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RAPAPORT... Shopping guide and services firm Global Blue presented London's Luxury Quarter with great news for the upcoming National Day Golden Week holiday as it expects a surge in tourism from China during the first week of October. Global Blue stated that Chinese shoppers have now become the top tax-free spenders in the London Luxury Quarter, which is a collection of 42 streets and home to numerous luxury jewelry brands across the West End, Mayfair, Piccadilly and St. James's. The group also found that China accounted for the largest international consumer group in both the West End and on Bond Street, accounting for 16 percent and 28 percent of all sales, respectively.
Mark Henderson, the chairman of London Luxury Quarter and Savile Row tailors Gieves & Hawkes, said, "Chinese shoppers make up the most significant proportion of our international customer base. The first Golden Week holiday in February this year saw a surge in Chinese visitors to the area and we are expecting record numbers for the second holiday this October. The Quarter offers a unique mix of world leading luxury brands, hotels, galleries and restaurants, catering for visitors' taste for high-end goods and unique experiences and we are doing more than ever to ensure they are fully accommodated."
Global Blue stated that spending on Bond Street alone by Chinese tourists rose by almost a fifth in 2012. The company estimated that this year, the average Chinese shopper spent $3,105 (RBM 19,000 or GBP 2,000) per transaction, which was significantly higher than Londoners' average of $793 (GBP 500).
London's Luxury Quarter is preparing tours and activities to accommodate a Golden Week crowd. Chinese travelers can download the London Luxury Quarter app (English and Mandarin) to help plan a shopping trip and they can book small group tours in advance to focus on a series of themes such as jewelry, art or cuisine. Within the Quarter itself, many hotels and retailers now accept UnionPay and an increasing number of retailers are employing Mandarin-speaking staff to ensure superior Chinese customer service.
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