Gatwick WoS what’s the point…
Discussion
Travelled out through Gatwick North this weekend. Popped into Watches of Switzerland to have a look around. I was surprised that all there prices were high street, not duty free.
The main duty free was selling the same stock (Tissot) with the duty knocked off, this begs the question, why do they bother with the shop?
The main duty free was selling the same stock (Tissot) with the duty knocked off, this begs the question, why do they bother with the shop?
I do wonder how airside watch shops do any business these days.
Previously it must have been easy when offering -20% off everything
How they’re high street prices with none of the advantages of the high street for customers- ability to visit a couple of shops and “play them off” against each other, limited stock, limited time to haggle with a flight to catch (not that they’re receptive to a haggle in my experience), and not exactly convenient to return to if there’s an issue (I know you can go to any branch but they’re not exactly going to bend over backwards for you are they?)
Withdraw of the VAT concession must have hit them hard.
Previously it must have been easy when offering -20% off everything
How they’re high street prices with none of the advantages of the high street for customers- ability to visit a couple of shops and “play them off” against each other, limited stock, limited time to haggle with a flight to catch (not that they’re receptive to a haggle in my experience), and not exactly convenient to return to if there’s an issue (I know you can go to any branch but they’re not exactly going to bend over backwards for you are they?)
Withdraw of the VAT concession must have hit them hard.
funinhounslow said:
I do wonder how airside watch shops do any business these days.
Previously it must have been easy when offering -20% off everything
How they’re high street prices with none of the advantages of the high street for customers- ability to visit a couple of shops and “play them off” against each other, limited stock, limited time to haggle with a flight to catch (not that they’re receptive to a haggle in my experience), and not exactly convenient to return to if there’s an issue (I know you can go to any branch but they’re not exactly going to bend over backwards for you are they?)
Withdraw of the VAT concession must have hit them hard.
I think that about most airport shops. Who goes to the airport and needs a Hugo boss shop, a sunglasses shop, JD sports, watches, gadgets etc. Surely everything's bought before boarding. Must be bored people fancying a treat before jetting off? Previously it must have been easy when offering -20% off everything
How they’re high street prices with none of the advantages of the high street for customers- ability to visit a couple of shops and “play them off” against each other, limited stock, limited time to haggle with a flight to catch (not that they’re receptive to a haggle in my experience), and not exactly convenient to return to if there’s an issue (I know you can go to any branch but they’re not exactly going to bend over backwards for you are they?)
Withdraw of the VAT concession must have hit them hard.
Yeah went into WoS in LHR last year to see what Tudor they had in stock, nothing interesting, full retail, no discount, nothing, apparently it earned Heathrow points, but I have no idea or interest as to what that is.
Sunglasses I get as I have bought a couple of pairs airside, as I am a disorganised clown.
Cosmetics I kind of get.
Clothing is just weird, tho I did forget to pack undies once
Luggage confuses me more than anything, why would anyone in an airport think, yes I need a suitcase, surely they have done that bit already?
Sunglasses I get as I have bought a couple of pairs airside, as I am a disorganised clown.
Cosmetics I kind of get.
Clothing is just weird, tho I did forget to pack undies once
Luggage confuses me more than anything, why would anyone in an airport think, yes I need a suitcase, surely they have done that bit already?
funinhounslow said:
nikaiyo2 said:
Luggage confuses me more than anything, why would anyone in an airport think, yes I need a suitcase, surely they have done that bit already?
Something to put all the tat in that they’ve bought from the other shops…? 
Years ago, when exchange rates were more favourable, didn't people use to travel to the US with an empty suitcase to pick up 'bargains'?
nikaiyo2 said:
Yeah went into WoS in LHR last year to see what Tudor they had in stock, nothing interesting, full retail, no discount, nothing, apparently it earned Heathrow points, but I have no idea or interest as to what that is.
Sunglasses I get as I have bought a couple of pairs airside, as I am a disorganised clown.
Cosmetics I kind of get.
