Glasgow is the second largest retail center in the UK, outside of London. The vibrant shopping district in the heart of the city is focused around the pedestrianized areas of Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street.
Argyll Arcade, one of Britain’s oldest covered shopping arcades, built in 1827, is home to many jewelry shops, while the
Buchanan Galleries is one of Britain’s largest city center retail projects with outlets such as
Mango, Gap and
John Lewis. Other highlights include the refurbished
St Enoch Center, the
Designer Exchange, off Royal Exchange
Square, and
Princes Square, set in a renovated 1841 square.
The Merchant City area and the West End have a wealth of unique bookshops, antique stores and second-hand clothing emporia. The
Barras (the open-air street market between Gallowgate and London Road in the East End) is open for business at the weekend, 1000-1700, for the sale of antiques, bric-à-brac, clothing, food, CDs, books and just about anything a shopaholic could think of.
Popular ‘traditional’ purchases include woolens, tartan scarves and kilts, Celtic jewelry, golfing equipment and, of course, whisky. Articles with art nouveau ‘Mackintosh’ motifs are a stylish alternative. The
Whisky Shop in Buchanan Galleries has a comprehensive collection of fine malts as well as other liqueurs and whisky-flavored souvenirs and gifts.
In general, shops are open Monday to Saturday 0900-1730/1800. Many shops are open later on Thursday and most of the larger chain stores are open on Sunday.
A Value Added Tax (VAT) of 17.5% is included in the price of many goods. Under the Retail Export Scheme, overseas visitors can obtain tax relief on goods if leaving the country for destinations outside the EU. A form should be obtained at the time of purchase and submitted to the customs authority at the point of departure.
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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