Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GLASGOW
SHOPPING
After London, the capital of the U.K. and a city at
least 10 times its size, Glasgow brags about having
the second-most retail space in all of the U.K. (Bir-
mingham begs to differ). Whatever the fact, Glasgow is a
true shopping mecca in Scotland and, apparently, a reason
for people to visit from northern England, too, as Glasgow's
Buchanan Street is closer to them than London's Oxford
Street.
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The mainstream area for retail therapy in Glasgow is defined by the
predominantly pedestrian zones of Argyle, Buchanan, and Sauchiehall
streets, which join together and form a Z shape right in the heart of the
city. But for more unique shops and fashions, it pays to venture into
Merchant City and the West End. And perhaps the city's most unique
shopping experience is at the flea-market-like stalls at the weekend Bar-
ras market in the East End.
THE SHOPPING SCENE
Glaswegians are notorious shoppers and their taste for labels is reflected
in the range of shops across the city center. For quirkier finds, go into
Merchant City and the West End, which has a growing number of hip
and boutique outlets.
Best Buys
Among the retail goods that are high-quality
and
priced competitively are
fine
wool knits,
particularly cashmere. Goods produced within the
country (with the exception of whisky, which is taxed as heavily as all
alcoholic products) should be less expensive than outside the U.K.: From
smoked salmon
and
shortbread
to
tweed
and
Caithness glass
.
Finally, given the number of artists in the country, getting an original
piece of
art
to take home might represent the most value for your money.
Shopping Complexes
Princes Square
(Buchanan St.;
&
0141/204-1685;
www.princes
square.co.uk) is the city's most stylish and upmarket shopping center.
