To begin your shopping experience it is essential that you stop at Burberrys which is located in 165 Reagent Street. This brand which is world famous for its tartan inspired clothing and accessories is pricey. For those with smaller pockets the store is still worth a visit – because it has an authentic British feel to it that you don’t get in very many shops.

No trip to London is complete without a Trip to Harrod’s of Knightsbridge. You will find this brown hued shop at No 87-135. On your way in to the shop do marvel at the amazing window dressing. This is the shop where you can buy anything – which includes elephants! Luxury brands of every kind fill the shop spaces. The architecture of the interior is inspired by Egypt courtesy of its current owner. Don’t forget to buy the wonderful Harrods Insignia Chocolates which you can find in Chocolate section. There is an amazing food court which encompasses foods from around the world and simply amazing sea food. Do also drop by the Princess Diana memorial on the lower ground floor.

When in London you MUST also visit Oxford street, which is a two mile stretch that has everything from clothing to kitchen sinks. The legendary Nike stores and Virgin Mega store should be visited. Selfridges is a must visit place due to the sheer style and elegance of the shop. Selfridges ( at 400 oxford street) which is a rather large department store is also one with a little history which doesn’t shy away from being modern. Do stop by – you won’t be disappointed. The highlight of Oxford street though is at Christmas when the lights come up, then this is truly London’s best stop.

Not everyone is satisfied by the high street culture of Oxford street and the place for anyone with an original inkling to head to is Carnaby Street. Here there are plenty of boutiques that have been inspired by the mod brigade. True eclecticism is mixed with style and you get products here that you can find no where else in the world. It’s a show case of modern Britain! So do head to Carnaby Street.

Camden Market is for those with a thirst for ethnic goods and food. You will enjoy the sheer color of the street. There are some amazing antiques to be found here. Don’t also forget to check out the exotic perfumes on offer. You will have a wonderful time just being here.

These are some of the best places to shop at London – it truly is a shopper’s paradise.

It is a pleasure having you read my articles. Do head over to Tour London City for information London. We have loads of information on London Accommodation and London Attractions

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If you can’t find it here you won’t find it anywhere! The main shopping areas of Central London are found in the West End. This area includes Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street and Covent Garden.

Oxford Street is definitely the main shopping street of the whole city and is an excellent starting point. Many chain stores host their flagship store on this street such as Selfridges, the UK’s 2nd largest department store; John Lewis, the UK’s 3rd largest department store; and others such as Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Zavvi, House of Fraser, Topshop and Primark.

Half way down Oxford Street, the street is intersected by Regent Street and this area is called Oxford Circus. The shops found here include Nike Town, H&M, Topshop/Topman, United Colors of Benetton and Miss Selfridge.

Regent Street stretches from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus. On this street you can visit Hamley’s which has 6 storeys of toy store! Formerly the worlds biggest toy store, this is definitely the place to pick up that must have toy for your little loved ones. Another shop found on Regent Street is the London Apple Store, which is the largest one in the world.

At Piccadilly Circus there is another Zavvi store on the site where there used to be Tower Records.

Bond Street runs parallel, and to the west, of Regent Street. Here you will find some of the world’s most luxurious designer stores such as Cartier, D&G, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Versace.

Located away from the West End and situated in Knightsbridge is Harrods located on Brompton street. The second biggest shopping store in the world after Macy’s in New York. Harrods occupies a site of 18,000 m2 and contains over 300 departments! Harrods motto is ‘Omnia Omnibus Ubique’ – All Things for All People.

Also located in Knightsbridge you can find Harvey Nichols, which caters for a younger crowd though its designer gear tends to be more expensive.

Other shops found on Sloane Street, around the corner from Knightsbridge, include Christian Dior, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Armani, Alberta Ferretti, Nicole Fahri and Katharine Hamnett.

Kensington High Street in the main shopping street of Kensington and is essentially a smaller and less crowded version of Oxford Street. Located on this street you can fins such shops as Karen Millen, Monsoon, Gap, H&M, Ann Summers, Laura Ashey and a few others.

