London is the best city for shopping in Europe, according to the Globe Shopper City Index, a new research program created by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in conjunction with Global Blue.
London beat strong competition from cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Berlin, and Rome, winning out due to a combination of the sheer variety of shopping districts within the city, accessibility, and cultural attractions.
The EIU’s Globe Shopper City Index – Europe measures the attractiveness of 33 major European cities for international travel shopping. Each city was ranked according to 38 criteria grouped into five categories: shops, affordability, convenience, hotels / transport, and culture and climate.
London’s sheer variety of shopping districts and availability of goods earned it the highest score. Each of London’s shopping districts has its own distinct character, from populist Oxford Street and the more upmarket Regent Street, to posh Knightsbridge, menswear mecca Savile Row, and streetwear destination Carnaby Street.
London also boasts famous markets such as Covent Garden, Portobello, and Camden Market that offer a wealth of goods through small traders. London scored highest on the availability of international and local brands, 24 points ahead of second-placed Paris, and almost 40 points ahead of third-placed Moscow.
As of today, global shoppers all over the world will be able to discover which is their ideal shopping city based on their own personal criteria by visiting Globe Shopper City Index at globeshopperindex.eiu.com. So whether they are Explorers, Perfect Planners or Cool Hunters, the Globe Shopper City Index will be able to point them in the right shopping direction.
