Shopping is one of the main reasons people flock to London in their stockpiles year-round. With more than 40,000 stores from major department stores to fabulous fashion stores, London is the heart of fashion, style and music.
A wide variety of shops exist all over London, from high-priced exclusive clothing and goods, (some very high prices I might add) to some amazing deals. For lovers of clothing and shoe shopping and more and more women shopping for shoes, London has all the weirdest designs and looks. But before you start, ring your bank, raise your credit card limit, it’s time to start spending!
Camden Market is the place to go if you want less expensive stuff, located next to Camden Key; this is the most popular market in London. It gets very busy here on the weekends with thousands of merchants, but watch out for the “buggy brigade” (old man with pushchairs!) Your legs will be swollen, but not from the incessant shopping … of owning them keep on rolling and being stamped on! That said, you’re sure to find the perfect pair of shoes to match the expensive designer outfit you’ve just spent months on. On the other hand, if you are looking for something a little different then the Kensington Market is probably a good choice, located on Kensington High Street, this market caters to underground fashions. You can also find a wide variety of outrageous hair colors, punk and goth clothing and accessories, record stores, the latest in technology, platform shoes, leather goods and jewelry.
Portobello Road Market offers antiques, as well as clothing and music, hundreds of stalls on the weekends, and cafes and bars. It is also a “celebrity hotspot” with many famous people living and shopping in the area.
And then there’s Soho. Soho is the place to go for a variety of boutiques; Janet Fitch for designer jewelery, Metalmorphis for body piercing, and Ann Summers for curly lingerie. Ambient Soho and Black Market Records have the best stocks of techno, jungle, and dance music.
Shopping in London can be an exciting experience, whether to spend or just explore. It’s a vibrant city – buying something often involves finding interesting neighborhoods and exploring new ones.
Top 5 ‘Must Buy Something In’ Stores In London – (just for the feel good factor, oh, and the carrying case!)
Hamleys Toy Store
Wow! That was the only word that came out of our mouths as we walked through the Hamley door, I lost my two children and my husband immediately! Unfortunately, they found me again when they wanted money! But if you are looking for reminders of your childhood or looking for something special for your own kids then this is the shop, and it really isn’t that expensive either, you can grab a gift for as little as five.
Covent Park
If you visit London, try to visit the very trendy Covent Garden, with all the latest designer stores such as French Connection, H & amp; M, Calvin Klein and Gap to name but a few. If you are a shopaholic like me then you will love Covent Garden, some celebrity fair also shop and eat here. Ivy Restaurant is a famous celebrity hotspot, if you can’t get in to enjoy the delicious food on offer then take a walk … 2 or 3 times … find a celebrity! Nearest tube: Covent Garden
Harrods
No trip to London would be complete without a visit to world-famous Harrods. Some just want to check the high price tag, others buy things only for the carrying bag. Even so, you will find everything you need right here, mind you, the shop is huge and it’s easy to get lost.
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street has a lot to offer itself and a guilty reward for her (well, should we buy her something we don’t? After all, that’s her credit card!). For him, there are sports shops like Puma, Ben Sherman, G-room and if he’s a budding DJ then there’s Kingly Court, it’s a great place to buy big vinyl. Oh, and not forgetting a place where it can return fuel … there are a few pubs too! And for the ladies, there are a number of fine cosmetic shops, a few boutiques selling mod vintage clothing, a designer shoe store and Liberty’s just round the corner on Fouberts Place. There are places where we can refuel too … coffee shops and sandwich bars. Closest tube: Oxford Circus
New Bond Road and Old Bond Road
Just off Oxford Street, is New Bond Street and Old Bond Street which are less crowded but much more expensive, for everyone huh If you have an endless flow of cash then this is the place to spend it all! Most of the shops here have “greetings” that will smile, open their doors for you, and wish you a nice day! Oh, and keep an eye out for the weird celebrities here too, London’s Bond streets are notorious for bringing out a weird one or two. Nearest tube: Bond Street
