Weak pound attracts Euro shoppers

The chic shoppers are crossing the Channel to buy wares by iconic French brands including Chanel, Chloe and Louis Vuitton, according to Selfridges.

The department store, which has a flagship shop on Oxford Street, said credit card reports showed trade from France soared 70% in January and February compared to the same months in 2008.

The trend held for shoppers from other countries using the euro, with trade growing more than 40%, while almost all countries within the Eurozone showed double digit growth.

The pound's weakness means European customers can make big savings on pricey purchases such as designers handbags, with a classic Chanel quilted leather bag costing the equivalent of £1,780 in Paris available for £255 less in Selfridges at £1,525.

The savings would more than cover a return Paris to London ticket on the Eurostar which can be bought for £59.

Happily, the euro shoppers are also using the favourable exchange rate to snap up British brands, with sales of handbags by Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith up more than 50% since January.

Selfridges' buying director Anne Pitcher said: "European customers have clearly resolved not to give up on life's uplifting luxuries and are coming to London to get them at the best possible price."

Eurostar confirmed a 10% increase in visitors coming for pleasure from the continent since the start of the year was "thanks to the lower pound".

Spokesman Simon Montague said: "Continental visitors are being attracted to London by the great deals and real value that can be found."