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    Fashion: Shopping Hotspots Across the UK

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    Written by Sabah Karimi

    Whether you're on the hunt for vintage bargains, indie goods, couture collections, or bespoke clothing during your vacation across Britain, you'll find a number of famous and not-so-famous shopping destinations for your fashion fix. Shopping districts in the larger cities tend to have more department stores and American-style malls, while the smaller towns are perfect destinations to browse vintage stores, boutique shops, and secondhand clothing stores. Whether you're spending most of your time in England, Ireland, Scotland, or Wales, here are ten shopping hotspots you won't want to miss:

    1. Princes Square, Glasgow

    This specialty shopping center is one of the most upscale shopping venues in Scotland and houses more than 30 fashion and jewelry stores. Head here to visit retailers such as Lacoste, Belstaff, Ted Baker, and Vivienne Westwood. The three-floor shopping complex is also home to nine of Glasgow's top restaurants.

    2. Oxford Street, London

    Running just about 1.5 miles from end to end, this famous shopping district is home to Selfridges, Primark, HMV, M&S, and retailers including French Connection and Aldo. Be sure to head here over the holiday season to see the store window displays.

    3. Knightsbridge, London

    Home to a number of upscale designer boutiques including Hermes, Versace, and Chanel, Knightsbridge is the Central London shopping district for any well-heeled traveler. The famous Harrods department store is located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge and within walking distance of several other high-end shops and luxury boutiques.

    4. Fort Kinnaird, Edinburgh

    If you're looking for a mall-style shopping experience in East Edinburgh, head to this shopping center to find some of the latest fashions and bargains from Marks and Spencer, Argos, Mothercare, and The Body Shop. This is a fairly modern shopping complex with an onsite Starbucks.

    5. King Street, Manchester

    This shopping area is home to several upscale retail stores and designer boutiques including Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY, and Emporio Armani. Head here when you're looking for designer fashions and want to enjoy an afternoon of people-watching near the city center.

    6. Quadrant Shopping Centre, Swansea

    If you're heading to Swansea during a day trip to Wales, make your way to the Quadrant Shopping center to round up boutique health and beauty items, and shop at venues including Debenhams, Republic, and other fashion retailers.

    7. Royal Mile, Edinburgh

    If you want to pick up an authentic kilt while in Scotland, make your way to the shops at the Royal Mile to pick up souvenirs, handmade gifts, and even some cutting-edge fashions. This street connects the Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

    8. The Lanes, Brighton

    This shopping center is the place to go for that one-of a-kind outfit or piece of art. The venue boasts adorable, independent boutiques and charming, quirky shops. You'll find everything from antiques to jewelry along the picturesque cobblestone streets.

    9. Spitalfields Market District, London

    In addition to shopping for bargains at Spitalfields Market, you won't want to miss a trip to the vintage stores nearby. Absolute Vintage boasts the largest vintage shoe and bag selection in the UK and is the perfect place to scoop up Gucci handbags, Versace shoes, Fendi backpacks and Chanel shoes from an era gone by. Head here to play dress up or just round out your designer vintage closet.

    10. Victoria Square, Belfast

    You can't miss the giant glass dome located in the center of this shopping and entertainment district in Ireland. The shopping center is home to upscale fashion boutiques and retail stores including House of Fraser, H&M, and Topshop. Head here for a day of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

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    COUNTRY GUIDES

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