The one downside to this immense range of options is that you won’t find too many bargains as this is one of the more expensive places to shop in England, especially if you have been unfortunate with the exchange rate to Sterling.

Getting to the Shopping Districts of Central London

If you are driving in from Heathrow Airport then it a simple matter of heading out of the airport and onto the M4. Follow it directly into the heart of the city, as it becomes the A4, turn left at Piccadilly Circus and you will be driving up Regent Street with access to all the West End Shopping Streets. This route will also take you directly through Knightsbridge, so no need for any turn offs.

For Kensington, you will need to turn left onto Warwick Road after you have past through Hammersmith and then right onto Kensington High Street.

Parking in the Shopping Districts of Central London

For the above shopping streets, there are a number of car parks you can avail of. Parking on the streets on Sundays is free, but if you are staying overnight be sure to move your car before the wardens are out at around 7:30am.

For the West End, you will find the Oxford Street Car Park located just off the street in Cavendish Square. Parking costs £5 for the first hour and is £32 for a 24-hour period. To the north of this one there is Harley Car Park on Queen Anne Mews, where parking is £5 for the first hour and is £30 for a 24-hour period.

There is also Soho Car Park, on Poland Street which branches off Oxford Street. Parking costs £5.50 for the first hour and is £36 for a 24-hour period, though there is also a £14 over night option (enter after 18:00 and leave before 9:00).

For Knightsbridge and Kensington, you will find the Knightsbridge Car Park on Kinnerton Street which is located just to the south of Knightsbridge Street and can be accessed from Sloane Road. Parking costs £3.50 for the first hour and is £33 for a 24-hour period.

A car can be a blessing or a curse in the city, driving in the city centre can be ‘interesting’ but the luggage space of even a small car can be very helpful especially when you are doing a lot of shopping.

Mairead Foley writes for http://www.Novacarhire.com/ where you can book car hire at airports, ferry ports, rail stations, cities and towns all over the world.

Visit Novacarhire.com for all you need to know before you take to the roads in London, like where to go and what to see with your car hire. Book your Car hire Heathrow Airport now

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Seems like a lot to hang on a luxury gift doesn’t it? However, the key word here is ‘luxury’. This isn’t just any old gift because we’ve been invited to a dinner party or because its great aunt Silvie’s birthday and we feel obliged. A luxury gift is usually chosen so that you can express the value that person has to you. This is why it’s important to get it right, along with the fact that if you are going to pay out for a gift of this caliber you want to make sure they enjoy it.

Top London stores are picking up on the hole in this market and, as such, are implementing ways of helping their customers chose the perfect luxury gift by dedicating whole departments to the process. Now this sounds like a way to while away an afternoon but I defy you to not come out with something for yourself too!

Harrods have recently opened their ‘gift and object’ room on the second floor of their Knightsbridge store. Stocking top brands such as Lladro, Jay Strongwater, Halcyon Days and others there will be a gift here to suit anyone.

If you want to check out Harrods competition, try Selfridges ‘Wonder Room’. Departments within departments to help narrow down your selection, you can choose from jewellery, fine wine and food, sunglasses, mobile phones or their innovative Concept store. The Concept Store is an area of Selfridges that stocks luxury gifts with a difference. From the quirky and unusual curiosities that you would never have dreamt of to fun, innovative and eclectic pieces that you simply know will be perfect for that special person in your life.

Jewellery is not such a cop out as you might think when it comes to giving someone a luxury gift. Gold, diamonds, platinum or silver from designers such as Dodo, Hermes, Kojis or Theo Fennell will turn up a completely unique piece that will be both stunning and perfect for your loved one. Sunglasses aren’t your average present but I, for one, would be grateful to receive some Prada shades encrusted with diamonds set on a precious metal frame. Not the usual treat that you would get for yourself which makes them an ideal gift idea.

