Shopping in London, six years later
I usually don’t post about shopping because it’s subjective. But in my time in London, shopping has been interesting. Six years ago, I did quite a bit of shopping but now? Not that much. A trip to Uniqlo and Marks and Spencer but other than that, not a lot of shopping.
That’s because a lot of the semi-fast fashion stores here are in, or ship to Canada. Six years ago you couldn’t access ASOS (which ships), TopShop (ships and available in the Bay), LK Bennett (The Bay), All Saints (opened its first store last year), Mulberry (Bloor and Yorkville) and on and on.
Granted, we don’t have COS and Uniqlo yet but in six years Canada has become the place for retailers’ expansion plans. That, and globalization means that what’s in London style-wise is mostly available in Toronto.
While I mourn the loss of the thrill of the hunt (“This? Got it in London.”), it’s nice not to be tempted to buy everything because Canada’s retailers are boring and don’t feel the need to compete with international retailers. The competition in the last six years has really upped the retail game. It’s not perfect – Canada doesn’t get all the lines and the prices are still higher than the US.
Yes, there are stores such as Jigsaw, the White Company, Reiss and Hobbs but here’s the thing – they all offer the exact look. Sheath dress? Check. Blue/pink/neon yellow suede or leather pump/court shoe? Check. Globalization (and the internet) has resulted in a look that you don’t need to buy in a different country.
So does it become getting something you can’t get shipped to Toronto or enjoying London and having a consumer moment?
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