According to the continent-wide research of retail destinations presented by the Economist Intelligence Unit, the London's shops are the best in Europe. London comes first among 22 rated cities. Our capital was rated at 80,6 out of a possible 100. Barcelona and Madrid mentioned as the second-best place and Paris as the third. The last in the shopping index was Geneva with 41.0 score.

Each of 33 European cities was ranked according to the list of 38 factors determining their ability to attract international shoppers. Among these factors were: availability, store opening hours and locations, cultural attractions' number and other.EUI rated Britain's capital as the best since such factors as culture, affordability and convenience were added to the calculations. But in terms of affordability London came 24th. A category Convenience, which includes such factors as shopping hours and safety, was topped by Istanbul, while London appeared at 19th place.

Meanwhile, another research suggests that UK residents take holidays in the US in order to save some cash on their Christmas shopping. The Post Office made a decision that a basket of 10 items, from gadgets to beauty projects, cost half as much in US as in the UK. Though, people prefer applying for online loans and going in New York, Boston or Las Vegas for shopping.