London is quite a profitable place for shop tourists, especially if you delve into the intricacies of its trade policy.
The subtleties of shopping in the capital of England
England is a haven for fashionistas, as are France and Italy, and trade still supports life in the city. In addition, the love between shopaholics and sellers here is mutual, although expensive: they will provide the highest service for your money! For example, There is no problem with returning unsuitable goods: no one will ask about the reasons, if the receipts and tags are intact. You can exchange the product or simply return all the money.
Sales consultants in the UK are ideal: they do not impose their services, as for some reason this is ingrained in the Russian service, but will provide them at the first call. You can take any number of clothes into the fitting room. The only exception is underwear - it is not customary to try it on in England.
Interesting! Some shoe stores provide an interesting service: at the entrance you are given a coupon with a number.If it matches the number displayed on the board, the buyer receives a special level of service: he will be given box after box until a suitable pair is found, and will be allowed to go to the checkout out of turn. Try to leave without buying!
Where is the best place to buy in London?
The peculiarity of London is not individual boutiques, but grandiose department stores - luxury and budget. They have the entire line of necessary products.
Important! You can find out what the prices are in London ahead of time, thanks to shopping pages on the Internet. This will help you plan your budget!
The largest number of retail outlets is in the west of the capital of England, but in order to save money, it is better to visit other areas: they also have department stores of famous chains (House of Fraser or John Lewis), but the prices will be lower.
Markets or shopping centers?
More like markets and shopping centers − experienced tourists learned this long ago! The London market has nothing in common with the usual “bazaar” in Russia: cleanliness and attention to the buyer are guaranteed. The counters abound with both gifts of nature and vintage rarities.
Interesting! A walk through the markets of London is a real journey into the past: medieval trading traditions are still alive today!
Londoners also love to walk along the market rows. Where else can you find everything you need for culinary delights and healthy eating? Market stalls also sell various goodies..
Shopping areas
It's easy to go shopping if they are located on the most beautiful streets of the city! And this is about London with its famous West End: here is the famous Piccadilly, along which the heroine Laima Vaikule walked, accelerating her pace, and Oxford Street... And shopping places are here too.
Oxford Street leads in the number of must-visit places for shop tourists: the most expensive and middle-class department stores are located here with maximum density.
If it's too cheap for you, head to Bond Street: you won't find better prices (or better quality!). In addition to pan-European brands and products of English couturiers, there is also the famous auction house Sotheby’s and jewelry stores.
And here is the famous Carnaby Street, glorified by the cinema and music of the turbulent 20th century - swinging London took off here. Time has somewhat smoothed out the enchantment of this place, but the free spirit of a beautiful life is still felt: boutiques and cafes, restaurants and salons. Modern and vintage items, sporting goods and stylish outfits - and at very affordable prices!
Regent Street is full of originality – both in the design of shop windows and in the assortment: in addition to clothes, it is good to buy toys (in the Hamleys store) and fabrics. You will also find something edible at prices that are more favorable than on neighboring streets.
There are almost no business people in the Knightsbridge area (offices are a rarity here), but there are plenty of people who like to spend money on a grand scale - the prices here are inflated: Take a walk to Harrod's and Harvey Nichols for at least a tour! Buying here is considered very prestigious.
Don't miss Covent Garden either - its connections with trade are deeply historical: in the Middle Ages, monks lived here, and the market they founded operated for centuries. Now it's simple a cluster of retail outlets for a variety of goods.
The underground culture of the last century is alive and well on King's Road: punk couturier V. Westwood's store is alive, thriving and waiting. You can return to the mid-twentieth century by visiting Levi's and Johnsons King's - they have amazing collections of American vintage. However, elegant evening dresses There was also a place on this street - at Ben de Lisi’s.
And finally, Piccadilly Circus! It may not be as good for shopping as Oxford Street, but its history is much richer, and this recognized center of urban culture! Tea and sweets for tea, sets and perfumes, books and jewelry - all this can be found on the famous street.
Reference! The name of the street dates back to the 17th century: R. Baker traded in “picadils” here. This was the name given to special collars with “toothed” edges.
How and where to look for sales and shop inexpensively?
Having waited for the traditional sales seasons (midsummer and around Christmas time), you can safely go to any shopping center: discounts will delight you, reaching three-quarters of the original price!
There are other possibilities - company birthday, collection liquidation, change of management. You can search for such promotions on Internet resources without relying on spontaneous luck.
All about tax refunds
Foreign tourists are not required to pay VAT (exception - children's clothing, books, food products)! It’s easy to get back up to 15% of what you spend on purchases:
choose stores with a Tax Free sign for purchases;- fill out a special form at the checkout;
- We save the receipt (it is valid for up to three months from the date of purchase);
- we affix a stamp at customs, presenting the receipt along with the purchases in undamaged packaging;
- Having arrived in Russia, we go to the return point (the list is on the Global Refund and Tax-Free-Shopping websites).
Important! This system will work if, two years before purchasing the goods, you have not spent more than 365 calendar days in England, and you left the EU before the check expired.
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