Major Scots city named as one of UK’s best for Xmas shopping

THE BEST cities in the UK for Christmas shopping have been revealed, and a major Scots city has been named as one of the best.

The study has researched some of the best places for gift hunting in the UK, with one Scots city standing out above the rest.

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Glasgow has been named as one of the best for Xmas shopping in the UK in a study by survey experts Which?.

Their annual survey of more than 3,000 members has rated more than 50 UK cities.

While no city received a five-star review, many locations secured a solid four-star rating for their festive efforts.

Glasgow has been rated right near the top of the list, with a visitor rating of 76%, the highest of any city in Scotland.

Which? said: “Glasgow didn’t get as high a visitor score as Edinburgh but it scored just as highly for shopping – and also, crucially, got four stars for lack of crowds, which make it an easier place to shop this Christmas.

“Most of Glasgow’s shops are situated on the ‘style mile’. In the Buchanan Galleries, you’ll find more than 80 big name stores, useful for ticking off Christmas list requests.

“Head to the West End for streets of independents such as Voltaire & Rousseau and Caledonia Books.

“Both stock second-hand and antiquarian books.

“Glasgow was also awarded four stars for food in our UK cities survey, so finding a decent lunch or dinner spot shouldn’t be tricky when you’re all shopped out.”

However, a few cities south of the border have ranked just a little bit higher.

At the top of the list, Liverpool came in with a visitor score of 86%.

Just ahead of Glasgow, in second place, York came in with a rating of 83%.

London was also given a visitor rating of 76%, being marked down by visitors for the high volume of foot traffic and travel difficulties.

Which? added: “London’s shopping scene is famous worldwide, with a corresponding number of visitors – but also some spectacular attractions, not least the lights around the West End.

However, the sheer size of the capital means that transferring from one shopping district to another may involve hopping onto a bus or tube. 

London’s most famous high street, Oxford Street, is where you’ll find major national and international brands, from The Disney Store to Nike. Nearby is the almost 150-year-old Liberty London department store, and just a few tube stops away is Harrods.

Covent Garden is another retail hotspot where you can stop for food, drinks or a West End show when you’re all shopped out. For more of an eclectic mix of independent fashion stores, head to Camden.

“Camden Lock pays homage to the area’s hippy roots, and it’s always buzzing with throngs of people. 

“Unsurprisingly, London is not a peaceful shopping spot at any time of year; members gave it just one out of five stars for lack of crowds, and it will be even busier at Christmas time.”