As one of the fashion capitals of the world, London is full of style for all price ranges and categories. At one end of the spectrum, London has a strong tradition of classic tailors and high-end workshops, which can still be experienced today, alongside new independent labels full of youthful spirit. And Not Every Small Store – Nearly every big luxury, mid-range, and discount brand (including fashion, home, and electronics) has an outpost, if not a flagship store, here. Whatever you are looking for, you can probably buy it in London.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street is London’s most famous and often busiest shopping street, with flagship department stores for British and international fashion chains such as UNIQLO, Next, Adidas, H&M, Primark and Zara. In addition to large and impressive stores from nearly every major fashion, home, beauty and tech brand, Oxford Street is home to several key department stores including John Lewis, Debenhams, and the Marks and Spencer flagship store. You can also find the famous and historic Selfridges department store, which takes up an entire block.
regent street
As you veer off Oxford Street, you will find another shopping mecca on Regent Street. Expect more major brands on grand, curving Regent Street, although in general Regent Street stores tend to be a bit more upscale. (For example, Regent Street is home to Burberry, Barbour, Calvin Klein, Coach, Mulberry, and Apple.) You can also find Liberty London, a luxury department store housed in a charming Tudor Renaissance building; The main entrance is on Regent Street and Great Marlborough Street. In addition to selling women’s, men’s and children’s fashion, Liberty is also known for its luxurious collection of cosmetics and fragrances.
Bond Street
Also located on Oxford Street, you will find Bond Street, which is divided into New Bond Street (the northern part of the street) and Old Bond Street (the southern part of the street). Considered London’s main shopping street, Bond Street stocks priceless jewelries, haute couture labels, one-of-a-kind workshops, and art and antique dealers. Here you will find Tiffany and Co., Fendi, Fabergé and Hermès, as well as Fenwick, a high-end British department store and the famous auction house Sotheby’s. There are also several arcades off Bond Street, such as The Royal Arcade and The Burlington Arcade, which are narrow corridors covered with more exclusive shops.
Carnaby Street
Located in the heart of London’s West End (close to Oxford Street), Carnaby Street is a pretty, hidden street packed with a mix of big names (like Levi’s and The North Face) and independent shops (like bespoke tailor Mark Powell and indie fashion label The Ragged Priest). There is also a good collection of restaurants and bars. Also considered part of Carnaby Street is Kingly Court, a three-level alfresco food center, and the charming Newburgh Quarter, which features many independent boutiques.
Stratford
Calling all mallrats: Stratford, in North East London, was renovated for the 2012 Olympics and is now home to the vast Westfield Stratford City shopping center. It is one of the largest urban shopping centers in all of Europe, and has around 280 stores and 70 restaurants. There are many big names here like the Disney Store, Gap, and Ikea. Most brands are in the mid-tier price range. Westfield also offers personal shopping experiences and there are also few hotels in the Westfield Stratford resort, including Holiday Inn, Premier Inn, and Staybridge Suites.
Covent Garden
Packed with excitement, and an abundance of tourists, Covent Garden is a quaint shopping area in the heart of London. The stores here are a nice mix of big luxury labels like Tom Ford and Diptyque and little gems like Petersham Nurseries and Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop. Covent Garden’s pretty Apple Market covered in green and glass houses well-known brands alongside small stalls selling handmade items like cakes and soaps. Also, don’t miss Neal’s Yard, a brightly colored hidden little courtyard in Covent Garden filled with cult favorites like Neal’s Yard Remedies Store and Neal’s Yard Dairy.
King’s road
King’s Road is a stretch of fashion stores that runs through Fulham and Chelsea. You will find shops smaller than those on Oxford Street and the like. Most of the stores on this trail are considered stylish and smart (like Reiss and Jigsaw). This street was home to many young fashion brands and became associated with the punk scene. You can still visit Vivienne Westwood’s original boutique, Worlds End, at 430 King’s Road. There are also many lively restaurants on this street.
Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in London, as it has the shops to match, including the most famous Harrods department store in London. Here you will find only the most exclusive stores that often attract international appeal such as Gucci, Lulu Guinness and Christian Louboutin. Possibly one of the most recognizable stores in the world, Harrods is always packed, and you can find everything from fashion to food. Harvey Nichols is another iconic department store with cult status and a high-fashion pedigree.
Savile Row
For traditional tailored men’s suits, one should head to Savile Row in affluent Mayfair. Tailors have been hard at work on Savile Road since the late 18th century and many of the same shops can still be found today, such as Henry Poole, who is credited with inventing the tuxedo. The term “tailored” is believed to have originated in Savile Row, although today you can also find some ready-to-wear suit stores.
Jermyn Street
The aristocratic and elegant Jermyn Street is also known for its shops selling high-end men’s clothing and accessories. Home to some of London’s most prestigious tailors, shirt makers and shoemakers, here you will find beautiful and historic shops like Turnbull & Asser menswear and Crockett & Jones shoes. Also on Jermyn Street, there is an entrance to the simply stately Fortnum & Mason department store, which dates back to 1707 and is still stocked with the most fabulous and elegant sweets and wines.
A week in London: itinerary
