Eager to stock up on British goods? Now might be the time to do it. Amid British Prime Minister Theresa May’s plans to set Brexit in motion, the pound has dropped to a historic low.
Currently trading at CAD 1.60526, it makes online shopping across the pond a much more viable and enjoyable prospect than it’s been in the past.
“The pound is the weakest it’s been in three decades,” Nick Beeny, owner of the shopping website MyInternationalShopping.com said to online credit card marketplace CreditCards.com. “That’s great for American shoppers or anyone out there who loves UK stuff.”
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With more British companies offering worldwide shipping, Anglophiles will find it easy to get their fix of mince pies and stylish European fashions.
#1 Harrods
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London’s most venerable department store — it’s rumoured that the Queen has shopped there — offers shipping to Canada. Its focus is luxury goods, with British brands like Burberry, Christopher Kane and Chinti & Parker on offer, as well as designer exclusives. But its offerings don’t stop at clothing and accessories. Harrods is renowned for an expansive Food Hall that sells everything from Earl Gray tea to truffle-infused foie gras. Consider a Christmas Hamper (the Brit equivalent of a basket) stuffed with traditional goodies like mince pies and Christmas pudding, or maybe a cuddly Hugh, the Harrods 2016 Christmas bear, for a special little someone.
#2 Asos
This British high-street retailer is the go-to for female and male trendsetters looking to beef up their wardrobe with the latest fashions at reasonable prices. Clothing and accessories options range from shoes, handbags and jewelry to specific categories including tall, petite and maternity. Standard shipping takes roughly 10 days and is free with any purchase over $45.
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#3 Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop
Theatre lovers and young aspiring thespians will love perusing Benjamin Pollock’s wide variety of miniature theatres, paper models, toys and games. The goods err on the side of whimsy and nostalgia, and include toys of a bygone era like paper dolls, marionettes and glove puppets. Items are broken down into themes like Alice in Wonderland and Punch & Judy, and are just as likely to land on an adult’s wishlist as a kid’s letter to Santa.
#4 Fortnum & Mason
With a history that started in 1738 with the goal of creating food that could be portable for long distance travel, it’s no wonder Fortnum & Mason is an international gourmand’s Mecca. Despite being responsible for introducing tinned baked beans to Britain (courtesy of Heinz), the retailer carries a dizzying array of culinary delights from honeys, syrups and jams to UK classics like whisky Dundee cake and clotted cream biscuits. Over the years, Fortnum has expanded its product selection to include small leather goods, stationery, homeware and beauty.
#5 Boden
Touted as the “New British,” Boden is a one-stop shop for classic and easy separates that are perfectly in line with Kate Middleton (and the rest of her young family’s) aesthetic. Men can choose from casual and work-friendly apparel, as well as authentic British brands like Walsh sneakers, Cheaney brogues, and Chapman and Tusting bags. There’s also adorable and chic children’s wear for all ages from baby to size 16.
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