Watches are something that people often buy each other. This is not only a way of timekeeping but the watch you give says something about you and what you think of the receiver. A top quality watch that reflects that persons personality, whether it be simple and stylish, contemporary or bedecked with jewels will be a gift to be treasured for life.

Wine and food are not something that many think of giving as a luxury gift but they are often well received. The average food shop will consist of the average food. To treat someone to the luxuries of food that they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves is pretty special as is purchasing them some decent wine. Wine buffs will always appreciate an addition to their collection, particularly if it’s something a little bit special. But how do you know what is special? Well, if you visit one of the in-store luxury gift departments, they will be able to help and advice to make sure you get it just right.

Expert buyer Catherine Harvey looks at the choice of Luxury gifts on the market today. To find out more please visit http://www.chronolux.com/catalog/

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Among the department stores here are two of London’s best: John Lewis, “never knowingly undersold”, and Selfridges, a temple to consumerism.

You get two bites at Marks & Spencer, but go to the Marble Arch Branch: their flagship shop often has things you’d be lucky to find elsewhere. Stock up on home entertainment at Virgin Megastore or HMV – HMV’s outlet at No.150 is the largest music shop in Europe.

Oxford Street scores highly for “throwaway fashion”. H&M, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, Warehouse and Zara keep one another keen. (After H&M came out with a Stella McCartney range, Topshop signed Kate Moss to design a collection.) And there are numerous shoe shops, including the funky Shelley’s on the southeast corner of Oxford Circus.

One of the street’s delights is the Japanese Muji store at No 187. Its mix of household items, stationery, accessories and gifts utilises natural materials and simple design, all at reasonable prices.

Deviate to the top of Regent Street, south of Oxford Circus, to take in the serene Apple Store and bewitching Hamleys – six exciting floors of toys including bespoke teddy bears made while you watch

For more details about Oxford Street visit http://www.guidedtourlondon.com/oxfordstreet.html For more details about London, England visit http://www.guidedtourlondon.com

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Let’s assume you’re visiting London for just a few days. Doesn’t it make sense to go to one of the city’s famous department stores where you’ll find everything under one roof?

Here’s an essential guide to London’s best stores, written by a Londoner:

Harrods

Everybody has heard of Harrods!  It’s like a playground which you can happily get lost in for hours.  I especially recommend the Food Hall – try an authentic Italian “gelato” if you really want to spoil yourself.  Although Harrods can be expensive it’s always great fun, even just to window-shop!

Liberty

Liberty became famous for dressmaking but is actually a general department store. It is not all that well-organised as a store but that is actually part of its charm. The homewares department is particularly attractive. The store is right in the centre of London near Regent Street.

Selfridges

Selfridges is heaven for the fashion-conscious and all those who want to browse their favourite designer brands under one roof. The store’s window displays on Oxford Street are always a spectacle.  Selfridges is also known for its special events and exhibitions which change every season. Watch out too for the famous Selfridges sales.

Harvey Nichols

This store is a haunt of London’s jetset, known as the “Sloane Rangers” or the “ladies who lunch”…you’ll see them with their fancy handbags on the 5th Floor Café!  Harvey Nichols has almost 130 years of history and is especially highly-rated for beauty items and fashion accessories.

Fortnum & Mason

One of the best stores in London to buy gifts and souvenirs, especially edible items like teas (hundreds of varieties), chocolate and those famous English preserves.  Sample some of its mouthwatering delights (including a traditional English breakfast) in the store’s restaurants.  Fortnum & Mason is famous for its amazing hampers: you can take one with you to one of London’s fabulous Royal Parks!

That completes our quick round-up of London’s best stores: happy shopping!

Where in London should you stay to experience shopping heaven? That’s answered in this free guide to London’s best hotels for shopping. The author also provides free real-time London tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rajul_Chande

An even more unlikely occurrence is the availability in high street stores apart from those specifically geared towards adult products.

All this appears to be changing. Selfridges, a large department store in London, will be the first to stock a traction device aimed at increasing penis size.

