Are you planning to buy a Louis Vuitton bag but wondering if it’s cheaper in London? Well, you’re not alone.
Many travelers and fashion enthusiasts have the same question in mind. In this article, we’ll explore whether Louis Vuitton is indeed cheaper in London or not.
Why London?
London is known for its high-end shopping destinations, including Harrods, Selfridges, and Bond Street. These stores carry some of the most luxurious brands, including Louis Vuitton. So it’s no surprise that many people believe that buying a Louis Vuitton bag in London might be cheaper than other places.
The Exchange Rate
One factor that affects the price of Louis Vuitton bags in London is the exchange rate. If your currency is stronger than the British pound, then you might find that buying a Louis Vuitton bag in London is cheaper than buying it at home.
For example, if you’re from the United States, where the currency is the US dollar (USD), and you want to buy a Speedy 30 Bandouliere Monogram Canvas bag from Louis Vuitton, which costs £1,170 in London. If we convert this amount to USD using today’s exchange rate (1GBP = 1.38USD), then the cost of the bag would be $1,615.
However, if you were to buy this same bag in New York City where there are several Louis Vuitton stores like Fifth Avenue or SoHo, it would cost $1,750 plus tax. Therefore purchasing this item from London has saved you approximately $135.
Tax Refunds
Another reason why many people believe that buying a Louis Vuitton bag in London might be cheaper than other places is because of tax refunds.
When you purchase an item worth over £50 in the UK, you’re entitled to a VAT (Value Added Tax) refund. The VAT is charged at a rate of 20% on the price of the item. So if you’re a tourist visiting London, you can claim back the VAT on your purchases when you leave the country.
This means that if you buy a Louis Vuitton bag worth £1,170 in London, you can claim back £195 of VAT when you leave the country. So the actual cost of your bag would be £975.
Conclusion
So, is Louis Vuitton cheaper in London? The answer is not straightforward.
It depends on several factors such as exchange rates and tax refunds. However, it’s safe to say that it’s worth checking out prices in London before making your purchase decision.
Remember to factor in travel costs and accommodation expenses if you’re planning to visit London solely for shopping purposes. Also, keep in mind that prices may vary from store to store and from season to season.
Overall, buying a Louis Vuitton bag in London can be a great way to save some money while indulging in some luxury shopping. Just make sure to do your research beforehand and shop smartly!