And so it follows that post-Christmas brings the traditional ‘January sales’, aka the best shopping bargains of the year, bar none! With stomachs still bursting with enough cake to sink a ship, we’ll venture out with millions of others to brave the weather/elbows/queues in order to bag an awesome bargain – welcome to sale shopping in the UK!
London City – Welcome to sale shopping heaven, aka London! Possibly the hottest spot to secure some seriously cool deals. From the biggest brands, to highstreet stores, to the quirky markets – the UK’s capital is awash with red sale signs throughout January. The biggest and most prestigious is undoubtedly the event held by Harrods in Knightsbridge – after all, they’ve been trading since 1834 so know a thing or two about seasonal sales! Harrods will slice up to 50% off many luxury goods, and elsewhere in the capital, Selfridge & Co will reduce their fashion ranges by up 75% and Regent Street’s Liberty will carve up to 60% off their luxurious furniture and fabrics. Many sales kick off a few days before Christmas (perfect for last minute present buying) although Boxing Day is usually the first full sale day. The hotly anticipated Fortnum and Mason sale runs from 28 December 2013 with sumptuous giftware, accessories and kitchen ware on offer at up to 50% off.
Westfield, London – As you’d expect from of the biggest shopping malls in the UK, Westfield London really goes to town, come sale season. There are 345 retailers within this mall so expect bargains galore, with most of the stores offering hefty discounts. The sales starts on Boxing Day for keen bargain hunters. All the high street favourites are here: Topshop, French Connection, Debenhams, Hollister, River Island, HMV and so much more.
Glasgow – All eyes will be on Glasgow in 2014 what with the impending Commonwealth Games and the glorious ‘Style Mile’. The area between both Buchanan Street and Argyle Street is dubbed Scotland’s Style Mile and is packed with stores and boutiques selling fashion, accessories, footwear, home wear… the list is endless. And with sales running across the large-scale malls, quaint boutiques and big-label designer shops – there are some serious bargains to be had here!
Brighton – Head to England’s south coast for some quirky sale shopping, courtesy of stylish Brighton and Hove. There’s something for all tastes too; from the abundance of factory outlet stores, to the North Laine area brimming with preloved and retro goodies, to the markets held each weekend.
Cardiff – The capital city of Wales is probably best known as the location of Doctor Who but come sale time, you’ll not find any monsters here – just reams of seasonal deals. From independent shops to high street chain stores, to the newly opened St David’s mall, you’ll be in your element here.
Manchester – Home to some of the biggest names in fashion outside of the capital, Manchester is brimming with high-end boutiques and vintage hangouts. King Street is the place to be for designer bargains, whilst the Tib Street Saturday market is bursting with retro fashions and accessories.
Birmingham – If you prefer your winter sale shopping under one roof, then head to the Bullring – which is crammed with over 160 stores, selling everything from electronics, home wear, jewellery, sportswear and fashion. One of the biggest shopping malls in the country is home to favourites such as All Saints, Reiss, Lacoste, DKNY Jeans, Karen Millen, and Tommy Hilfiger. The best of the British highstreet is amply represented too with H&M, Topshop, Zara and Mango. Don’t miss the flagship Selfridges store whose deliciously futuristic building has become something of a local landmark.
