Fashion
London
is one
of the most prominent fashion capitals in the world with the likes of
Milan, Paris and New York City. The sheer scale of London's shopping
choices
can
overwhelm. If you cannot find clothes that fit your style in
London, you are probably not looking hard enough. For the man on the
street, It
is not just what they're wearing but also how they wear it.
It is
almost standard Singaporean practice to indulge in a little
retail therapy while overseas. To help those who are planning for the
ultimate
shopping trip, we have put together a list of our London's favorite
shopping havens for you as a guide.
You can also find the guide prices and bargains in the local
newspapers.
Tax
free shopping
Take advantage of VAT (Singapore
GST equivalent) refunds whereby non-EU citizens can claim back up to 15
per cent VAT, minus a service charge on their UK purchase within three
months. The rate of reimbursement though may differ for
different European Union countries. The
catch is that you must usually spend a minimum amount around
£50.
To be eligible for VAT claims, fill out the VAT refund form
available
at all the shops which participate in the retail
export scheme. Before departing the country, take the
forms to an airport agent at London Heathrow airport before you leave
the country, who
will hand over the refund as a charge to
your card credit or cash on the spot.
The actual disbursement
will
usually be less than promised refund due to administrative fee charged.
The administrative fee depends on the value of the
purchases. The higher the value, the lower the administration fee
charged.
If you miss your chance to claim back tax on goods
bought from the trip to the UK, you can still get your
refunds at
Singapore Changi Airport if the claims have been
approved by UK customs. UK authorities take a serious view of
false
claims and penalties could be imposed.
High
street
London's high streets have one of the busiest shopping addresses in the
world with many outlets of the biggest brand names.
Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street
The Singapore orchard road of London is Oxford
Street, Regent Street, Bond Street and Carnaby
Street where the largest
retail concentration can be found.
This retail runway is packed with vast shops of style and
extravagance into
a tight area and is easily get around on foot. Even the most reluctant
of shoppers
can see the draw. Shopping in the streets is most likely to
leave
you with sore feet
but with memories of an amazing shopping
experience. You can find Selfridges, Liberty, Fortnum and Mason all of
which are many shopper's favorite departmental stores.
Don't forget to visit the nearby Carnaby street, this is the street for
buying miniskirts and flora print shirts during the 'Swinging Sixties'.
Jermyn Street - lined with bespoke shoe and shirt-makers
Knightsbridge,
Kensington and Chelsea
Chelsea, Knightsbridge and Kensington has become popular as a
luxury fashion
destination. The fashion conscious and affluent will head to this
shopping mecca where many upmarket retailers can be found.
Kings road
Department
stores
Napoleon once dismissed Britain as "A nation of shopkeepers". Almost
two centuries, London has clearly pride itself as the "holy shrine" by
shoppers, a must-visit
shopping destination in Europe.
Harrods
Harrods is
one of
the grandest world-class emporium of luxury and elegance owned by
Egyptian millionaire, Mohamed al-Fayed. The seven floor
Victorian
red-brick building runs more to brand names and high-end fashions. Do
not miss the famous food hall and the Egyptian escalator.
Also visit Harvey Nichols known for its stylish and smart
fashion is just nearby.
Marks
and Spencer
The Marks & Spencer brand is well known internationally
including Singapore. Browse good value Marks and Spencer for clothes
that offers quality products at a good price.
Westfield
London
Westfield London is a modern and big shopping mall opened by
Australian retailing giant. This is a popular destination where
shopping is an easy and pleasurable experience.
Street
markets and stalls (Pasar Malam)
Another feature of the London shopping scene is its street markets.
Covent
Garden
The
market sells everything
from British-made jewelry to clothing and artwork. Talented buskers are
also a mainstay of the
market with occasional performance of opera singer
and magician.
Camden
town
Camden High
Street Market
and Camden Stables is frequent by students as a hip area with
stalls selling clothes
ranging from most trendy to the most eccentric.
Shoes
and accessories
Jimmy
Choo
Established in 1996, Jimmy Choo's shoes was elevated to fashion icon
status by the
television series Sex
and the City.
Clarks
The classic British shoe brand is the UK's largest shoe retailer. For
many nostalgic middle-class family, there is no alternative
to shopping at Clarks.
Designer
Burberry
Founded in 1856, Burberry is one of the UK's upmarket global
fashion brand with its classic Burberry check lining and
signature trench coats. This is definitely a hot favorite for those
brand conscious Singaporeans.
Paul
Smith
With its distinctive design and individualistic appeal, Paul's
Smith's stylish, cool, and English design has its flagship
store on Floral Street in Covent Garden.
Superdry
The uber-trendy brand carries a range of
American vintage mixed with
the Japanese funky fashion. The brand was made popular by
endorsements from
David Beckham
Factory
outlet
Factory outlets and
markets are very popular among many Singaporeans. These outlets
usually sell last season's surplus stock that had to be taken off from
the racks in the high street stores at heavily discounted prices.
Many enthusiastic shoppers are
willing to travel more than an hour out of London and spend almost the
whole day hunting for
brand-name bargains and cheap designer lines.
Bicester
village
This factory outlet is about an hour's train ride from London
Marylebone. Bicester
Village has been hailed as the UK's most popular tourist shopping
destination for overseas visitors outside London.
What to buy?
Antiques
Shoes/belts
Silver
Rugby shirts
Sweaters
Bring a paddington bear home
