live in East London we also have a Lakeside shopping center about 45 minutes from me!

big whoppa

Have fun. Let me know if you have any other questions. Lucky Brits. Everything in the US must seem very cheap to you with the weakened dollar.

jdslater1

The exchange rate was pretty bad for us a few weeks ago, getting better now. a few months ago it was about £1 = $2, sadly I didn't have £500 laying around!
I did read that the airport gives tax refunds on certain receipts. When I arrive i'll have to find out what businesses are apart of the that scheme.
I found that there is a WW2 musuem near me, recommended?

big whoppa

Yes, I heard they give sales tax refunds. Yes, there is a WW2 museum downtown. I've never gone but people seem to like it. There is a very nice aquarium and IMAX theater by the waterfront and Harrah's casino. I don't know what is open after Gustav though.

Maxflier

There is also a 2nd Circuit City on Veterans much closer to Lakeside Mall now, about halfway between Target and Lakeside mall.
The Wal-Mart is a very shitty one.
And if you are going to go down to the Best Buy on Vets, you may as well go a little further as well and go to the Esplanade Mall. They have an FYE in there, their prices suck, but you can get lucky with some harder to find DVD's there sometimes.

jdslater1

I'm gonna take a wild guess and say Target is cheaper than Virgin.
Would I be right with that that?
Based on what Maxflier says I will get a cab to Clearview, go to Target. Then go to Circuit City and then get to Lakeside and I get a cab (or there must be a bus) back to the hotel.

cdollaz

The D-Day (WWII) Museum is a must-visit. It is laid out very well where you start on the top floor and then advance downward, seeing everything in chronological order. You pretty much get the full story from the beginning. I much prefer educational history museums like this as opposed to looking at stuffed animals, rocks, Fonzie's jacket, etc. and as such, this museum really delivers. It will probably take 3-4 hours to do it correctly, but if you have the time it is worth it.

jdslater1

I'll make time if it's that good.

big whoppa

With all the money spent on cab fare, it may be cheaper to stick with Virgin. Target's sale prices are very good. Otherwise, the older releases are probably comparable to Virgin. I don't go to Virgin much. But if you don't mind the costs, go and check out their inventory.

jdslater1

The visit to Lakeside can be missed if the money runs out. It's not as important. I just like going to Target and TBH I do prefer Best Buy over Circuit City anyway. I want to look for a few store exclusives.

sstevens75

I live in Baton Rouge and visit New Orleans often. The Virgin Megastore was damaged (and looted) during Hurricane Katrina. It has never reopened.

sam

Maxflier

Oh yeah I forgot to mention there is also a Borders right next to Lakeside mall. Plenty of DVD's to browse there as well. They are pricey though unless you have a membership and coupons with you.

jdslater1

Thanks for that update!