A shopping trip in a city as large as London can sometimes feel like a daunting task, and the day may seem like it’s over before you’ve visited half of the shops that you planned to. With Christmas and the January sales just around the corner, the answer to a more productive visit might be to make a mental note of some of the best – and in some cases – hidden, shopping districts in the capital.
Oxford Street is, of course, the obvious choice for a bit of retail therapy, home to over one and a half miles of high-street brands, department stores and fabulous restaurants. Many shops are currently open later than usual to make the most of the Christmas crowds and most also have great sales on at the moment – perfect for restocking your wardrobe for the party season.
If Oxford Street isn’t for you, then why not try the East End instead? Vintage stores and unique boutiques line pretty much every street around Brick Lane, and you’re guaranteed to discover something unusual here. There isn’t much that you’ll struggle to find in this trendy neighbourhood, from rare pieces of antique jewellery to an entire outfit – and the crowds are likely to be smaller too.
Not everyone wants to search through lots of different shops to find what they want, however, and if that applies to you, then the Liberty department store, just off Regent Street, may be the solution. With its mock-Tudor frontage and its wood-panelled interior dotted with fireplaces and cushioned window seats, this store makes shopping a pleasurable experience.
The idea behind the store when it first opened in 1875 was to make it feel as though you’d walked into someone’s house, and that’s certainly been accomplished. There isn’t much that Liberty doesn’t sell and, with so many unique and beautiful finds, this iconic store is a must for fashion lovers.
If you’re planning to embark on a London shopping adventure, then why not take out a Gold Card with American Express? With a great list of Gold Card rewards and benefits – including travel and shopping protection – and an easy online application process, there has never been a better time to join American Express and treat yourself to a brand new wardrobe.