London Shopping Tips by ZanieOR

Name of Shop: Markets

We really enjoyed the Spitalsfield Market in the East End of London, which we visited Sunday morning of our trip. It was inside, rather than on the street, and had a huge variety of things to buy, from antiques and collectibles to clothing to baked goods to crafts to posters to whatever you can think of.

What To Buy: I bought a small wooden box (for my small wooden box collection) which had a 1928 Irish coin (a 1/2 d with a picture of a pig on it)and a key inside and a couple of unusual (fabric patterns with "jewels" on them pinback buttons for my collection.

What To Pay: I paid about 4 lbs for the box (originally priced at 6) and a pound or so apiece for the buttons. All price ranges.

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Theme: Antiques
Address: Near Liverpool Station
Website: www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com

Name of Shop: Pettycoat Lane

We also visited Pettycoat Lane Market on a Sunday morning. It's a street market, and has mostly new things at discount prices, with the highest percentage clothing. It was colorful and fun, and if I was a Londoner on a budget I would definately shop here.
However, if you enjoy poking around looking for old or unique items, go to nearby Spitsfield Market instead.

What To Buy: I bought a few souvenirs here, a few refrigerator magnets for my sisters and (don't laugh) a little Teddy bear dressed like Sherlock Holmes.

What To Pay: Great prices! The same souvenirs I saw elsewhere for about twice the money.

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Theme: Discount Store

Name of Shop: Harrod's

What an amazing store! Most of the tips I've read says that it's beautiful, but advises that it's so expensive that you should look, but there's no way the average person could afford to buy.
However, while much of the merchandise was out of my reach (especially with the exchange rate), it was probably no more expensive than the same thing selling somewhere else.
It was so much fun to look around -- it is a beautiful store --though it was so big it was easy to lose your way. And the food court was indeed incredible, full of creative and delectible looking edibles.

What To Buy: I was looking all over for some flower seeds in London to take home for a gardener friend who specifically requested lavender. Lo and behold, there was a whole wall full of little flower packets that cost less than a pound (forgot the exact price); the lavender slot was empty, but my friend was very happy with the seeds I did bring to her.
I also bought a Beatrix Potter story book for my granddaughter-to-be Lily, in the children's section of the book store. The price was printed on the cover, so was the same as in a book story anywhere else.
So don't be afraid to shop at Harrod's. The shopping bags are neat to bring home, too.


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Theme: Department Store