Page 318 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - London

316  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS
SHOPS AND MARKETS

London offers a shopping experience like alongside the old-fashioned emporia.
no other. From luxurious department stores Oxford Street boasts a plethora of stores
such as Liberty, Harrods and Fortnum & showcasing the latest in high street fashion:
Mason to the many bustling street markets, Topshop’s flagship branch is definitely worth
this is one of the most lively and exuberant a visit. For more bespoke finds, head to
shopping scenes in the world. No matter specialist boutiques, such as those found
what you are looking for, there is a place in Notting Hill and Covent Garden. Bargain-
to find it. At the top end, head to the hunters will find a wealth of inexpensive
designer shops of Knightsbridge with goods in the thriving markets, which
their stunning window displays, or indulge often exude a carnival atmosphere; pick
in the luxurious shopping experience up a vintage piece in Camden Market
provided by the stores on Regent Street, or browse for bric-a-brac or handmade
where ultramodern shops sit comfortably jewellery on legendary Portobello Road.

When to Shop How to Pay Rights and Services
In London, standard opening Most stores and retail chains On a defective purchase, you
hours are from 10am to 5:30 accept all major credit cards, usually get a refund, if proof of
or 6pm, Monday to Saturday. including MasterCard, purchase is produced and the
Sundays and public holidays American Express, Diners goods are returned. This isn’t
see shorter trading hours, Club, Japanese Credit Bureau always the case with sales
usually from 11am and Visa. However, smaller goods, so check the store policy.
to 4pm or 12pm independent shops Most large stores, and some
to 5pm. Many stores may take Visa and small ones, will pack goods
across the city, MasterCard only, up for you and send them
however, operate and street market anywhere in the world.
longer hours from stalls often do not
Monday to Saturday; have card payment VAT Exemption
some in Oxford facilities, so it is
Street and Covent Bags from two of the most always worth carry- VAT (Value Added Tax) is a sales
Garden, for example, famous West End shops ing cash or keeping tax of 20%, which is charged
open before 10am an eye out for an on virtually all goods sold in
and close their doors at 9pm. ATM. Most shops no longer Britain. The exceptions are
Street market opening times accept payment by personal books, some food and children’s
vary: some may operate daily cheque, and their use is likely clothes. VAT is mostly included
whereas others will only set up to be phased out completely in the advertised or marked
once a week (see pp335–7 for by 2018. Some major stores price, although busi ness
details of specific markets). accept Euros. suppliers, including some
stationers and electrical goods
shops, often charge separately.
Non-European Union visitors
to Britain who stay no longer
than three months may claim
back VAT. If you plan to do so,
carry your passport when shop-
ping. You must complete a form
in the store when you buy the
goods and then give a copy to
Customs when leaving the
country. The tax refund may be
returned by cheque or refunded
to your credit card (though
there may be a service charge
for the latter). Most stores have
a minimum purchase threshold
(often £50 or £75). If you
arrange to have your goods
shipped directly home from the
store, VAT should be deducted
Harrods’ elaborate Edwardian tiled food hall before you pay.

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