From the world’s oldest department store—Jenners in Edinburgh—to one of the world’s most famous—Harrods in London—Great Britain isn’t shy about showing off its fashionable side. Shopping aficionados will feel like a kid in a candy store as they shop for antiques in Bath; discover Manchester’s stylish street trends; go digging for the perfect authentic kilt along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile; hunt for vintage fashion in London’s Old Spitalfields Market; stroll along The Hayes, Cardiff’s most sophisticated strip with its designer boutiques; and shop for one-of-a-kind outfits in The Lanes in Brighton.
Here we highlight some of the hotspots where clients can shop till they drop.
When it comes to Great Britain’s arcades, one of the most beautiful is the Burlington Arcade. Located in London’s Mayfair district, it opened in 1819 and favored by the cream of British society. It’s the city’s longest covered shopping arcade, housing over 40 specialist shops and designer brands including Jimmy Choo’s only UK menswear store, and House of Cashmere, selling the rare vicuna cashmere. London is also home to the “world’s greatest shopping” store, Selfridges; Oxford Street, for shoppers of all ages; Notting Hill’s Portobello Road Market, ideal for those looking for unique finds; and of course, the very popular Camden Market, chock-full of stalls selling all manner of items.
Beyond London, there’s a world full of delights for shopaholics. Some of the must-sees include Glasgow’s Princes Square, one of Scotland’s most upscale shopping experiences; Bicester Village, located only an hour from London in Oxfordshire and “paradise found” for label and bargain lovers; the design-centric Bullring in Birmingham, with its unique architecture; Brighton’s The Lanes, with its quirky shops along cobblestone streets; and Victoria Square, where the most eye-catching element in this entertainment and shopping district is the viewing dome, offering panoramic views over Belfast.
Tell clients, too, to look out for Britain’s very own designers: Ted Baker, Vivienne Westwood, Mulberry, Temperley London, Radley, and the list truly goes on.
Did you know?
Whistling is forbidden in the Burlington Arcade because it was used by pickpockets as coded signals in the 19th century.
