I’ve decided to put my own spin on today’s Top 3, as I felt the topic was open to interpretation.

My Top 3 Countries for Shopping

3.) The UK – I like the familiarity of High Street shops in the UK.  No matter what town or city I go to, I am bound to find familiar chains such as Boots, Next and Debenhams.

2.) Italy – I love shopping in Italy!  From the stylish designer boutiques on the Island of Capri, the over-priced tourist shops of Venice to the leather and ceramics shops in the back-streets of Sorrento.

1.) The United States – Everything is BIGGER and BETTER in the USA.  there’s sooooomuch more choice, and eveything is waaaaaaycheaper than back hom in the UK.  The Walmart we requented throughout our Florida trip last year was the size of a small country!  I swear I could have spent the entire day in there!!  You could buy almost anything you wanted in that Walmart.  We visited some designer outlet shopping malls while there, and it was great fun!  I treated myself to some luxury items at a fraction of what I would have paid back home! 

My Top 3 Cities to Shop in the UK

3.) Edinburgh – Scotland’s capital city is not as renowned for it’s shopping as its rival city, Glasgow.  However, I do enjoy a leisurely day out in Edinburgh.  You can browse the High Street stores on Princes Street or explore the back streets for  more unique little shops.  Of course, it’s always fun to browse the tourist shops of the Royal Mile, where you can buy woolens, ceramics, whisky, Edinburgh Rock and, not forgetting, lots of tarten tat!  Edinburgh also has the fabulous upmarket department store, Harvey Nichols.

2.) London – I love shopping in London.  Oxford Street has such a buzz about it!  (Especially at Christmas time!)  There’s a happy mix of expensive designer boutiques, High Street chains and smaller tourist shops.  Here, you will also find a Harvey Nichols.  In Knightsbridge, you will find the world famous, Harrods, which is like an Aladin’s Cave full of beautiful and exquisite things.  This store is particularly magical to visit in the run up to Christmas.

1.) Glasgow - Okay, so I’m a Glaswegian!  So what?!  I still believe that my home town is the best place to shop in the UK.  There’s more than one shopping main street:

• Argyle Street, with the fabulous St Enoch shopping centre
• Buchanan Street with Frasers, the Argyll Arcade, Princes Square shopping mall and the Buchanan Galleries shopping centre
• Sauchiehall Street
• The Merchant City, with its designer boutiques.

Let’s not forget the shopping centres outwith the city centre, such as Braehead, Silverburn and Glasgow Fort.

Top 3 Places to Shop on the High Street

 3.) Next - Ladieswear, Menswear, Childrens and Homeware.

2.) Debenhams – As above, but on a larger scale, comprising of lots of different brands to suit a wider range of customers.

1.) John Lewis – A great department store, which is a Wedding List favourite, due to it’s wide range of quality homeware, kitchenware and furniture.  It also has a great haberdashery department, and is ideal for beautiful greetings cards and gifts.

Top 3 Places to Shop Online

3.) As Seen On Screen (ASOS) – Up to the minute fashion at affordable prices.  You can buy designer clothes and mock designer fashions here. 

2.) Etsy - This is the place to look for beautiful, quirky handmade goods.

1.) Amazon - I always check out Amazon if I’m looking for books, DVDs, CDs and electronic games.  The prices are very competitive and the delivery options are great.