London Shopping

14-Jul-2015 • London England

I have no doubts that when it comes to shopping, no place can beat my adopted country, the USA. That for sure. However, London is a wonderful place to go shopping too. It was good that Marc and I were there during the month of July when sales were still in full swing. I do know that in Europe the big sales take place only twice a year. The first one is in January while the second one is in July.

Although the dollar is really no competition to the pound, I still found many goods cheap compared to US prices. I actually ended up buying two pairs of Italian made suede shoes at 39.99 BPS which is roughly just US $60 each pair. Now that is cheap!

Had I known some of the stuff I wanted to purchase earlier on like the TED BAKER leather bags and the Ben Shermann leather shoes I saw in Belfast were not going to be available in London, I would have bought them all when I still could. To be honest, I am still kicking myself for not having done so.

My advise to travelers who love to shop while on vacation: Get what you like as you see them and don't dilly dally. You most probably will not get the same deal anywhere else unless you are very sure.

Whoever goes to the UK is bound to see a Marks and Spencers Department Store It is virtually everywhere. I think it is the equivalent of America's JC Penney. This particular branch is located in Kensington, close to our hotel.

There was a number of red double deck buses along Kensington High Street which had Harrods ads. Of course, upon seeing this, off Marc and I went to see the famous London department store.

Harvey Nichols in Kensington! Just like the department store Austin Reed, I first heard of Harvey Nichols from the British sitcom, Are You Being Served!

Selfridges Department Store. How this store has changed since Marc and I were here last. We actually likened it San Francisco's Emporium Department Store back then. It wasn't so chi-chi compared to what it is now. Since watching two seasons of Selfridges on PBS starring Jeremy Piven, we made it a point to come to the store again and see what the American founder of the Department Store has really created in his adopted country.

Selfridges Department Store

In Regent's Street

Regent Street was amazing. It was one long street lined with beautiful stores on each side. Too bad there were so many people when we were there. It was really hard to appreciate anything due to the crowds and the rain!

The quintessential red double deck buses along Regent's Street

The equivalent of FAO Schwarz in London, the Hamleys.

The Spanish Retailer of exquisite bridal gowns, Pronovias. I had only seen pictures of this store on the net. I do know it is a leading brand for wedding gowns.