Shopping at Gatwick Airport

Shopping at Gatwick Airport: A Comprehensive Guide

Gatwick Airport, one of the busiest airports in the UK, offers a diverse and exciting shopping experience for both travellers and visitors. Whether you are passing through for a quick connection or have a longer stopover, shopping at Gatwick can be both convenient and enjoyable. From luxury brands to high street favourites, the airport is home to a wide variety of shops that cater to different tastes and budgets.

Location and Layout

Gatwick Airport is situated about 30 miles south of central London and serves as a major international hub for both domestic and international flights. It has two terminals: the North Terminal and the South Terminal. Both terminals are equipped with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and services, making shopping at the airport a seamless and stress-free experience.

The terminals are well laid out, with a mix of both local and global retailers. The shopping areas are situated near the departure gates, making it easy to browse through shops even if you have limited time. Whether you’re arriving or departing, you’ll find that both terminals offer something for everyone.

Luxury Shopping

For those seeking a luxury shopping experience, Gatwick does not disappoint. The North Terminal features several high-end designer boutiques, including well-known fashion houses such as Gucci, Prada, Burberry, and Chanel. These premium stores are a perfect stop for fashion enthusiasts looking to add a little glamour to their journey, offering everything from handbags and accessories to clothing and footwear.

The South Terminal, meanwhile, houses Tiffany & Co., Rolex, and Bvlgari, offering fine jewellery and watches that are perfect for those looking to invest in high-quality pieces while travelling. In addition, you’ll find luxury beauty brands such as Chanel and La Prairie, offering an extensive selection of skincare, makeup, and fragrances that will leave you feeling pampered and refreshed before your flight.

High Street and Affordable Shopping

Gatwick also offers an excellent selection of high street retailers, catering to those looking for more affordable options. Both terminals are home to Boots, WHSmith, Superdrug, and The Body Shop, which are ideal for picking up travel essentials such as toiletries, snacks, and over-the-counter medicines. These shops are perfect for passengers looking to grab a last-minute gift or treat before they board.

If you’re in need of a new book, magazine, or even a travel pillow, you’ll find a wide range of products at WHSmith. Similarly, Boots is the place to pick up skincare, makeup, and other personal care items. If you’ve forgotten to pack something, these stores have a wide variety of travel-sized toiletries and health products that will help make your journey more comfortable.

Fashion and Accessories

Fashion lovers will find plenty of options at Gatwick’s fashion outlets. The airport is home to several popular high-street stores, including H&M, JD Sports, Zara, and Accessorize, offering clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. Whether you need a new pair of jeans, a stylish dress, or a trendy jacket, these stores cater to a range of styles and budgets.

In addition, John Lewis (located in the South Terminal) offers a curated selection of clothing, homeware, and accessories. It’s an ideal spot for last-minute shopping if you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe or pick up a gift for someone special. Accessories, including handbags, scarves, sunglasses, and jewellery, are plentiful throughout the terminals, giving you the opportunity to add a little something extra to your travel attire.

Beauty and Fragrance

Gatwick Airport is home to some of the leading beauty and fragrance brands. Whether you’re looking to stock up on your favourite perfume or discover new skincare products, you’ll find an impressive range of options at the airport. The Duty-Free shops in both terminals offer a wide selection of perfumes, aftershaves, skincare, and cosmetics, often at tax-free prices, making it an ideal stop for beauty enthusiasts.

Brands like Estée Lauder, Lancôme, Clinique, MAC, and Charlotte Tilbury offer a range of premium products that cater to all beauty needs. Additionally, if you’re on the lookout for the perfect fragrance, Jo Malone and Creed offer a selection of luxury perfumes and colognes, ensuring you leave Gatwick smelling wonderful.

Gifts and Souvenirs

If you’re looking for a souvenir to remember your time in the UK, Gatwick has a wide selection of shops selling British-themed products. The British Museum Shop in the South Terminal offers a range of unique gifts inspired by British history and culture, including books, artwork, and handcrafted jewellery.

Other gift shops at Gatwick feature a range of quirky and practical souvenirs, such as Union Jack-themed items, British chocolates, and locally produced goods. The London Gifts store is a particularly good choice for picking up gifts such as keychains, mugs, and T-shirts emblazoned with iconic London landmarks.

If you’re after something a little more elegant, Harrods in the North Terminal provides a wide array of luxury products, from fine wines and chocolates to British-themed gifts and souvenirs. It’s a great spot to pick up something special for a friend or loved one, showcasing the best of British craftsmanship and design.

Food and Drink Shopping

Before heading to your gate, don’t forget to treat yourself to some delicious food and drink. Both terminals have a range of shops offering local delicacies and snacks. M&S Simply Food has a selection of gourmet treats, sandwiches, snacks, and ready meals, perfect for travellers looking for a quick bite before boarding.

If you’re interested in taking home some British food, Fortnum & Mason in the South Terminal offers luxury hampers, fine teas, and other British gourmet products. For those with a love for fine wines, The Wine Cellar offers a selection of wines, champagnes, and spirits from around the world.

Convenience and Service

Shopping at Gatwick Airport is made even more convenient thanks to the various services available. Click and Collect allows passengers to shop for items online before their trip and collect them once they’ve arrived at the airport. This service is ideal for those who are short on time or want to ensure they don’t miss out on their favourite products.

Additionally, Duty-Free shopping is a major draw for international travellers. With tax-free pricing, you can save money on everything from alcohol to cosmetics and fragrances. Gatwick also offers Price Match promises at its duty-free stores, ensuring that you’re getting the best possible price.

Conclusion

Shopping at Gatwick Airport is more than just a way to pass the time before your flight—it’s an integral part of the airport experience. Whether you’re looking for luxury fashion, beauty products, gifts, or travel essentials, Gatwick offers an impressive array of shops that cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets. With the added convenience of duty-free shopping and a variety of services, including Click and Collect, you can make the most of your time at the airport and even pick up a few last-minute items to make your journey even more enjoyable.

So, the next time you’re passing through Gatwick Airport, take a little extra time to explore the shops and treat yourself to something special—you’ll certainly find something to suit your tastes!