7 iconic luxury retail stores across the globe

For most travellers, a regular summer escape is all about scenic strolls, fancy dinners, and spirited conversations about the city’s thriving architectural and cultural landscape. But if there’s anything tourists love more than this, it is a shopping spree in the most iconic luxury boutiques where fashion, culture, and hospitality converge. We bring to you a selection of the most legendary stores from across the globe that fulfil every fashion connoisseur’s needs. Remember: Life is short, buy the dress.

Galeries Lafayette, Paris, France

No trip to France is complete without indulging in a much-needed retail therapy session at the bucket-list-worthy Galeries Lafayette—home to a number of haute couture and ready-to-wear brands. A symbol of Parisian elegance, this 125-year-old luxury store features stunning art nouveau-style architecture while also offering panoramic views of the city—the perfect way to end a long day of shopping extravaganza.

Harrods, London, UK

Synonymous with excellence and a truly unique sense of magic—Harrods originally started as a one-room shop until it moved to Knightsbridge, becoming the city’s biggest and most celebrated retailer. The grand building spans over 1.1 million sq. ft. showcasing a breathtaking range of products with six floors of retail space full of long-standing history and legacy—the British royals once shopped there. Establishing its luxury reputation around the world, the store has become a visitor destination in its own right.

Fashion Quadrilateral, Milan, Italy

Located in the heart of the fashion capital of the world, the Quadrilatero della moda aka Fashion Quadrilateral boasts the best of high fashion, sparkling with glossy boutiques and luxury designer brands. The district takes its geometrical moniker from the four main thoroughfares that surround it—Via Monte Napoleone, Via Manzoni, Via della Spiga, and Corso Venezia. Every inch of this area is an endless succession of those signature luxury names; think Armani, Versace, Alberta Ferretti, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Bulgari, Cartier, and what not.

Rodeo Drive, La, California

Home to the world’s leading designer fashion houses and one-of-a-kind luxury boutiques, Rodeo Drive is the nexus point blending heritage and savoir-faire with modernity and innovation. The crown jewel of Beverly Hills comprises three iconic, palm-dotted blocks within the Golden Triangle scattered with multiple renowned stores and hotels that are synonymous with old Hollywood glamour. For a glimpse into the alternate reality of the ultra-rich, Rodeo Drive is your ultimate LA shopping guide.

Neiman Marcus, Miami, Florida

Neiman Marcus is a larger-than-life department store that stands as a testament to luxurious womenswear and goods. Founded in 1907 by Herbert Marcus, his sister, and brother-in-law, Carrie, and A.L. Neiman, the store introduced French sophistication and rich opulence to America. Deep in the heart of nowhere, this iconic establishment made luxury, actual and aspirational, accessible to everyone. Whether you’re shopping for your wedding gown or just the best ready-to-wear straight from the runways, Neiman Marcus is a legend in its own right.

Bergdorf Goodman, New York, US

A designated New York City landmark, Bergdorf Goodman is a pinnacle of eclectic style, impeccable service, and old-school glamour. Founded in 1899 by French tailor Herman Bergdorf, the legendary establishment is a treasure trove of high-fashion designer labels, with an uber-luxe homeware section, a bridal atelier, and a pastel-hued restaurant with views of Central Park.

Shinsegae, Seoul, South Korea

The first to introduce the concept of a department store to Korea, Shinsegae is the largest and oldest retailer founded in the 1930s. Positioned as a luxury symbol, this grand building features the finest of fashion, from up-and-coming designers to the world’s top luxury labels. The store offers a holistic experience as a venue that mixes shopping with arts, culture and timeless legacy.