
Armani, Bally, Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Escada, Gucci, Hermes, Hugo Boss, Kurt Geiger, Mulberry, Prada, Tiffany, Ermenegildo Zegna, Alexander McQueen. Are we talking London, Paris, Milan, New York?
No...this is just a selection of the typical designer names that you’ll find in leading international airports these days. High class, sophisticated boutiques and ‘corners’ offering an enticing selection of clothing and accessories with their own distinctive style.
For many of us, window shopping is as far as we’ll get, even given tax free prices, but there are plenty of mid-priced fashion names also now appearing at airports: Next, Accessorize, Mango, French Connection Reiss, to name a few, along with international sports brands such as Nike. Look out for sales (yes they have them at airports too!), when you can pick up some really good bargains, including designer brands.
If you’re looking for a new watch, pair of sunglasses, or want to spoil yourself or a loved one with jewellery, you’ll be spoilt for choice with styles and designs to suit all tastes • and all budgets. From high end to high fashion, classic and vintage to funky ‘ bling’, travel shopping offers it all. You’ll find more and more specialist outlets appearing internationally • Sunglass Hut, Omega Boutique, The Gold Shop, Links of London and many, many more.
Airlines are increasingly offering fashion accessories as part of their inflight mix • watches, wallets, sunglasses, scarves, jewellery sets, men’s jewellery, small bags and belts. Generally these are mid-priced items that appeal to your sense of ‘impulse’. If you’re planning to buy a more expensive, classic ‘once in a lifetime’ watch or piece of jewellery, then the airport (or cruiseship perhaps) is your best bet, offering greater choice, product advice from knowledgeable staff (hopefully) and more possibilities for trying on. But if you’re open to waiting to see what’s on offer inflight, then you could be very pleasantly surprised!