online shopping europe

Online Shopping Europe

Hello to all, today we are going on a sightseeing trip around the magical kingdom of Europe. A domain which now even has its very own Disney World, and of course at the same time, we will not miss diving under the English channel, through the channel tunnel to visit the good old British Isles even though they are no longer part of the European Economy.

Stay with us, as while there, we may even pop over to Ireland over the unforgiving Irish sea and taste a pint of the magical elixir Guinness, poured straight from the brewer’s lodge the Guinness brewery in Dublin.

Furthermore, if the above was not enough, we will, because after all, that is what we have been tasked to do, visit a few of the many retail units scattered throughout the E.U. So here’s to “Online Shopping Europe,” which promises to be fun.

Suppose you are thinking of shopping online on one of the many European websites. In that case, if trends stay as they are, it could be a relatively budget-friendly experience, and not just for the people who reside in the E.U. but non-EU residents as well.

So today, once again, with the help of America’s favorite place to shop online, “BargainBrute.Com,” we go on a trip around some of the greats of European online retail shopping sites, and I have to say, there are surprisingly many of them to choose from. Most of them also have branches outside the E.U., even across the pond here in North America.

Of course, although shipping cost will have to be taken into consideration when purchasing from a European online retail outlet especially if you are using one which does not have any outlets over here in North America, bear in mind that you will not have to pay any of the retail taxes, or Value-added-Tax, (VAT). A tax all E.U. citizens have to pay and a surcharge depending on where you live in the E.U. can be anywhere between 15% and 28%, a rather large tax in anyone’s book.

First up: MISSSIXTY.COM: You are in luck with this one, as they have partners scattered around the world, so once you enter the website, the first thing you will be offered is a large red button asking you very polity to press it and then on the following screen let them know what country you live in. Of course, if you are in a country they do not have any openings in, then they will, once again, exceptionally politely inform you that you will not be able to shop with them, and then they will say goodbye.

OK, let us assume that they are trading in your country. You are in luck as they have speedy delivery options, usually just a couple of days after placing your order. However, shipping can be a tad tricky as it can be anywhere between 10 Euros for just your regular run-of-the-mill item, up to 30 Euros for shipping by “UPS.”

Authors note: 10 Euros is approximately just under $12 and 30 Euros is roughly only under $36.00, not bad if you think of it. Oh, and just a quick heads up, they have just started their winter sales.

Amazon: You know, when researching online shopping articles, it does not matter what part of the world you are looking at. You will always bump into that mega online retailer, “Amazon.” Yes, it can be a bit frustrating, but what can I say? They are everywhere, not bad for what they once were, just another online bookseller. Anyway, what makes them stand out in Europe is that the E.U. shopper gets free delivery, which is going to save them at least 10 – 20 Euros and depending on where a person lives in the E.U. they will on occasion send their express deliveries via express mail utterly free of charge.

Definitely worth visiting Amazon if you happen to live across the pond in Europe.

Brandsgalaxy.gr: This rather quaint online retailer is based in Greece but unfortunately does not sell outside of Greece, which is a shame, as the website draws you in just as if you were going somewhere nice to eat. The jars of olives and pickles are spread throughout the shop, making it look very bohemian when first entering.

As for their collection of fashionable clothing, they do have something for all. Dresses can go for as little as 60.00 Euros, or even less depending on the time of the year. Even men are catered to in this outlet, something you do not often see in Greek fashion retailers. However, men’s blouses and knitted tops go for about 40 Euros, so not a bad deal after all.

Any drawbacks: Yes, for some reason, you cannot go online and sign up to become a client as you have to be recommended by someone else, preferably who is already a member.

You know it is many years since I crossed the seas and went to Europe, but I still today think of some of the good times we had while living there. After all, it was my birthplace. However, one trip sticks in my mind, and it happened while I was working in city center management and property design and management. Part of my portfolio was a few traditional brick-and-mortar shopping centers.

Anyway, every year it was my job to organize a weekend trip for all the team, about 300 of them, and that year I picked the Guinness Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. What a journey, which turned out to be a fantastic weekend, fun was had by all.

Authors note: After about 30 years when that trip took place, as far as I know, four of our team are still there, and who can blame them. Good luck to them!