The Wow Willy is the brand name of the medically approved and clinically trialled Andro Penis extender from Andro Medical. Husband and wife run Harley Fit have patented the Wow Willy brand and will be the first company to stock a penis enlargement traction device in a store that has a family oriented customer base.

This is major breakthrough for the penis enlargement industry.

In an industry diluted with highly suspicious products with less than credible credentials the Wow Willy has science and clinical evidence on its side. The Andro Penis, to which the Wow Willy is a branded version carries the CE mark of approval for safety and is classed as a medical device type 1.

It is the penis enlargement pills, patches and oils and herbal based ingestible products that throw the serious and more importantly, effective method s of penis enlargements into doubt.

Penis traction is thought to be the number one most effective method to enlarge a penis outside of surgery. Penis surgery potentially offers a quicker reward but also is very expensive and can also lead to permanent damage or disfigurement on what is mans most valuable bodily asset.

50% of penile cosmetic surgical procedures are successful, but it is the other 50% where the concern lies.

Wow Willy’s newly appointed sales manager Jojo Kovacs recently described his unique marketing approach in an interview conducted by Metro London, a popular newspaper with the city’s commuters. “I will just walk up to a gentlemen in the vicinity and ask him … do you have a small penis” This tactic is sure to be met with high degree of approval from casual male shoppers.

This does though rather beg question, is the subject of penis enlargement better off left in the anonymity of the internet. Certain products are subject to the embarrassment factor – penis enlargement is certainly one of those. The Wow Willy will go on sale later in 2009. Read the Wow Willy review.

Tony Jay writes for http://www.mypenisenlargement.co.uk/ a penis enlargement and male enhancement resource highlighting the effective methods of penis enlargement from the dubious.

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When was the last time someone came into your business, or called on the phone, or better yet emailed you with a throbbing case of the nasties? Our business is located just outside of the city with a bus stop in front. We also own several niche market web sites. Do you suppose we get our share of interesting characters?

Somehow, this philosophy/policy of, “The customer is always right” has been branded into the consumer’s psyche and repeatedly shoved in the face of business owners, managers, and employees. Having worked in Law Enforcement for several years, we’re taught by our instructors and leaders to consider “the spirit of the law” versus “the letter of the law.” These considerations dictate whether or not the cop is going to give you a ticket for going 5 miles over the speed limit. If we’re to follow the “letter of the law,” we’re going to go by the book each and every time without exception. It’s the “spirit” that allows us discretion to listen to a creative story of how your lover caught you with your spouse again and “thank God you’re here to protect me, Officer… and that’s why I was speeding. I was trying to get away!”

Shouldn’t we, as business owners and managers, have that same option of discretion when a less than reasonable customer approaches chanting that misguided mantra? Now, of course, this is not to say that we should not recognize our positions as “authority figures” and practice a higher degree of professionalism, diplomacy, and tact. All of which are vital to your business. Professionalism is the difference between giving the appearance of genuine concern, and wrapping your knuckles on someone’s forehead to see if anybody’s home. Diplomacy is being able to give your customer the perception that you owe them, and have provided them with, an apology by stating something to the affect of, “I’m sorry you feel that our policy has inconvenienced you.” instead of actually apologizing and admitting fault for something that your company is righteous in maintaining. Tact is being able to tell your customer that it appears that your (policy, sign, product, etc.) was simply misunderstood without having to tell him/her that they’re a complete moron.

Now, I’m also not condoning never admitting fault or accepting responsibility for genuine wrongs and doing everything within your ability to correct them. And there are schools of thought that strictly forbid admitting fault. Their mantra? “Better to ask forgiveness than permission.” However, by the very nature of such an absolute statement such as, “The customer is always right,” provides people, who for no other reason but a sense of entitlement, a free pass to come into your business with the expectation that they’re going to be able to conduct themselves however they wish. This includes treating you and/or your employees with utter disrespect and rudeness. As a result, our employee attrition rate is relatively low because we allow them the discretion of practicing professionalism, diplomacy, and tact.

