It's Cheaper Now Than Ever to Buy These Luxury Goods in London Because of Brexit (2024)

When Brexit was first approved, the internet was abuzz with speculation about what it would mean for England, specifically London. As it turns out, it means that—at least right now—certain luxury goods are cheaper to buy there than in the United States thanks to the drop in Sterling, which has fallen over 17 percent since June.

One item that would be smarter to buy across the pond is Louis Vuitton's iconic Speedy 30 bag, which is currently cheaper in the UK than anywhere else in the world at $802, compared with $850 in Paris, $970 in New York, and $1,115 in China, as found in a new report conducted by Deloitte. "The trend in luxury pricing in the UK is being driven mainly by the depression in sterling—thus making the same item more affordable in the UK market than any other major luxury market," Deloitte head of fashion and luxury Nick Pope explained to the BBC. "People don't like paying more for the same product."

While the price difference might not outweigh the cost of a plane ticket, that hasn't stopped many tourists from swarming the luxury good stores to take advantage of the price drop. In addition to Louis Vuitton, Deloitte found that 64 percent of comparable luxury products are also cheapest in the UK.

This isn't the first time that a major European city has been the cheapest place to buy luxury goods—before London's recent price drop, Paris was the number one place in the world to buy Chanel if you were looking for a discount. In fact, when this writer visited Paris two winters ago, Chanel employees were quick to advertise that it was 20 to 30 percent cheaper to buy a handbag in Paris because of the lack of import fees and taxes. (Non-EU residents can claim VAT tax back on purchases over 175€ at the airport.) Chanel eventually, raised the price for their classic quilted bag by 20 percent. Whether or not Vuitton follows suit, it might be a good time to ask any friends passing through the city to personal shop for you.

It's Cheaper Now Than Ever to Buy These Luxury Goods in London Because of Brexit (2024)

FAQs

How has Brexit affected luxury brands? ›

According to the U.K. Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) survey from 2021, 98% of U.K. fashion businesses experienced higher costs through bureaucracy and paperwork, 92% experienced increased freight costs, 83% increased customer costs, 53% saw canceled orders from E.U.

Are luxury goods cheaper in London than us? ›

Most luxury goods are a bit cheaper in the UK than the US right now mainly due to the exchange rate and the fact that as a tourist you can get the VAT refunded.

Is it cheaper to buy luxury goods in the UK? ›

Luxury shopping haven awaits you! 🛍

Luxury goods are often the lowest priced in the UK, German and France, so we can totally see why! Plus, with 90% of luxury goods manufactured in Europe (usually France or Italy), the items aren't shipped to faraway destinations, hence the lower costs.

How will Brexit affect fashion in the UK? ›

Figures show that to trade clothing and footwear with the EU, it could cost businesses around £1 billion more yearly. Impacts can also be seen in the prices of clothing items, and we can expect to see a rise in pricing throughout fashion retailers.

How has Brexit affected the UK? ›

The average Briton was nearly £2,000 worse off in 2023, while the average Londoner was nearly £3,400 worse off last year as a result of Brexit, the report reveals. * It also calculates that there are nearly two million fewer jobs overall in the UK due to Brexit – with almost 300,000 fewer jobs in the capital alone.

How will Brexit affect customers? ›

At least 30 per cent expect to reduce their spending across all categories. There is a greater consensus over the impact of Brexit on the price of goods and services, with a third of respondents expecting price rises across all categories.

Is Louis Vuitton cheaper in London? ›

According to a research by consulting and audit firm Deloitte, designer products and other luxury goods, including the much covetable Louis Vuitton handbags, now cost less in Britain (in dollars) than anywhere else in the world.

Is Gucci cheaper in US than UK? ›

Recent research has shown that there are countries which tend to sell their designer products at a much lower cost, according to this research one Gucci handbag was cheapest being sold in the United Kingdom, at almost $1000 less than it was being sold in the USA.

Which bag brands are cheaper in London? ›

17 Brands That Are Cheaper In London Than Back Home
  • Cath Kidston. If you're a fan of vintage-inspired pastels and lush florals then you should definitely know about Cath Kidston! ...
  • Lush. ...
  • Burberry. ...
  • Marks & Spencer. ...
  • Crabtree and Evelyn. ...
  • Twinings. ...
  • Dorothy Perkins. ...
  • Superdry.
Jun 13, 2023

Is Dior cheaper in the UK? ›

Dior is typically cheaper in the UK compared to the US, as prices for European luxury brands are generally lower in Europe. You can check the exact prices in euros on Dior's website by changing the country.

Is it better to buy luxury goods in Paris or London? ›

U.S. tourists can get a much better deal on a new Louis Vuitton handbag in Paris than in London. It is becoming a problem for the British capital and its home-grown luxury brands.

Which luxury brands are cheapest in the USA? ›

Here are five affordable brands that look and feel luxe:
  • Zara. Zara's clothing starts at just $9. ...
  • The Frankie Shop. This concept store features new and upcoming designer brands at reasonable prices, about $40 and up for basics. ...
  • Intimissimi. ...
  • Mejuri. ...
  • Uniqlo.
Sep 22, 2023

Is Brexit still popular in the UK? ›

Share of people who think Brexit was the right or wrong decision 2020-2024. As of March 2024, 55 percent of people in Great Britain thought that it was wrong to leave the European Union, compared with 34 percent who thought it was the right decision.

How has Brexit affected retail in the UK? ›

While recent data has shown that the impact of the UK's decision to leave the EU to the UK retail industry has been more moderate than expected1, it has come at a time when many retailers are trading on slim profits and declining sales as they get to know the new breed of consumer.

How will Brexit affect the UK imports? ›

Our research highlights an alternative source: the trade policy uncertainty (TPU) associated with Brexit. Specifically, we find that uncertainty about the future trading conditions with the EU increased the UK's import prices from the EU-27, with the leave referendum raising those prices by as much as 10%.

What companies have been affected by Brexit? ›

What are the negatives?
  • Jaguar Land Rover (JLR): JLR is one of the UK's largest car manufacturers and one of the companies most affected by Brexit. ...
  • Dyson: The British technology firm has chosen to relocate its headquarters from the UK to Singapore, citing Brexit as one of the main reasons for the move.

How has Brexit affected the retail industry? ›

While Brexit has made the movement of goods through established supply chains more challenging, slow, complex, and costly for retailers in the region, UK-based retailers with multi-country supply chains will be more affected compared to retailers with simpler UK-specific supply chains.

How has Brexit affected Nike? ›

Nike has suspended its Reuse-a-Shoe recycling scheme in the UK as the recycling industry grapples with high costs related to Brexit.

What impact does Brexit have on businesses? ›

New analysis released today (Wednesday 15 March, 2023) by the University of Sussex's UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO), reveals that UK businesses are struggling with increased costs, labour and skill issues and supply shortages and issues following the UK's departure from the European Union.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Madonna Wisozk

Last Updated:

Views: 6319

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Madonna Wisozk

Birthday: 2001-02-23

Address: 656 Gerhold Summit, Sidneyberg, FL 78179-2512

Phone: +6742282696652

Job: Customer Banking Liaison

Hobby: Flower arranging, Yo-yoing, Tai chi, Rowing, Macrame, Urban exploration, Knife making

Introduction: My name is Madonna Wisozk, I am a attractive, healthy, thoughtful, faithful, open, vivacious, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.