In the Land of the Free, opportunity knocks for those looking to bag a bargain, writes Jo Cooke
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Sales assistants so polite you’ll feel like royalty, a weak dollar turning the exchange rate in our favour, plus prices so much lower than back home you’ll feel your jaw drop: while shopping may not be your clients’ sole reason for heading to America, it would be daft not to indulge in a little stateside retail therapy.
Above all American cities, Philadelphia is perhaps most symbolic of the American dream. Both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were penned here. This is where democracy and religious freedom were established and championed.
Philly was also the first capital of the United States and, though it might not be the first city you think of for Stateside shopping breaks, it could vie for the title of US capital of shopping.
Unlike many other states that add around 8% to the price tag on your purchases, there’s no sales tax when you buy clothes and shoes in Philly.
And there is no shortage of places, great and small, to take advantage of this delightful concession either. The largest is the King of Prussia Mall, 20 miles outside the city.
True to its regal title, this place is palatial. Statistically, it has more retail shopping space than any other attraction in America, and to make certain it stays ahead of the competition there’s an expansion plan in progress.
King of Prussia has more than 400 shops, seven of which are department stores including Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s. Fashion brands range from Gucci to H&M so you can direct clients here no matter what their budget.
If your clients feel overwhelmed by the thought of negotiating their way around this vast retail mecca, sign them up for the mall’s new personal shopper service. Started by a local fashion graduate, the first hour is free with no obligation to buy any finds.
The personal shopper can also set up hair and make-up appointments, ideal for clients in town for a special occasion. Email kasmith@simon.com for details.
Shopping at King of Prussia is certain to save clients money compared to buying similar items back home, but for those who crave exceptional bargains, suggest Philadelphia Premium Outlets.
The 150 stores here, such as Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Bare Minerals, Michael Kors, Converse, Nike and Nine West, all have their goods marked down by up to 65% on the high street price. Sign clients up to the online VIP Shopper Club to receive additional discount coupons (premiumoutlets.com).
You could also let them into a trade secret. The manager at the outlet’s Nieman Marcus Last Call store squirrels the most exclusive items away in his office.
He invites only regulars to sneak a peek or those in the know who request a viewing. Think top-end designer handbags with hundreds to thousands of dollars shaved off the initial price.
Back in charming Philly, the parallel streets of Walnut and Chestnut between striking City Hall and leafy Rittenhouse Square are the epicentre of city shopping.
Designer brands, high street names and discount stores stand side by side. Those looking for shops brimming with personality should head instead for South Street between 10th and Front Street.
Book it: Virgin Holidays offers four nights in Philadelphia from £965 including flights from Heathrow and room-only accommodation at the Loews Philadelphia based on an August 28 departure.
Mall of America: Barbie Dreamhouse
Barbie fans old and young can now make like a living doll at Barbie The Dreamhouse Experience, a new nine-room attraction at Bloomington’s Mall of America, near Minneapolis and St Paul. Visitors can see full-sized versions of Barbie’s closet of outfits and shoes, make cupcakes in the kitchen and ride the signature pink lift.
There’s a cafe, plus a boutique where visitors can pick up an exclusive Barbie Dreamhouse Doll. Entry is from $16.99, with under 2s visiting free. Those who don’t like Barbie have the entire mall to explore – the largest in the US, it has more than 520 shops.
Win a barbie!
To be in with a chance of winning a Barbie Dreamhouse Doll worth £50, email melissa@cellett.co.uk by August 31. Include your contact details and write ‘Bloomington CVB Barbie Competition’ as the subject.
Four Stateside shopping spots
Star Quality
Los Angeles
In a city home to innumerable A-listers, you can bank on leaving Los Angeles with a dapper wardrobe. Hammer your plastic, or just do some high end window shopping, in Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive locale, home to Prada, Chanel and Dior. Meanwhile, the Grove, an outdoor mall, is where you’ll find high street names. Set around an Italianate courtyard, a novelty tram ride takes you between stores. For casual-chic, head to Abbot Kinney and Main Street in the Venice Beach area. Here you’ll find a mix of vintage, surf wear and one-off boutiques.
Setting a President
Washington DC
Keeping up with the well-turned-out Obamas is easy in Washington DC. Shop for that dress-to-impress in Georgetown. This gentrified neighbourhood is also the place to see and be seen, so linger at a cafe while clutching a bunch of carrier bags from the area’s independent shops. In the town centre, Pentagon City Mall has brands including Banana Republic, Gap and Foot Locker. Bargain hunters, on the other hand, should make a beeline for Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, where goods at up to 65% off are on offer at the likes of DKNY, Puma and Levi’s.
Retail Ride
Orlando
After shelling out at Orlando’s theme parks, clients can save money shopping. Some of the best bargains can be found at Vineland Avenue and International Drive Premium Outlets. Both guarantee a minimum 25% off US retail prices. Conveniently located at either end of International Drive, Vineland Avenue is close to SeaWorld and Disney, and the International Drive centre is a stone’s throw from Universal. As well as retailers as diverse as Kate Spade, Adidas and Armani, they have Disney Character Warehouse stores for discount souvenirs.
Mass Markets
Boston
A city break to Boston is sure to please shopaholics. Suggest they start off in Newbury Street, eight blocks of brownstone townhouses turned designer boutiques. It’s an easy stroll from there to the interconnected Copley Place and Prudential Center, home to a gaggle of America’s big name department stores including Nieman Marcus, Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor. From posh to quirky, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is also a must, with stalls selling crafts, hand-printed clothing and fancy foods around historic buildings.
