London Shopping Tips by Paul2001

Department stores: Liberty Department stores Review

Although I like Harrod's, I loved Liberty. This is a much more upscale. For you Americans, the comparison would be similar to comparing Bloomingdale's to Saks Fifth Avenue.
Not being much of a clothing shopper by nature, I had never heard of Liberty before the mock Tudor facade caught my eye as I wandering around looking for record shops in the Regent Street shopping district. In I went and I was blown away.

What to buy: The accessories for both men and women are great. A men's shirt caught my attention when I realized that it cost 70 pounds. A little over my budget. The perfume and cosmetic departments are suppose to be quite good too.

What to pay: More than I could dream to afford at the time.

Address: 210–220 Regent St

Directions: Near Oxford Circus Tube

Phone: 020/7734 1234

Theme: Department Store

Books: Dillon's Bookstore (well, it used to be) Books Review

I stayed by this wonderful bookstore while visiting London. I love a good bookstore and once I entered Dillon's I found it hard to leave. It quickly became my favourite bookstore in the world. There are books here on virtually every imaginable subject but it is particularly strong on social arts, literature and children's books. I actually saw some books by Canadian authors that I rarely see for sale on the eastside of the Atlantic.
The bookstore is located in a fine old 19th century building which I took this very poor photograph of.
I have been advised that since I have visited this bookstore that it has been taken over by Waterstones's Books. I understand that this particular franchise is still open by that name.

What to pay: Books here can be expensive depending upon it being hardcover or softcover.

Directions: near the University of London

Theme: Books

Department stores: Harrods Harrods Review

Harrods is without doubt the most famous department store in the UK and perhaps the world. It seems that virtually every tourist that visits London stops by Harrods. All of this begs the question, why? In my opinion, across the world, especially in my own Canada, the department store is something of a dinosaur. This is because we all tend to shop in more specialized stores. This is especially the case with the youth market, who would not be caught dead in such places as Harrods. However for the older crowd, Harrods is still worth a visit.
Harrods is open everyday but Sunday from 10am to 7pm.

What to buy: Everything. Especially good for the modern businessman, at least for me anyway. I bought a gift for my father here as Father's Day was approaching when I visited. Lots of other departments including a great toy department and clothing, clothing, clothing!

What to pay: Can be expensive so come with lots of cash. There is a clearance department so maybe you will find some more affordable goods there.

Address: 87–135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, SW1

Directions: Knightsbridge

Phone: 020/7730 1234

Theme: Department Store