World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Glasgow  - Shopping
Shopping

The city centre, including the pedestrianised areas of Buchanan Street, Argyll Street and Sauchiehall Street, is a vibrant shopping district. Highlights include Argyll Arcade; one of Britain's oldest covered shopping arcades, built in 1827 and the new Buchanan Galleries, the UK's largest city centre retail project. The Merchant City area and the West End have a wealth of unique bookshops, antique stores and second-hand clothing emporiums. The Barras, the open-air street market between Gallowgate and London Road in the East End is open for business at the weekends for the sale of antiques, bric-à-brac, clothing and food. Popular 'traditional' purchases include woollens, tartan scarves and kilts, Celtic jewellery, golfing equipment and, of course, whisky.

In general, shops are open Monday to Saturday 0900-1730/1800. Many shops are open later on Thursday and most of the larger chain stores are open on Sunday.

A Value Added Tax (VAT) of 17.5% is included in the price of many goods. Under the Retail Export Scheme, overseas visitors can obtain tax relief on goods if leaving the UK for destinations outside the EU. A form should be obtained at the time of purchase and submitted to the customs authority at the point of departure.



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