Fortunately, most of our clientele allow us the opportunity to provide them with genuine friendly service and resolve any issues with a mutually beneficial outcome. Unfortunately, every once in a while, you come across a customer, who no matter what extraordinary efforts you deploy to appease, is simply unreasonable. With that, you must then make an executive decision and these are just a few questions that should be considered in rapid-fire succession almost immediately. Is this customer worth keeping? How adversely will kicking him in the pants affect my business? Am I able to resolve this issue with little impact on my business or bank account? Am I going to diminish my employee’s sense of empowerment and/or sense of dignity by overturning their reasonable decision? I’m sure there are other considerations that you’re likely to make, but these are the very minimum.

Incidentally, the person responsible for us having to endure the phrase, “The customer is always right.” was a gentleman by the name of H Gordon Selfridge. Mr. Selfridge was the founder of Selfridge’s Department Stores widely known across the United Kingdom. Perhaps Mr. Selfridge was stuck in the “letter of the law,” as he died insane and bankrupt. Food for thought.

“Is the Customer Always Right” article authored by John R Valente of http://www.IndieRetailer.com

John Valente is co-founder of IndieRetailer.com, a search engine, resource center, and blog specifically designed for the independent retail industry. John, and wife Jennifer are independent retailers who have owned and operated a brick and mortar store as well as several websites that include [http://www.fantasticfelines.com], http://www.AromatherapyCandle.com, CaliforniaEbooks.com, and CreativeOutsourceGroup.com to name a few since 1998.

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The main culprits by far are store cards where interest rates are as high as 30.9% – even though the Bank of England’s base rate stands at just 4.5%. The worst culprits were TJ Hughes and the Faith Card followed by Owen & Owen. You can find them heading the Table of Shame shown below in this article.

The commission has also come down on high penalty charges for missed or late payments and Payment Protection Insurance. Average penalty charges are currently £15 per event – but the Commission is also right to argue that these charges are excessive.

As for Payment Protection Insurance, the Commission has joined the consumer body “Which”, the National Consumer Council and indeed the Financial Services Authority in concluding that whilst this insurance can be a good idea, credit card operators have abused it. The Commission has therefore decreed that Payment Protection Insurance must no longer be sold in a combined package with a credit card; it must always be purchased as a separate stand alone transaction. That’ll be good news for the Internet where many of the cheapest Payment Protection Insurance deals can be found. With premium savings of up to 60% in comparison with credit card and loan packed arrangements, business on the Internet will flourish.

So what do the new rules from the Competition Commission say? The five main changes are:

• If a credit card charges more than 25% interest, it must carry a prominent warning that there are cheaper ways to borrow. This warnings must be displayed on every monthly statement.

• The interest rate and penalty charges must me clearly displayed on the front page of each monthly statement.

• The monthly statement must warn of the consequences in terms of higher interest charges, of just paying the minimum monthly repayment.

• Credit Cards must offer every customer the option of automatically clearing their monthly balance each month by direct debit. These direct debits would avoid any possibility of interest charges and late payment penalties.

• Credit Card operators must not sell Payment Protection Insurance in a combined package with credit cards. The insurance must be sold as a separate and optional transaction that enable purchasers to see the true cost.

These new rules seem destined to shame retailers into slashing their charges – that’s not to say that 25% pa interest is a snip! Main line credit cards issued by banks are currently charging around 14% to 18% and we think that’s too high!

Indeed, between 80% and 90% of store cards held by some 11.5 million customers charge more than 25%. But some retailers have jumped the gun realising that their sky-high charges couldn’t last forever. Three store cards have already taken steps to trim back. Harvey Nichols has cut their interest from 28.5% to 21.9%, River Island has trimmed down from 29.9% to17.9% and Monsoon from 29.9% to 18.9%.

