Where to Find Shopping Deals in London

Even at the best of times, London has never been known as a budget shopping destination, and when the pound is strong prices can seem stratospheric. However, whatever the exchange rate, there are still bargains to be had as long as you know where, and when, to look. To get the maximum mileage out of your cash, visit during the widespread biannual sales, which kick off in late June and just after Christmas, and last about a month.

Fashion insiders attend the many sales held throughout the year, from big warehouse clearances, such as the London Designer (www.thelondondesignersale.co.uk) and Designer Sales UK (www.designersales.co.uk), to individual designers' sample sales—check out Time Out (www.timeout.com) for information and to register for updates. London outlets, such as Browns Labels for Less, Paul Smith Sale Shop, and the Joseph Sale Shop on King's Road offer year-round designer bargains. If time permits, travel outside London to Bicester Village (pronounced "Bister") (www.bicestervillage.com), a luxury outlet mall in Oxfordshire. It's completely worth the nearly one-hour train journey (direct service from London Marylebone station, from £12 one-way), if only for the opportunity to score an item from such highly coveted British brands as Alexander McQueen, Temperley, Mulberry, Burberry, and Aquascutum, as well as other top labels.

If you're not fussy about labels, there are even more choices, including Primark.