Department Stores
Department stores are a London speciality. There are dozens of them across the city, stocked with a huge range of products from fashion to home furnishings, food to jewellery.
Most stores are also equipped with cafes, restaurants or bars – perfect when you need to recharge your batteries after an extended shopping session. Some even offer you the chance to unwind with a luxurious spa or beauty treatment. You’ll also find extensive cosmetics departments as well as bridal wear in the majority of larger stores.
Personal shopper services are becoming ever more common for both women and men, and they’re not just for clothes either. Simply contact the store directly and make an appointment if you’d like some expert help finding that perfect purchase.
Oxford Street
This world famous shopping street is home to a wide range of shops including big name department stores.
Selfridges
At the start of the street, near Marble Arch Tube station is the cutting-edge Selfridges. Whatever you’re after - bags, shoes, cosmetics, soft furnishings, books,a speciality food hall or cafes, you’ll find it in this amazing one-stop department store! There’s an extensive designer clothing section catering for men, women and children, and a Superbrands department includes Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabanna and Alexander McQueen amongst other fashion leaders.
John Lewis
This well-established chain of department stores has a large branch on Oxford Street. Combining high quality with keen pricing, John Lewis stocks nearly half a million products from buttons to beds, cushions to cufflinks. A number of services are on offer, so you can benefit from free advice on furniture, fashion and nursery items, and much more.
Debenhams
Further east along Oxford Street sits Debenhams. This popular department store stocks affordable ranges from a number of talented British designers such as Jasper Conran, Ben de Lisi, Frost French and Julien Macdonald. There is a large shoe department, extensive lingerie section and a cosmetics hall with all the top beauty brands represented.
Bond Street
This area off Oxford Street is packed with exclusive boutiques.
Fenwick of Bond Street
Established in 1891 as a hair accessories boutique, Fenwick’s is now home to five floors of luxury retail. Choose from a wide range of designer clothing, homewares, bags, shoes, fashion jewellery and more. The cosmetic department is among the finest in London and Carluccio's café in the basement is the perfect place for a spot of refreshment.
Regent Street
Adjoining Oxford Street, Regent Street is a great place to go if you’re in search of some serious shopping.
Liberty
Opened in 1875, Liberty has long been regarded as a traditional store but venturing inside reveals a host of cutting-edge ranges. Innovative womenswear and menswear labels include Vivienne Westwood, Chloé, Martine Sitbon and Dries Van Noten. Extensive accessories, bridal wear and speciality food departments plus an impressive beauty hall are just some of the areas to be discovered.
Piccadilly
Piccadilly is a traditional shopping area featuring some of the oldest British retailers.
Fortnum and Mason
Popular with Royalty, Fortnum and Mason is renowned for its fine foodstuffs. If you want specialist teas, caviar and other tempting treats then this is the place to go. Venture beyond the food department and you’ll find menswear, womenswear, cosmetics, homewares and luggage spread over the store's six floors.
Knightsbridge
Heading further west will take you to Knightsbridge. Here you’ll find two extremely well known department stores.
Harvey Nichols
A must for any fashionista, Harvey Nichols brings together an impressive range of designers from around the world. D&G, John Galliano, Space NK, Burberry and Jimmy Choo are just a few of the labels found here, supplying an elite clientele with fine clothes, accessories, cosmetics, food and shoes.
Harrods
A London icon, Harrods is located further down Brompton Road. This store is considered an attraction as well as a world class store. With over 300 departments on seven floors it’s easy to spend a lot of time (and money) here. The spectacular interior décor is unique; look out for the Egyptian-inspired elements.
Browse designer fashions, jewellery, toys, electronics and more. There is everything here that you could possibly imagine, including services like dog coat fitting, piano tuning and an interior design service! Don’t miss the impressive food halls selling everything from fresh doughnuts and sushi to delicacies which make the perfect gift.
Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com
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