Globetrotting in High Heels: Where to Shop…Need I Say More?

Posted by Roxanne on Nov 24, 2011 in Getaways | 2 comments

November is quickly whizzing by and the question on everyone’s lips is ‘How many shopping days till Christmas?!’ Christmas gift shopping, while it should be a pleasure, can often quickly become a chore, as we battle with crowds and loved one’s expectations.

You can make your festive shopping sprees pleasurable and productive by choosing your shopping destination wisely. If there’s no shopping centre of note near you why not consider a mini-break with your best shopping companion in one of the following cities:

Glasgow

Scotland’s first city is fantastic for vintage junkies. In the bohemian West End you’ll find Watermelon (603 Great Western Road) for clothes, and Authentics (Otago Street) for homeware.Also in the area you’ll find cute accessories by Orla Kiely and off-the-wall design by Timorous Beaties.

At Scotland’s premier designer boutique Cruise (180 Ingram Street), you’ll find immaculately organised rails hung with creations by the likes of Gucci, Dior, Marni, Matthew Williamson, Temperley, and the queen of the wrap dress, Diane von Furstenberg. Just remember that you’re meant to be gift shopping for loved ones, not for yourself!

Manchester

Manchester is a shopper’s paradise. This vast shopping city has everything from the world’s best designers, to boho, vintage and made-to-measure, and is the place for serious shoppers to blow their Christmas budgets.

Manchester is also home to the UK’s largest inner-city shopping centre – the Arndale. It has over 240 shops and department stores to scour for that perfect gift. Better still, the mammoth Trafford Centre is the second largest shopping centre in the whole of the UK and is easily accessible from the city centre. For high end designers such as Mulberry and Armani, King Street is the place to head or, if you prefer a more boho shopping experience, the Northern Quarter beckons.

London

Of course, no round up of great shopping destinations would be complete without giving our great capital a mention. To touch on London’s shopping highlights you have the mile long high street heaven Oxford Street, designer mecca Bond Street, the amazing Hamley’s toy store and Liberty’s on Regent Street.

A mere hop, skip and jump away are Carnaby Street (actually 12 streets) and Covent Garden, both of which are great for independent boutiques and high end luxury goods. And who could forget the world’s most famous luxury department store Harrods – miss it and miss out!

Bath

If you’d prefer to keep your shopping experience a touch more relaxed than you’ll get in the big smoke; Bath is the perfect destination for some steady browsing of lovely, luxury goods. The Artisan Quarter is especially good for those who love to give individual gifts that you simply won’t find on department store shelves.

New York

Those who fancy treating themselves to a pre-Christmas mini-break; New York is the dream destination, and the ultimate place to shop. From the world famous department stores such as Macys, Bloomingdales and Barneys, to the icons that are Tiffany’s, and the designer stores of Madison Avenue – New York is a sublime shopping experience to remember for a lifetime of Christmases.

You could even, if you try really hard, convince yourself that the lower American prices mean that you’re practically getting the trip of a lifetime for free! In fact, stuff Manchester; I’m off to New York for my Christmas shopping from now on. Who’s in?

If you do fancy going away this time of year – keep checking the Groupon Getways page for great deals on trips abroad this Christmas.

Photography by: Shereen M, stevendepolo, shtumpi and smcgee