EU bargains for shoppers

SHOPPERS can snap up designer goods cheaper in mainland Europe than in Britain for the first time due to the continued strength of the pound.

Expensive brands such as Marc Jacobs and Apple cost less abroad, according to Post Office research, signalling good news for holidaymakers.

Sterling has fared well in recent months thanks to unemployment being down and an upbeat mood among consumers, leading people to spend more money. Yesterday £1 bought ¤1.42.

The research found the new Apple Watch Sport costs around £290 in German, French, Austrian and Hungarian cities, £9 less than in London where shoppers must fork out £299. And the Apple iPad Air 2 is almost 11pc cheaper in Berlin, Munich and Vienna, at £355, than in London, where the gadget costs £399. For a 100ml bottle of Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette, customers can expect to pay £76 in London but £11 less in both Strasbourg and Vienna, where the average price is £65.

But Ugg Classic Short Boots were still cheaper in London, at £155, than in Copenhagen, where they cost £179.

When the Post Office compared the cost of six fashion, beauty and hightech items, the cost to buy them in London was £1,022 whereas in Stockholm it was just over £914.

Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said: ‘Sterling’s strength brings glad festive tidings for shoppers visiting Europe. However, it is still important to do some homework before travelling because our research showed that prices are not universally lower than in London.’