London: Shopping Bag Parade At Christmas
While most North American cities are lucky to have one major department store still operating in their downtown, European cities still have several. In fact London has dozens including five iconic department stores – Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty, Fenwick and Fortnum & Mason.
Ironically, Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason are owned by the Weston Family- one of Canada’s richest families.
Link: Weston Family History
Everyday Parade
While visiting London last December I knew the streets would be busy with Christmas shoppers, but even so, I was still shocked at how crowded the sidewalks were with shoppers day and night - every day of the week.
One day I just hung out on Oxford Street (home to numerous departments stores including Selfridges, John Lewis & Partners, Debenhams, Primark and Marks & Spencer) and watched. I was soon intrigued by the number of people with colourful and sometimes BIG shopping bags. The longer I stayed the more it reminded me of a parade so I started taking photos of the bags.
Shopping Bag Parade Slideshow
Last Word
Lesson learned: If you find yourself on a busy street, pathway, promenade or plaza take some time to stand or sit and observe the ebb and flow of people. It can be quite entertaining.
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