We will be arriving in London in late June and I would like to do some shopping.
I am interested in a nice quality handbag/purse.
I'd like to check out Radley and Dooney and Bourke.
Is it best to go directly to the retail store or a department store like Harrod's???
I've also seen some retail stores at the airport. Where can I find the best prices?
Any suggestions would be appreciated!
If you are looking for best prices I wouldn't expect you to find any cheap deals at Harrods. On the other hand they are particularly expensive.
Those kinds of brands tend to control their pricing rather tightly, rarely allowing fluctuation between retailers. I'd imagine that even any sales would be authorized by the brand, and thusly offered at most retailers when available.
When my adult daughter and I traveled to London last month, we had a very good experience at the Strathberry store in Covent Garden. Lovely service and very well-designed, beautiful bags. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, take a look!
Every trip to London I resist the urge to buy a beautiful bag at Liberty—the exchange rate is terrible and while their brand is only sold at their store, I wouldn’t consider buying a brand of bag I could get at home from Macys. I can’t tell what country you are from, possibly the £ exchange is in your favor?
I have never heard of Dooney & Bourke so I have just googled them. I would be surprised if you could buy American bags here cheaper than in the States. Harrods is for tourists - Selfridges and Liberty are where most people I know go for upmarket shopping.
Most of my handbags are Radley. I buy them from Ashford Designer Outlet in Kent or at Bicester Village in Oxfordshire for the best prices other than online. Stores at airports have limited choice.
The best prices I've paid for Radley bags have been at their outlet stores. Harrods is not the place for a bargain.
Thank you for all the information!!
Just an FYI. I believe the UK has done away with the VAT refund process. So don’t count on getting anything back for VAT taxes
