The UK Government announced the return of tax-free shopping for visitors to the UK. British politician Kwasi Kwarteng, serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer since 2022, told the House of Commons that the UK Government will put in place a “modern, digital, VAT-free shopping scheme”. This will include modernisation of the scheme in Northern Ireland … Read more
Johnstons of Elgin and Sabina Savage team up on a limited-run scarf line. Family-owned luxury British brand Johnston’s of Elgin is celebrating its 225th anniversary by enlisting the considerable talents of illustrator Sabina Savage to design a new set of scarfs commemorating one of the most significant moments in the manufacturer’s history: its participation in … Read more
Understanding the value of high-end tourism. High-end tourism, worth up to £30bn to the UK, presents a critically important opportunity to rebuild the post-pandemic economy and support future prosperity across the country, based on a virtuous circle of hospitality, culture, travel and retail. In Walpole’s recent report “What It’s Worth: Enabling The Return Of The … Read more
Europe’s Tax Free Shopping Gains Strength With Record Recovery Rates, says Global Blue‘s new report. Last week, at Walpole’s latest Luxury Summit in London, Global Blue presented new data signalling the continued recovery of Tax Free Shopping in continental Europe. Global Blue offers innovative solutions in three different fields: Tax Free Shopping, Payments services, and … Read more
How can we enable the return of the luxury tourism sector? Walpole’s 2022 insight report outlines the economic impact of luxury tourism on Britain’s economy and government action needed to ensure UK recovery matches European counterparts. Walpole, which includes Burberry, Harrods, Claridge’s and V&A amongst its members, is calling for reintroduction of the VAT RES … Read more
British Luxury Sustainability Report: Walpole’s Tips for Communicating Luxury Brands Sustainability Strategies. Sustainability is increasingly a part of conversations with investors, business customers and consumers. A significant opportunity exists for luxury businesses of all sizes to build brand loyalty by engaging consumers with their sustainability stories. In particular, with consumer trust in … Read more