Europe is high on the list of avid travellers thanks to a number of reasons. The diverse culture, amazing architecture and limitless adventures are just the tips of the iceberg 🥰 It is also quickly becoming a haven for luxury shopping. With amazing deals treasured within beautiful boutiques, it’s no wonder Europe also happens to be one of the best-dressed continents in the world!
How is it cheaper?
Quite simply: VAT refunds for NON-EU citizensFor non-EU citizens shopping in Europe, savings can still be considered though as they will be eligible for a tax refund. Bear in mind that currency exchange rates, varying tax amounts, service fees, and any import duties the respective countries may have will affect the overall price paid, and in turn, money saved.
Deals on designers – Spilling the tea!
Credit: giphyDue to the number of variables involved, it’s difficult to tell exactly which country is the cheapest to buy from so it’s still best to do your research and make the necessary calculations closer to the time of travel for a real idea of figures.I can, however, spill the tea on where you are guaranteed to find some of the best prices ☺️ The keyword to remember is LUXURY and so it’s almost an abomination to use cheap in the same sentence: let’s stick to BEST DEALS. The main idea is that you can save a lot of money by shopping at the right places! Please don’t expect me to uncover a $10 Chanel bag - that’s one type of magic I just can’t do 🥲
Waltzing into flagship stores like the Champs Elysees to pick out beautiful leather goods as your gorgeous heels grace the perfectly polished floor is a bag lover’s dream. However, these iconic stores, including Louis Vuitton are also infamous for their queues, bustling with keen customers buying right up to their allowed quotas. Staff are often very busy and so unless you know exactly what you want, purchases can feel quite rushed and the experience can be somewhat underwhelming!For a less hectic experience, try Avenue Montaigne or the Galleries Lafayette. To avoid buyer’s remorse on any big purchases, do as much research beforehand and if you are after something in particular, remember you can always call boutiques in advance to check if your desired item is in stock and for an up-to-date price which you can then go on to compare.P.S: Galleries Lafayette is part of our 9D8N Paris itinerary!
Credit:Mathieu Lebreton on FlickrStores like Le Bon Marché in Paris will actually give you your VAT refund on-site, which is handy and genius on their part, seeing as you will most likely put that money right back into their economy!
Credit: Sandra Dewi on FacebookYou are more likely to find the best prices on French brands in France, and Italian ones in Italy. So whilst gallivanting through boutiques in Paris, keep an eye out for deals on the likes of Givenchy, Chanel, YSL and Louboutin.
Of course, this is not a hard and fast rule, but hopefully it helps give you some direction. La Vallee Village is an outlet mall on the outskirts of the city packed with amazing Parisian style at discounted prices. For the ultimate shopping experience, check out these brands that are cheaper in Paris than back home!
If you are looking to save up to 30-40% off store prices, outlets are the one for you! Burberry has a few brilliant spots in the UK including Bicester Village and the Burberry Factory Shop in London. The latter is getting more and more popular by the day as it is a mere bus ride from central London. The tidy and spacious shop offers an overall enjoyable shopping experience.
Like most outlets, expect to find slightly out of season stock from official stores, particularly outerwear, jeans and shoes as opposed to handbags and accessories. Don’t rule these out completely though, you just never know! A bit of a tip, try calling the store in advance to find out when they are expecting their next delivery and be there as soon as they open so you can get first dibs and hopefully land a brilliant bargain. Good luck! And for more affordable buys, check out these brands that are cheaper in London than back home.
The largest outlet mall in Europe, Designer Outlet Serravalle is a short drive from Milan boasting hundreds of high to medium end brands. Besides Saint Laurent, Versace, D&G and Robert Cavalli are also some of the top brands you can find with a potential discount of 30-50%. And if you’re lucky, maybe even up to 70%!
Nestled in the beautiful hills of Tuscany, The Mall is an upscale outlet bursting with both Italian and non-Italian brands. Each brand has its own beautifully presented expansive store. There is free onsite parking and a chic café with a gorgeous rooftop view. Get ready to spend an entire day shopping as you scout for amazing deals, including 50% off original prices and impeccable quality. Gucci’s factory outlet is at The Mall and new clothes and accessories are shipped in every day?! Their stock is occasionally out of season and The Mall can get very busy with tourists, so be prepared for the hustle and bustle.
Credit: Cindy Style by Fabiola Aliu on FacebookAlthough it is an outlet, it is still designer brands with designer prices. Remember that word ‘cheap’? Yeah, we left that at the start of this article? You can expect to find Moncler, Ferragamo, Valentino, Versace and TODS, just to name a few.
Credit: Designer Outlet Roermond on FacebookDesigner outlet Roermond is located just 20 minutes from the border with Germany and is possibly one of the most visited outlets in the entire area (not surprising since they might offer up to 70% off designer goods!). Expect to find spacious stores and a great variety of products including current season designs. Popular brands here include Prada, Zegna, Tag Heuer watches, Mulberry, Kipling and many more.
Credit: Brown Thomas on FacebookThe home-grown luxury department store Brown Thomas is located on the colourfully commercial, Grafton Street. Housing a wonderful selection of luxury brands, very friendly staff and exquisitely put-together displays, this is easily one of Ireland's more popular spots for leisurely shopping. Brand lovers have reported having enjoyed up to 20-50% off luxury names during sale seasons, and were just as excited about the outstanding customer service they received.
Again, thanks to tax relief, non-EU shoppers can save considerably all year round on brands like Hermes. Always remember to take your passport to qualify for the refund and check with the store beforehand if you are looking for something in particular.
8. CELINE in Paris
Lucky for you, there are 3 designer stores that stock up on the chic brand! Head to the LaVallée Village which is a group of 110 outlet stores located right next to Disneyland Paris if you're in the area, or Avenue Montaigne for that luxe Champs Elysee experience minus the pushing, shoving and hectic crowd, or the world's first department store, the Le Bon Marche, for a classy experience.
9. Dior in Paris
Having pioneered groundbreaking womenswear looks since the 1940s that balance masculine elements with a feminine touch,Dior has continued to showcase a feminine silhouette even while keeping up with the trends. Whether you're carrying a LadyDior bag or using one of their signature scents, you're sure to make a strong and elegant statement! You can check out their flagship store at Paris Champs-Élysées. There are also several outlets located across Paris.
10. POLÈNE in Paris
This new designer brand is getting popular in the past few years. It's affordable luxury with its top-end leather goods. It's based in Paris and they currently only have one store there! You can check out their Paris store at 69, rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris, open every day from 11am to 7.30pm.
11. Loewe in Spain
Loewe bags are very trendy and popular among women. The Amazona, Flamenco, and Puzzle bags are some of the iconic and recognisable bags on the market. Loewe may not be as popular as Louis Vuitton or Dior, but the brand has unique and modern handbags with an aesthetic that makes most shoppers pay any price to own one. As it's a Spanish brand, Loewe is cheaper to buy in Spain than in other European countries. You'll get more bargains worth your money if you opt for a few seasons old Loewe items. There are a few Loewe stores in Spain, but we recommend going to the new CASA LOEWE Madrid.
So, which European country is the cheapest for luxury brands?
Prices for luxury goods across European countries are more or less the same; the main variant is the VAT which is partly refunded before you depart from your last European destination. But do remember to check rates closer to the time of travel for a better idea of actual prices. Seeing as savings across the continent is likely to be nominal, pick a destination which ticks all your other boxes too. I mean, surely you will be travelling for more than just retail therapy – right??And if that’s not enough shopping for you, here’s another list of the 7 best places for luxury shopping in Europe! Go shop till you drop! We know we definitely would 😍
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