But who are the bad boys? Here is our Table of Shame:

TJ Hughes 30.9%

Faith Card 30.9%

Owen & Owen 30.7%

Burtons 29.9%

Dorothy Perkins 29.9%

East 29.9%

Evans 29.9%

HMV 29.9%

JD Sports 29.9%

Kwik Fit 29.9%

La Senza 29.9%

Laura Ashley 29.9%

Miss Selfridge 29.9%

Russell & Bromley 29.9%

Ted baker 29.9%

Topshop/Topmam 29.9%

Wallis 29.9%

Warehouse 29.9%

House of Frazer 29.3%

Bhs Gold Card 29.0%

Habitat 29.0%

Oasis 29.0%

Harrods 28.9%

Fenwicks 27.9%

Selfridges 27.6%

Bentalls 27.2%

Jaeger 27.1%

B&Q 26.8%

French Connection 26.8%

Argos 25.9%

Homebase 25.9%

New Look 25.9%

Note: Some of these cards do offer lower interest rates for payment by Direct Debits. Source: Competition Commission/Moneyfacts March 2006

These credit cards are operated by a number of large finance companies, the largest being GE Capital the American giant. The profits are shared between the card operator and the retailer who is often incentivised by being awarded a higher share of the profit if they hit certain key debt thresholds. This has encouraged stores to put immense pressure on shoppers to take cards out.

The Chairman of the House of Commons Treasury Committee, John McFall has accused retailers of putting profit before customers saying “If you buy a suit from one of the stores then you would expect the retailer to ensure that it was well made and reasonably priced. These principles do not seem to apply to their store cards”.

Let’s all hope that the action taken by the Competition Committee does the trick!

Michael Challiner writes finance articles exclusively for Brokers Online who offer Life Insurance Cover and many other UK financial services including Credit Cards .

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Simon Carter has enjoyed a steady stream of success with his distinctive styling and continues to anticipate consumer demands, which is part and parcel of maintaining his reputation as a premier British fashion designer. In the 80’s and 90’s he introduced fresh and exciting designs that revolutionised the men’s accessories market, which had long been stagnant.

His company began selling pewter brooches for men but really found its niche when it began selling cufflinks. He combined in his designs semi precious stones, complimented by other organic materials like Paua shell from the far away shores of New Zealand. Symmetrically divided by thin strips of metal they resemble art deco architectural embellishments, while other designs maintain more simple form using cat’s eye in subtle pastel colours of blues and pinks.

In the mid-1990s the company opened its own showroom and shop in London’s West End. International sales also began to take off, with agents appointed to sell Simon Carter products in the U.S., Canada, Japan and Australia. Today, the accessories (which include watches, cufflinks, ties, luggage, small leather goods and pens) are carried in some of the most exclusive department stores and independent retailers in 35 countries around the world, including Selfridges, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Takashimaya, Bloomingdales and David Jones.

Early 2002 saw Simon Carter branch out to include a menswear line. From the start, the range proved very popular and the collection is now stocked in House of Fraser, Selfridges, Moss Bros, Fenwicks, Brown Thomas (Ireland), GB Place (Japan) and David Jones (Australia).

Dressing The West Ham Football team and actor Will Smith propelled him onto the intentional stage. Other windows of opportunity opened more recently when, Simon Carter signed a clothing and franchise agreement for Japan with Japanese company, BBS. The five year deal covers designing, manufacturing and distribution of a clothing range in Japan and the opening of stand-alone stores in Tokyo and Osaka.

Simon’s boldness in the face of conservatism has been the hallmark of his success. He took notice of customers’ demands and responded accordingly. Subsequently, of course, he enjoys strong sales and continuing growth. Fortunately he is not alone, Simon is complimented by other well known English brand names like Paul Smith, Ian Flaherty, Fred Bennett, Duchamp, Babbette Wasserman and many more who provide healthy competition, plus the choice and variety that has been lacking for so many years.

Now we wait in great anticipation for the next range of designer cufflinks

If you would like to learn some interesting historic anecdotes about the evolution of style and fashion follow this link http://patrickmcmurraysfashionaccessories.blogspot.com

If you would like to see some stunning silk ties, cufflinks, belts and wallets, follow this link http://www.patrickmcmurray.com

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