Glasgow Shopping
Glasgow in one of the largest shopping destinations in the UK, traditional Scottish purchases popular with tourists is woollens, tartan kilts and scarves and Celtic jewellery. Golfing is big in Scotland and there is plenty of equipment to be found in its stores, along with fine malts as well as other liqueurs and whisky-flavoured souvenirs. Items with art nouveau 'Mackintosh' motifs are also a stylish alternative.
In the very centre of the city the main shopping areas is centered around Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street. Built in 1827, Argyll Arcade has to be one of the UK's oldest shopping malls, John Baird was the designer of its impressive ornate iron-framed hammerbeam roof. This is where you will find over 30 jewellery boutiques including antique shops.
The Buchanan Galleries is one of Britain's largest and newest city centre shopping developments with well-known brands including Mango, Gap and H&M, Habitat and John Lewis. Adjacent to Sauchiehall Street and Buchanan Street, the shopping centre provides residents and visitors with an outstanding choice of 80 quality shops.
The St Enoch Centre is the largest glass shopping centre in Europe with a wide variety of shops including the familiar department stores of Debenhams, Boots and TK Maxx. A family-friendly shopping experience it provides a play area and Kiddy Cabs for kids and a food court with over 800 seats and an ample array of food outlets.
Princes Square is set in a renovated 1841 square, a fashionable and chic Art Nouveau shopping centre it has a sophisticated assortment of designer names, elite boutiques and modern cafes and bars. The Scottish Craft Centre is worth a visit as some of Scotland's most talented craftspeople have their work displayed here. The Italian Centre also supplies some of the most fashionable international brands and a selection of the finest Italian designer stores, Versace and Georgio Armani included, amongst the continental café bars.
Merchant Square is an indoor shopping experience located in central George Square, originally the heart of the trade created by the city's rich 'Tobacco Lords'. It has some particularly exclusive shops, restaurants and bars as well as unique arts and crafts outlets perfect for visitors searching for a special gift. The Merchant City area and the West End is where you can find distinctive bookshops, antique stores and second-hand clothing.
De Courcy's Antique Craft Arcade is an unusual shopping experience with an appealing jumble of antique and craft shops, designer homeware boutiques and vintage record shops and lots of cafes and bistros. Victorian Village Antiques is ideal for costume jewellery and memorabilia seekers, comprising of lots of individual shops it has an interesting and remarkable collection of antiques.
The Barras Market is an historic marketplace with a miscellaneous mix of stalls selling an assortment of goods from antique furniture to computer games. Only open at the weekend, The Barras sells antiques, curios, clothing, food and books. It is also known for selling counterfeit videos, CDs and DVDs of dubious quality, you can definitely find a bargain here and the place has lots of character.
From 5 star luxury hotels to the renowned Glasgow B&Bs, for the visitor the choice is vast. Whether you are in the city as a luxury traveller, here on business, or backpacking your way around the UK then there is something that will fit your requirements. With many quality hotels and bed and breakfasts located in the city centre staying in Glasgow is convenient and perfect for seeing all the attractions and sights the city has to offer.
