A SHOPPER’S PARADISE

Trainers or designer jeans? Polo shirts or hard-wearing shoes? Baby clothes or bikinis? When it comes to shopping, New England boasts the three essentials:

  • low prices
  • high quality
  • wide variety

That’s why this is the best place to shop in the USA. Whichever state you visit, you are rarely far from competitively-priced city centre stores and out-of-town malls. Then, there are shops with the latest techie gadgets or beautifully-made crafts that are the heirlooms of tomorrow. And, with the pound strong against the dollar, prices are not just tempting – they are affordable. What costs £50 in the UK is often only $50 in the US. No wonder British visitors who regularly holiday in the US come armed with shopping lists, buy suitcases (at knock-down prices, of course)… and load up!

So what are the best buys? Clothes have always offered great value for money. With jeans designed for everyone from cowboys to city slickers, choose between traditional brands or the latest hot labels at shopping destinations such as the Wrentham Village and Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets. But, whether it is business dress for men and women or clothes for children, the choice is huge – far wider than in Britain. All tastes and sizes are catered for, and most clothes – particularly for kids – are easy-care. Sportswear, sports equipment and CDs are always good buys.

Holiday bargains
It often seems as if there is a sale on every week in New England’s stores. Certainly, sales are more frequent than in the UK and department stores often have days where extra reductions are made – perhaps another 20% off the already-reduced prices! During non-sale periods, there is often a sale rail at the rear of many shops, just waiting for bargain hunters!

The main sales often coincide with US holidays, so put these on your calendar: Presidents’ Week (mid-February), Memorial Day (late May); Fourth of July (early July); Labor Day (early September), Thanksgiving (end of November) and the week between Christmas and New Year. There are even reductions in the days leading up to Christmas for those of you who fancy a weekend shopping break in Boston before the festive season!