Don't go!! (Oxford Street (W1))

Member Name: garyse16

Product:	Oxford Street (W1)
Date:	05/03/01 (126 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Selfridges

Disadvantages: Crime, traffic, crowds, rain etc, etc ...

Why on earth would anyone shop in Oxford Street? I can see that there may have once been a good reason to visit the lovely shops along Oxford Street, but not anymore.

The one time splendour of the street is epitomised by the fine architecture of Selfridges, the one store which is still worth making the journey to Oxford Street to visit.

As for the rest of the shops – the street is divided into two fairly distinct sections. The posh end, between Marble Arch and Oxford Circus, home to Selfridges, Debenhans, John Lewis and House of Fraser. The tacky end is from Oxford Circus to Tottenham Court Road, and boy is it tacky. Overpriced junk shops peddling rubbish to gullible tourists.

Down the middle of the street is a constant flow (or usually, standstill) of pollution churning buses and taxis.

In recent years Oxford Street has been struggling with a rapidly falling reputation caused by - pick pockets ready to relieve you of your money, likewise beggars; gangs of youngsters roaming from one store to another intimidating shoppers and store assistants; shady gangs flogging off their fake gold and perfume. In fact the low life of London's criminal underworld seems to meet on Oxford Street.

Compare this with the safety, warmth, comfort and range of stores in any of the out of town centres – Lakeside, Brent Cross and the fantastic Bluewater and yes, WHY bother with Oxford Street??

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