Are you looking for alternative things to do in London whilst the Olympics are on? Shopping has to be my sport of choice. Don’t try to tell me walking shop to shop, trying on clothes and carrying heavy shopping bags around doesn’t burn calories – and when you find an absolute bargain it feels like you’ve won the best prize ever.
Everyone is going to be flocking to east London during the Olympics. With Westfield Stratford City just a stone’s throw from the Olympic Park bets are on that it’s going to get very crowded – but if you’re looking for places to shop in the capital there’s so much more on offer, from big name designers, high street favourites, and of course those hidden little gems.
SalesGossip is where you’ll find all the latest info on the many fashion sales and sample sales going on all over London – and this summer we’ve teamed up with Trip Stylist to come up with a series of London Shopping Walks so we can share our favourite places to shop. With guides for Shoreditch, Covent Garden, Savile Row, Carnaby Street, Knightsbridge and Primrose Hill, there is a walk to suit whatever your style – and you’ll get to see more of London along the way.
Shoreditch in particular is an easy journey from Stratford and makes for an exciting place to explore. A vibrant mix of styles and cultures converge for a truly unique shopping experience. Whether you choose to rifle through retro clothing at Brick Lane Market on a Sunday or go to a high end designer sample sale – either way you’re guaranteed great bargains.
The Old Truman Brewery off Brick Lane is the place to head. A hub for the creative industries this is where you’ll find art exhibitions, food stalls, vintage markets and those all-important designer sample sales.
With many top designers having their studios in the area, The Old Truman Brewery also plays host to many sample sales throughout the year. Don’t let the word ‘sample’ put you off – there should be a full size range available, not just size zero.
One great sample sale set to take place during the Olympics is the Sample Hunters sale. Based at the Old Truman Brewery from 27th – 29th July you’ll find men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from big names designers including; See By Chloe, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Equipment, Belstaff, D&G, J Brand, Juicy Couture, Twenty8Twelve, French Connection, DKNY Jeans, Emporio Armani, Religion, Oliver Spencer and many more all with up to 80% off the RRP!
After all that shopping you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. The Boiler House food hall on Brick Lane holds over 30 food stalls selling culinary delights from around the world.
Basically there’s pretty much always something interesting going on – so be sure to check what’s happening during your visit.
Hannah Moss is the editor of SalesGossip, the online destination for the latest news on all the fashion sales and sample sales going on in London. You can follow SalesGossip on twitter @SalesGossip and like them on Facebook.com/SalesGossip
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