With the cost of living skyrocketing, many of us are looking for ways to cut back expenses. Of course, this isn’t that easy when you live in one of the most expensive cities in the world. London is known for its designer shopping districts, high-end restaurants, and pricey attractions.
However, there are still many places in London where you can shop on a budget. From bargain-basement homeware stores to thrift shops and charity stores, you can find some great buys if you know where to look. Here are some of the cheapest places to shop in London.
Primark (Oxford Street & all over the city)
We’d be remiss to write an article about cheap shopping if we didn’t mention Primark. This one-stop shop is a go-to destination for fashionistas looking to score great deals on clothing, as well as accessories and homeware.
Here you can buy jeans for £8, a t-shirt for £2, and a face mask for 80p so you can easily keep your shopping within an affordable budget. However, it’s also very easy to add lots of those cheap items to your basket and end up spending in excess of £50 when you just needed some socks, so consider yourself warned!
Make sure to check out our guide to the most affordable clothing shops in London for more ideas on where to shop for cheap fashion.
TK Maxx (Various Locations)
If you don’t mind spending some time rifling through rails of clothes, then TK Maxx is a great spot for bargain hunters. This off-price department store stocks designer items at ridiculously reduced prices. The annoying thing about TK Maxx is that there’ll often only be one or two of each item. So, if you see something you like, you’d better grab it quickly!
There’s also a great homewares department, where you can pick up some bargains on branded kitchenware or designer candles. Make sure to check out the beauty section, too for makeup, perfume, and skincare from big names at prices slashed by up to 70%.
Flying Tiger (Oxford Street)
Flying Tiger is one of those shops that you browse when you don’t really need anything but end up leaving with lots of stuff anyway. Like Primark, it can be the opposite of cheap if you let yourself get carried away. However, if you’re shopping for gifts or stocking up on stationery, you can find some great deals here.
The store is best known for its unique and quirky items like cute mugs, cool stationery, kitchen accessories and more. Prices start from £1, with lots of items costing under £5.
ICON Outlet
It may not be cheap exactly, but if you’re after designer fashion or branded sportswear, then the ICON Outlet at The O2 is worth a visit. This outlet centre stocks items from all your favourite brands like Adidas, Nike, Calvin Klein and more with discounts of up to 70%.
If you can time it right, there are often sales that offer even bigger savings. Check out their website for more details on upcoming offers and visit our guide to outlet shopping in London for some more places you can shop for luxury items for less.
Discount Shoe Sales (Westminster)
A good pair of classic men’s leather shoes will last you a lifetime if you look after them correctly. But they can be expensive – especially when you’re shopping for designer brands.
Discount Shoe Sales in Westminster is the perfect place to pick up a pair at an affordable price. Stocking classic styles like brogues and Oxfords from quality brands like Loake and Berwick, you can expect the most competitive prices in the city and get some amazing bargains if you shop from the sale section.
IKEA (various locations across the city)
If you’ve just moved to London and need to kit out your flat or student accommodation, head straight to IKEA. This Swedish furniture superstore stocks everything from storage solutions to kitchen utensils and bed linens, all at crazily affordable prices.
You can shop online and pick up your items in-store, or try to navigate the maze of showrooms yourself. Whichever you choose, you’ll be sure to find plenty of great bargains, especially if you keep an eye out for their special offers. And make sure to stop by the café for a cheap meatball dinner before you leave.
Home Bargains (Wimbledon, Greenwich, and others)
You won’t find any branches of this popular budget store in central London, but if you’re based in one of the outer boroughs, it’s well worth visiting for some bargain-basement shopping. Home Bargains stocks everything from homewares, electrical appliances, and craft supplies to outdoor furniture.
Poundland (Camden)
Poundland is the ultimate no-frills shop and it has a few stores across the city, including one on Camden High street. As suggested by the name, everything in-store costs just £1. That means you can pick up food, stationery, cosmetics and loads more – all without breaking the bank.
The trick to successful Poundland shopping is to shop with intention. Don’t be tempted by the many ‘bargains’ on offer, as you’ll likely end up spending more than intended without realising it. It also pays to be aware of the value of what you’re buying as certain food items might be cheaper in the supermarket, and some of the products are of dubious quality – stick to the brands you know and you won’t go wrong.
Charity shops (everywhere)
London has no shortage of charity shops, and they are a great place to look for bargains. In addition to clothing, you can also find books, furniture, kitchenware and more. Prices are usually very reasonable, with many items costing as little as £1.
It’s worth checking out charity shops in affluent areas to find better quality goods, as well as designer labels at bargain prices. Just be prepared to rummage through lots of clothes or books before you find what you’re looking for.
Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with a list of the best charity shops in London.
London’s Markets (all over the city)
For a lively and entertaining shopping experience, why not visit one of London’s many markets? Not only are they a great place to soak up the atmosphere in different parts of the city, but you can also find some amazing bargains.
Whether it’s vintage clothes, antique furniture or retro gadgets, there’s usually something for everyone. Most markets specialise in a particular type of item, for example, Camden market for fashion, Portobello market for antiques, Borough market for foodie treats, and Brick Lane market for vintage finds.
To help you out, we’ve compiled lists of:
The best fashion markets in London
The best London markets for furniture
The best London markets for jewellery
Happy Shopping!
Whether you’re after a new outfit or looking to give your home a budget makeover, you don’t have to break the bank to shop in London. With this handy guide to the city’s best budget shopping spots, you’ll be able to find plenty of great deals without making a dent in your wallet. So get out there and enjoy some bargain-hunting!
