What recession? Christmas shopping in London is hardcore

The wrath of December winds in Oxford Street may crack rocks, but not the will of London’s Christmas shoppers. The determined crowds march up and down the decorated road, making stops to check this brand or that product.

A shoe seller says this is just the beginning and the main craze is expected to hit in the day after Christmas when most stores begin their sales.

Some choose the warmth of department stores and the convenience that they offer by bringing together all makes and brands.

Carolyn Goodyear, in a fitted black military jacket with gold embroideries, and “Gift Guru” on her right arm, roams the ground floor of the Selfridges. An actress, she has taken a temporary job for the festive season and is there to help customers choose presents.

“You can buy a candy floss maker for £30 (35 euros) or a Mulberry Alexa bag for £700 (824 euros),” she says, explaining that the prices are only an indication. More expensive presents are available, such as a massage seat for about £3,000 (3,531 euros).

Not far from the guru, there is something for those who may feel more generous. A diamond-studded Vertu mobile phone, partly made in gold, a “piece of jewellery” according to the seller, has a price tag of £69,000.

If you find all of those suggestions above your budget, why not get a member of the Kidrobot Dunnys family for a mere half a pound, reduced from £7.50 (8.8 euros). You won’t even be allowed to know which member you’re purchasing.

An alternative to Oxford Street is the capital’s prime shopping mall, Westfield. Its 275 shops, including Apple, La Senza, Christmas Magic, and Dior should inspire a choice. Entertainment is also in abundance.. An ice rink, a cinema complex and 50 eateries are at shoppers’ disposal.

Two young men joke while queuing for the ice skating. “Children, Santa is mum and dad. Sincerely, WikiLeaks,” they say, and make the wait lighter.

For those who are not in favour of the season’s hustle and bustle on the streets, there is always online shopping. Some say they prefer staying in the comfort of home and click away their shopping lists, where they can ask for the presents to be gift wrapped, and labelled with the name of the recipient.

On the other hand buying in a shop is more immediate, says a woman on the underground. You don’t have to wait for it to come, and most probably get stuck in the post, she adds. However, she confesses that to do online shopping, you need to be organised.

Ali Sheikholeslami
euronews correspondent in London

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