Tourists splashing out on fashion could be saving the UK industry
The recession may be in full swing but the UK fashion industry could be safe, thanks to an influx of foreign tourists visiting British shores for a shopping spree, Grazia reports.
Shopping tourism is said to now be so popular that Harvey Nichols is designing an advert especially for foreigners.
The weak pound means that items such as Chanel bags now cost over £200 less in London than they do in Paris.
Bruno Barba of Selfridges told Grazia: "Euro-rich foreign shoppers have finally woken up to the fact they can basically pay for the price of their Eurostar ticket plus a couple of nights in a smart hotel with the money they'll be saving by buying that Chanel handbag or Louis Vuitton carry-on in London rather than Paris."
Middle eastern tourists spend the most on their visits, £1,981 on average, and snap up Zagliani bags in particular. Russians are most interested in statement labels such as Balmain, and spend an average of £1,512 while Chinese visitors look for bright colours, including Lanvin shoes and McQueen patent clutches.
At least someone is treating themselves we suppose.