Glasgow is the second largest retail centre in the UK, outside of London. The vibrant shopping district in the heart of the city is focused around the pedestrianised areas of Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and Sauchiehall Street. Argyll Arcade, one of Britain’s oldest covered shopping arcades, built in 1827, is home to many jewellery shops, while the Buchanan Galleries is one of Britain’s largest city centre retail projects with outlets such as Mango, Gap and John Lewis. Other highlights include the refurbished St Enoch Centre, the Designer Exchange, off Royal Exchange Square, and Princes Square, set in a renovated 1841 square.

The Merchant City area and the West End have a wealth of unique bookshops, antique stores and second-hand clothing emporia. The Barras (the open-air street market between Gallowgate and London Road in the East End) is open for business at the weekend, 1000-1700, for the sale of antiques, bric-à-brac, clothing, food, CDs, books and just about anything a shopaholic could think of.

Popular ‘traditional’ purchases include woollens, tartan scarves and kilts, Celtic jewellery, golfing equipment and, of course, whisky. Articles with art nouveau ‘Mackintosh’ motifs are a stylish alternative. The Whisky Shop in Buchanan Galleries has a comprehensive collection of fine malts as well as other liqueurs and whisky-flavoured souvenirs and gifts.

In general, shops are open Monday to Saturday 0900-1730/1800. Many shops are open later on Thursday and most of the larger chain stores are open on Sunday.

A Value Added Tax (VAT) of 17.5% is included in the price of many goods. Under the Retail Export Scheme, overseas visitors can obtain tax relief on goods if leaving the country for destinations outside the EU. A form should be obtained at the time of purchase and submitted to the customs authority at the point of departure.