Shopping In London
Shopping In London By Lisa Mills
Shopping is one of the main reasons people flock to London in
their hoards all year round. With over 40,000 shops from huge
department stores to fabulous fashion shops, London is the heart
for fashion, style and music. A wide variety of shops are all
over London, from high priced exclusive clothing and goods,
(some severely over priced I might add) to some amazing deals.
For lovers of clothes and shoe shopping and more shoe shopping
ladies, London has all the designs and the wackiest looks. But
before you start, ring your bank, up your credit card limit, its
time to start spending!
Camden Market is the place to go if you want cheaper stuff, it's
located next to the Camden Locks; this is London's most popular
market. It gets extremely busy here at weekends with thousands
of traders, but watch out for the "buggy brigade" (parents with
pushchairs!) your feet will be swollen, but not from the
incessant shopping... from having them continuously rolled over
and stamped on! Even so, you are sure to find the perfect pair
of shoes to match that expensive designer outfit you just spent
your whole months wages on. On the other hand, if you are
looking for something a little different then Kensington Market
might be a good choice, it's located on Kensington High Street,
this market caters for the underground fashions. You can also
find an extensive range of outrageous hair colours, punk and
gothic clothing and accessories, record stores, the latest in
techno, platform shoes, leather goods and jewellery.
Portobello Road Market features antique goods, as well as
clothing and music, hundreds of stalls on weekends, and cafes
and bars. It is also a "celeb hotspot" with many famous people
living and shopping in the area.
Oxford Street & Regent Street are the main areas in which to
find many High Street stores. All the main ones are here from
Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, John Lewis, Boots, W.H. Smith,
Bhs, C&A and of course Hamley's Toy Shop, which I must add is
absolutely breath taking, especially at Christmas, every child
and "older child's" dream come true. You may not find many low
priced goods here, but it really is worth a look. So credit
cards at the ready!
You will also find Harrods; most people make a visit to this
shop just to look at the costly price tags, as well as the wide
variety of food on offer. But be sure to dress respectively, no
light coloured clothing caked in the muddy tyre marks from the
"buggy brigade" in the markets!! There is a dress code to shop
here!
And then there is Soho. Soho is the place to go for a variety of
boutiques; Janet Fitch for designer jewellery, Metalmorphis for
body piercings, and Ann Summers for kinky lingerie. Ambient Soho
and Black Market Records stock the best of techno, jungle and
dance music. Try the Vintage Magazine Shop for excellent movie &
TV memorabilia and posters. Soho is the ideal place if you are
looking for something to do "After Dark"; it offers a wide range
of erotic videos, sex toys, good cafes and restaurants and strip
clubs. Soho is an interesting place to wander around, especially
for the men who like to "window shop"!!
Shopping in London can be an exciting experience, whether you
want to spend or just browse. It's a vibrant city - buying
something often involves discovering interesting surroundings
and exploring new ones. At the seasonal times of year it is
probably best to start early, London streets begin to look like
an anthill around lunchtime! I myself am a true Londoner... born
and bred, everyday there is something new to be found.
Top 5 'Must Buy Something In' Shops In London - (just for
the feel good factor, oh, and the carrier bag!)
Hamleys Toy Shop
Wow! That is the only word that came out of our mouths when we
walked through the doors of Hamley's, I lost my two kids and my
husband immediately! Unfortunately, they found me again when
they wanted money! But if you are looking for a reminder 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 pick up a gift for as little as a fiver. It
really is magical, 7 floors of it, a definite must. Nearest
tubes: Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus. Official website:
http://www.hamleys.com/
Covent Garden
If you are on a visit to London then try to visit the very
trendy Covent Garden, with all the up-to-date designer shops
like French Connection, H&M, Calvin Klein and Gap to name but a
few. If you are shopaholic like myself then you will love Covent
Garden, a fair few celebrities also shop and eat here. The Ivy
restaurant is a well-known celebrity hotspot, if you can't get
in to enjoy the tasty food on offer then take a stroll past... 2
or 3 times... spot the celebrity! Nearest tube: Covent Garden
Harrods
A trip to London wouldn't be complete without a visit to
world-famous Harrods. Some just want to check out the expensive
price tags, others buy stuff just for the carrier bag. Even so,
you will find everything you need here, mind you, the store is
huge and it is easy to get lost. And remember; if you need the
loo... take some money with you! Nearest tube: Knightsbridge.
Official website: http://www.harrods.com
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street has loads on offer for yourself and a guilt gift
for him (well, we have to buy him something don't we? After all,
it's his 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, this a great place to buy great vinyls. Oh, and
not forgetting a place where he can re-fuel... there's a few
pubs too! And for the ladies, there is a number of fine
cosmetics shops, a few boutiques selling vintage mod clothing,
designer shoe shops and Liberty's is just round the corner in
Fouberts Place. There are places where we can re-fuel too...
coffee shops and sandwich bars. Nearest tube: Oxford Circus
New Bond Street and Old Bond Street
Just off of Oxford Street, is the less crowded but far more
expensive New Bond Street and Old Bond Street, for all those
that have an endless flow of cash then this is the place to
spend all of it! Most of the shops here have "greeters" who will
smile, open doors for you, and wish you a nice day! Oh, and keep
your eyes open for the odd celebrity here too, London's Bond
streets are well known for bringing out the odd one or two.
Nearest tube: Bond Street
It's a vast, fast and vibrant city; London has it all. Don't
miss it... come and visit!
24-7 London has loads of information to help visitors to London.
Check out their website www.24-7london.co.uk