City shops make the catwalk

OVERSEAS shoppers are putting George Street on a par with London’s Bond Street when it comes to luxury shopping, according to retail analysts.

Designer brands, such as Louis Vuitton, are popular with Chinese and Russian visitors, while Brazilians opt for brands such as Topshop on Princes Street, says a study carried out by Global Blue. It found tax free spending was up 75 per cent year on year thanks to shoppers from growing economies.

Experts said the spending rise is due to investment in the city centre. Richard Brown, vice president of Global Blue UK, said: “Edinburgh is at last gaining recognition for its shopping offering.”