Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EDINBURGH
SHOPPING
Edinburgh may not have the shopping status of
Glasgow, a city with a large appetite for the latest
styles, but the Scottish capital does have a well-
rounded selection of newfangled boutiques, souvenir
shops, and traditional department stores, such as the clas-
sic Jenners. With the addition a few years ago of the fash-
ionista's favorite, Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh is certainly
starting to challenge its more trend-conscious counterpart
to the west.
10
New Town's
Princes Street
is a primary shopping artery, with leading
department stores, such as Marks & Spencer, major bookshops, and
plenty of tourist tat. For the posher shops, such as Cruise or Laura Ash-
ley,
George Street
tops the lot. For tourists, Old Town's
Royal Mile
is
the place to find Scottish souvenirs, whether you're looking for tartan or
whisky. If you're from a country outside the EU, take along your passport
when you go shopping in case you make a purchase that entitles you to
a
VAT (value-added tax)
refund.
THE SHOPPING SCENE
Edinburgh used to be the poorer relation to Glasgow when it came to
shopping, particularly in the realm of fashion and boutique clothing. Less
distance separates them now, though, as Edinburgh's style credentials are
on the up. For visitors from abroad, prices in the U.K. may seem high.
But after a few years when the pound was strong relative to the U.S. dol-
lar and the euro, the currency has fallen in strength.
Best Buys
Although you may find a bargain at the tourist-oriented shops along the
Royal Mile, the more unique gifts are to be found at the shops in the
city's various national galleries or in the Museum of Scotland. See chap-
ter 8, “Exploring Edinburgh,” for addresses and phone numbers of galler-
ies and museums.
