Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re eyeing that iconic Burberry trench coat or a new handbag, you’re probably wondering if you can score a deal by shopping in London. Well, I’ve done the legwork for you, and here’s everything you need to know about Burberry prices in London whether it is cheap in comparison to other major cities in Europe.
Burberry Prices in London vs. Other Major Cities
Prices in London
First off, let’s tackle Burberry’s home turf: London. If you stroll into Burberry’s flagship store in central London, you’ll find that prices are generally on par with or slightly lower than other retail locations in the UK.
However, if you’re looking for a bargain, the Burberry factory outlet in Hackney’s Chatham Place, London, is where you might score some sweet deals—think discounts averaging around 30%.
According to reviews, the store stocks a variety of Burberry items including bags starting from £399, scarves from £79, and many coats at discounted prices.
One reviewer mentioned, “The quality of the shoes was great but the duffle was mixed fibers, I knew that before buying, annoyingly, so really…” This suggests that while the discounts are substantial, the outlet may carry some lower quality or last season items.
However, here’s the catch: the selection at the Chatham Place outlet can be limited, particularly when it comes to those iconic trench coats we all covet. So, while you can bag a bargain, you might not find the exact style you’re dreaming of.
But hold on, before you get too excited, London isn’t the ultimate European destination for the best savings on Burberry. Paris and Milan are stepping up the game.
Prices in Other Cities
Now, let’s hop over to other fashion capitals like Paris and Milan. These places have seen a surge in Burberry sales among international tourists. Why? Because the UK’s decision to halt VAT refunds for visitors has made shopping in London less attractive. On the flip side, Paris and Milan still offer these tax savings, making Burberry goods comparatively cheaper there.
To give you a clearer picture, let’s zoom in on a specific item: the Quilted Leather Small Lola Bag costs about £1,590 (approximately $2,030 USD) in London. Compare this to Paris, where the same bag is €1,790 (about $1,950 USD after VAT refund), and you’ll see why some shoppers are flocking to Paris and Milan instead.
Here’s a quick look at how the prices stack up:
- London: £1,590 (approx. $2,030 USD)
- Paris: €1,790 (approx. $1,950 USD after VAT refund)
- New York: $2,290 USD
- Tokyo: ¥275,000 (approx. $2,450 USD)
As you can see, the price in London is pretty competitive, especially when you consider the VAT refund you can snag in European cities like Paris.
Factors Affecting Burberry Pricing
VAT Refunds
The UK’s elimination of VAT refunds has pushed tourists to shop in Paris and Milan, leading many international shoppers to seek better deals in places where they can still get those tax savings. This shift has resulted in substantial gains for the retail sectors in these cities, with tourists increasing their spending in these destinations.
UK Manufacturing Focus
Burberry is ramping up its UK-based manufacturing, particularly for its iconic trench coats and scarves. This might help balance out some of the pricing differences between London and other markets in the future.
Quality and Craftsmanship
Let’s not forget what makes Burberry stand out: its reputation for quality and craftsmanship. These elements are non-negotiable, which keeps prices relatively high regardless of where you shop.
Conclusion
So, is Burberry cheaper in London? Not necessarily. While prices in Burberry’s flagship stores in central London are competitive, the removal of VAT refunds for tourists has made it a less attractive shopping destination. Cities like Paris and Milan have stepped up, offering tax savings that make Burberry goods more affordable for international shoppers.
If you’re hunting for the best deals, the Burberry outlets at Chatham Place and Bicester Village near London offer discounts, albeit with a more limited selection.
If you ask for seasonal sales and shopping times, Burberry typically offers sales and promotions during the holiday season, with many of its outlet stores located in popular shopping destinations.
However, the brand has been focusing on elevating its luxury positioning and emphasizing its British heritage, which may impact the frequency and timing of sales.
Read More: Where Are Chanel Bags Made? (Locations)
Ultimately, where you choose to shop for your Burberry items boils down to a mix of personal preference, availability, and whether you can benefit from those elusive VAT refunds.