Oxford Street Shopping: Survival Guide

Known for being the busiest shopping street in Europe, shoppers will benefit from being armed with the knowledge of where the best places to shop are along Oxford Street. Oxford Street boasts notorious stores such as Selfridges as well as other big department stores which are all found in the section from Marble Arch to Oxford Circus, along with most of the big-name multinationals- providing the perfect shoppers heaven.

Are you a Shopaholic?

If the answer is yes then Oxford Street is the place for you. London Oxford Street is a vibrant and colourful shopping area, which is extremely busy especially on weekends where you should expect to see frenzied shoppers in there hundreds and maybe even thousands. If you’re looking to pay low prices then you should head for Primark, which is one of Oxford Streets cheapest and most popular shops. Due to its unique low prices it is always full and you should anticipate long queues.  On the other hand if you are looking for trendy chic in the form of a contemporary department store you should pay a visit to Selfridges.

Selfridges department store has an imposing grand exterior, which leads on to seven floors of cool cosmetics, funky fashion and the latest home ware. For a break from shopping you could visit one of the 19 different places to eat or alternatively choose to dine in the sumptuous food hall.  If the innovative designs are too much for you at Selfridges you could opt for another nearby department store, Debenhams. Renowned for its range of big-name affordable fashion you are guaranteed to find everything you’re looking for under one roof.

Oxford Street is considered the centre of London. At any time of the day or night this area is always thronging with people. This isn’t surprising with well known stores such as House of Fraser, high street fashion shops, sport shops and infamous designer brands lining the streets as well as many flagship shops to peruse around.

A shopper’s survival guide wouldn’t be complete without a warning that Oxford Street can be manic around Christmas time. The crowds of shopaholics can get so large that police have had to use various measures to prevent gridlock. A top tip is don’t try and drive around London, with the various modes of transport readily available  such as the tube line and buses it would be a risk to drive through the city. During the day the street is closed to traffic, except for buses and taxis however traffic jams are still common.

When planning your Christmas shopping trip- plan ahead and get your shopping done in advance is definitely the best option. Some of the best times to visit the shops along this buzzing street are when the sales are on, which take place several times throughout the year. You can expect to pick up some great bargains and even some early Christmas presents. While perusing the delights that Oxford Street has to offer you should take full advantage of the underground transport, which will provide direct routes to exactly where you want to be. The nearest underground stations are Bond Street and Oxford Circus.

Shop till you drop:

Shopping can be exhausting and with Oxford Street stretching one and a half miles long from end to end, you will need to take off your dancing shoes during the day and make sure you wear sensible footwear. Most shops open 10am until 6 or 7pm and well as some shops opening on Sunday 12 to 6pm with late nights on Thursday – giving you plenty of opportunity to pick up that designer handbag you have had your eye on or to start your Christmas shopping list.

Whatever the occasion Oxford Street is sure to have what you’re looking for...and much more.

- K.J.N -