Shopping in London
Debenhams
Has a major presence on the UK high street, whilst also recently expanding abroad to the Middle East and Central Europe. As their main London branch, the store boasts a good range of products, which also represent good value for budget conscious shoppers.
Fortnum and Mason
Fortnum and Mason's offers visitors a sense of England's past with traditional high-quality goods and services. Moreover, having been in business since 1707, it provides items by appointment to the Queen and Prince of Wales. Known primarily for its famous food hall, the shop offers traditional English favorites including teas, relishes, chutneys and preserves. So, if you're after a true (edible) souvenir of England, you may find it here! What's more, for some items, such as luxury hampers and teas, they'll even arrange global delivery (especially for goods which may impact upon your baggage allowance). On the store's upper floors you'll also find fashions and items for the home, while elsewhere, the Fountain Restaurant on the lower ground floor serves light meals and ice-cream sundaes (of some repute) with St. James's restaurant offering traditional afternoon tea. Customer service here acts as a benchmark for others to follow.
Harrods
When most people think of shopping in London they first think of Harrods. Without doubt, it's a fantastic (albeit pricey) place to shop which, despite losing its Royal Warrants, retains an international reputation for quality. Spread over seven floors, highlights include the Egyptian Room and marvelous food halls. If you do plan to visit, make sure you dress sensibly as the store operates a dress code of sorts. A failure to observe it may mean you're politely escorted off the premises by one of the Harrods' security officers.
Harvey Nichols
Once the place to shop for budding socialites and "it" girls everywhere (Selfridges is apparently top dog now) Harvey Nichols - or Harvey Nicks to aficionados - primarily sells fashions from renowned designers such as Paul Smith and Yohji Yamamoto, along with other top-notch designer labels. In addition, there are extensive beauty and home furnishing departments, as well as a high class food hall. The store's famous 5th Floor restaurant is equally chic, offering the ladies of Knightsbridge a chance to catch up on some serious celebrity gossip.
House of Fraser
Although The House of Fraser trades under a number of different guises - Army and Navy, Dickins and Jones etc. they have their flagship store on Oxford Street. Stocks a good range of designer brands, although prices can be high.
John Lewis
Another big high-street player, John Lewis's motto "never knowingly undersold" has helped them to remain popular in an increasingly competitive marketplace. And, as employees effectively have a stake in the business, you're likely to notice higher standards of customer service than in some other stores.
Marks and Spencer
Back in 2000, Marks and Spencer had been in the news for all the wrong reasons. A profits decline and sharply falling sales eventually gave rise to a huge revamp of its stores and fashion ranges to make them more 'now'. Although, initially at least, the changes met with mixed reaction, it seems that M & S is back in favour once again. Of course, the popularity of M & S's food halls has never been in doubt, as queues at lunchtime will confirm. So, if you fancy a picnic in nearby Hyde Park, buy your lunch before midday to avoid the rush.
There are two Marks and Spencer stores on Oxford Street. The biggest (and best) is the Marble Arch branch at the street's Western end (just across the road from Selfridges).
Selfridges
Having undergone a major transformation over recent years, Oxford Street's most famous store is now an even better shopping experience, and one that's certainly hard to beat (anywhere) in London. Boasting designer labels for both and women, plus excellent home furnishings, electrical, children's and book departments, the sheer range of goods on offer is overwhelming. Of course, prices are higher than elsewhere in London, but for tourists visiting, it's a great way to begin a West End shop.