There is plenty of shopping to be done in Seville if you want to buy ceramics, knickknacks, etc. YOu can also find the typical Spanish fans, jewelry, etc., and actually I was surprised at the fabric stores there (probably because I have a degree in Textiles and Clothing, but people don't sew much in the US any more).

I admit I don't know what that means when someone says they like to shop as an activity or as a vacation plan. If someone wants expensive dept stores, designer goods, etc., Andalusia is not the place to go. If someone just likes browsing shops and looking at things, buying a few local items, etc.,-- just the activity rather than being in quest of spending a lot of money on glamorous or expensive goods, then it would not be the place for that, of course. Most people in my family who are that age who say they like to shop as an activity on vacations are not talking about anything special or expensive, just browsing local stores to see if they can pick up something a little different than at home, or even just like buying routine souvenirs, actually (but my family is of modest background).

Is there an obsesssion with fans in Seville? I've not read my guide books thoroughly....

What about Bologna? It's gorgeous, very flat and walkable with beautiful porticos covering all the sidewalks in case of spring showers, and the food in Bologna is considered the best in Europe. The small size, nice shopping for gourmet treats, and quick, easy train access to towns like Parma, etc. make it a nice destination.