Karine Laudort By Georgina Noris
Nothing can beat a bit of retail therapy, especially when on holiday. Many people travel to specific destinations around the world to pick up luxury goods. Such is the demand that the London Lifestyle Magazine reports that the global luxury goods market will increase to $382.6 billion (£308.39 billion) by 2025, with top shopping destinations in Europe including Rome and Milan. Yet, while many think of the destination as a place to get retail therapy, it is also possible to get some unique shopping experiences while travelling by air, sea, and rail.
Air: Jewel Changi
Shopping at an airport is part of the flying experience that many enjoy. While most city airports will have a lot of different outlets for those looking for some quick retail therapy, very few airports can be called shopping destinations. One such airport is the Jewel Changi in Singapore. Unlike most airports, this shopping mecca is not in the departures area. Instead, both travellers and locals can visit the complex, which is accessible directly through Terminal 1’s arrival area. The green space has over 300 retail and dining outlets, with some of Singapore’s top shops. These range from the largest Nike store in Singapore, both a shop and a museum, to the Smell Lab, where you can try and even make your own fragrances.
Sea: Explora
Cruise ships are getting a reputation for being a good place to buy luxury goods tax and duty-free. While luxury watches and perfumes have been a staple of cruise ships, top brands are using these ships to launch pop-up stores. Last year Chanel partnered with the Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady cruise liner to promote and sell their Les Eaux fragrance range. Another cruise company that offers a unique shopping experience is Explora Journeys. Launching this year, Explora is a luxury ocean experience that offers bespoke gastronomic, wellness, and retail experiences. Passengers with a passion for retail can experience The Journey, which Explora says “redefines the shopping experience at sea.” Explora I and II will both feature The Journey, which is described as “a journey of discovery, consciousness, and craftsmanship with provenance; a unique collection of over 30 of the finest artisanal brands that share a commitment to caring for people and the planet.” Compared to regular commercial ships that focus on the biggest names in luxury wear, The Journey is a celebration of artisans and small brands with unique stories and local influences. Items available include fragrance, ready-to-wear fashion, homeware and gifts, and timeless accessories.
Rail: Gare du Nord
When it comes to retail therapy, there is no city quite like Paris. It truly is the fashion capital of the world with the flagship stores of Chanel, Hermès, and Valentino. Yet you don’t need to wait until you are in the city centre to start shopping if you arrive by rail. The Gare du Nord has fashion boutiques, chocolatiers, florists, and wine and cheese shops – perfect for last-minute gifts. The most famous retail destination in the station is Le Chocolat by Alain Ducasse (for Eurostar travellers only), which sells chocolate and sweets from the world-famous chef.
Retail therapy and travelling go hand-in-hand, but you don’t have to be in a city or town centre to have a unique and exciting shopping experience. Whether you are travelling by air, sea, or rail, you can find great retail adventures.
For more information on fashion, travel, and lifestyle, do read the other posts on Keeping Up With Kay Flawless.
