Page 194 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - England's South Coast

192  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

SHOPS AND MARKETS

Although London’s West End is the most is particularly rich in shops and emporia
famous place to shop in southern England, selling local art, antiques and second-hand
shopping in the regions can be more relaxed vintage artifacts. Even small towns brim
and equally pleasurable. Moreover, regional over with artisan craft studios. There are also
shopping tends to be less expensive and plenty of farm shops, historic shopping areas,
remarkably varied, with a wide range of street markets and factory outlets, which
quirky, independent shops. The South Coast will appeal to dedicated bargain-hunters.

Shopping Hours
Most shops are open Monday to
Saturday from 9am or 10am, and
close around 5:30pm. London’s
West End remains open till 9pm.
Some stores are open late once
a week, usually on a Thursday,
while village shops sometimes
close at lunchtime or for one
afternoon a week. Larger shops
have limited opening hours on
Sundays, though most are open
between noon and 4pm.

Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, one of the largest malls in Europe
How to Pay
Most shops, with the exception may not apply to sale goods arrange to have goods shipped
of markets and small outlets, marked as seconds, imperfect from the store, VAT should be
accept debit and credit cards. or shop-soiled. You do not have deducted before you pay.
Charge cards, such as American to accept a credit note in place
Express or Diners Club, are also of a cash refund.
widely accepted. “Contactless” Historic Shopping Areas
cards allow you to pay up to £30 Many of the region's bigger
without the need for a signature Sales cities have historic shopping
or personal identification Sales take place in January, June areas. Those with real charm and
number (PIN), but not all shops and July, when most shops cut independent shops include The
have terminals equipped for prices to dispose of old stock. Lanes in Brighton, The Pantiles
them. Cash is still a popular way But you may find special offers in Royal Tunbridge Wells and
to pay for small purchases. throughout the year. Winter The Square in Winchester.
sales usually begin just before
Christmas. Department stores
Rights and Refunds Shopping Centres
and fashion houses, in particular,
If what you buy is defective, offer excellent bargains. There are large shopping malls
you are entitled to a refund outside many towns and cities
provided you have your receipt in southern England, which
as proof of purchase and return VAT and Tax-Free have the advantages of easy
Shopping
the goods in the same condition car access and cheap parking.
in which you bought them. This In England, Value Added Tax Most are accessible by public
(VAT) is charged on most goods transport too. Among the
and services and is included in most popular are Bluewater
the advertised price. At present, in Greenhithe, Kent, Cabot
visitors from outside the EU Circus in Bristol, and the two
who stay less than 3 months Westfield centres in London.
may claim this tax back. Take
your passport with you when
you go shopping. You must Designer Outlets
complete a form when you buy These retail centres have stores
goods and give a copy to the selling luxury items at reduced
customs authorities when you prices. They include Gunwharf
leave the country. You may Quays in Portsmouth Harbour
Shoppers at the Christmas sales on have to show your goods as and Kilver Court Designer
Oxford Street, London proof of purchase. If you Village in Shepton Mallet.

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