Clothing is just weird, tho I did forget to pack undies once
Luggage confuses me more than anything, why would anyone in an airport think, yes I need a suitcase, surely they have done that bit already?
Fully with you that the only things you need airside are sandwiches, bar, bookstore, and ffs I left my earbuds in the kitchen. Except that once we got to the airport for a family flight, and when taking one of the carry-ons out of the car banged it on the ground so hard that it shattered a wheel.Sunglasses I get as I have bought a couple of pairs airside, as I am a disorganised clown.
Cosmetics I kind of get.
Clothing is just weird, tho I did forget to pack undies once
Luggage confuses me more than anything, why would anyone in an airport think, yes I need a suitcase, surely they have done that bit already?
So I know one person who has bought a new piece of luggage airside.
number2 said:
Years ago, when exchange rates were more favourable, didn't people use to travel to the US with an empty suitcase to pick up 'bargains'?
I bet they get business from the 'bored business / wealthy traveler' crowd.
I've been on business trips where I'm alone, therefore have time to wander the shops and purely out of boredom hit the watch shop to see what they've got.
Having said that... I rarely buy anything as I don't want to lug the box / stuff on the plane with me.
Re the luggage. One other reason for the luggage shops is for upgrades due to broken / damaged bags.
I've been on business trips where I'm alone, therefore have time to wander the shops and purely out of boredom hit the watch shop to see what they've got.
Having said that... I rarely buy anything as I don't want to lug the box / stuff on the plane with me.
Re the luggage. One other reason for the luggage shops is for upgrades due to broken / damaged bags.
Tbf my wife bought a Rolex in Heathrow 2 years ago. Was a ladies datejust. We were heading to America and popped in.
Not a watch that will keep value etc but she loved it. Bi metal rose gold, Oyster bracelet and plain bezel (everything not to get!)
But it had a lovely black pearl dial.
She liked it and wears it. So residual cost doesn’t mean much.
I also got a few bottles of peroni while I waited.
Not a watch that will keep value etc but she loved it. Bi metal rose gold, Oyster bracelet and plain bezel (everything not to get!)
But it had a lovely black pearl dial.
She liked it and wears it. So residual cost doesn’t mean much.
I also got a few bottles of peroni while I waited.
NaePasaran said:
funinhounslow said:
I do wonder how airside watch shops do any business these days.
Previously it must have been easy when offering -20% off everything
How they’re high street prices with none of the advantages of the high street for customers- ability to visit a couple of shops and “play them off” against each other, limited stock, limited time to haggle with a flight to catch (not that they’re receptive to a haggle in my experience), and not exactly convenient to return to if there’s an issue (I know you can go to any branch but they’re not exactly going to bend over backwards for you are they?)
Withdraw of the VAT concession must have hit them hard.
I think that about most airport shops. Who goes to the airport and needs a Hugo boss shop, a sunglasses shop, JD sports, watches, gadgets etc. Surely everything's bought before boarding. Must be bored people fancying a treat before jetting off? Previously it must have been easy when offering -20% off everything
How they’re high street prices with none of the advantages of the high street for customers- ability to visit a couple of shops and “play them off” against each other, limited stock, limited time to haggle with a flight to catch (not that they’re receptive to a haggle in my experience), and not exactly convenient to return to if there’s an issue (I know you can go to any branch but they’re not exactly going to bend over backwards for you are they?)
Withdraw of the VAT concession must have hit them hard.
In the duty free section watches like the PRX, Seiko divers such as the Willard were also were better priced than anything on line or otherwise.
However on the sunglasses side of things there was four different places to buy Ray-Bans and Oakley. That seemed a bit OTT.
I’ve used the clothing, jewellery and hand bag stores (mainly Paul Smith, Ted Baker, Hermes, Tiffany and Harrods) a few times for gifts for Mrs and daughter … I regularly use the Heathrow T5 Fortnums for some staple requirements (biscuits).
I did have to use the Dixons in Newcastle ages ago when I left my headphones in the car so picked up a set of B&O Beoplay 2 … and then a couple of weeks later popped in again for the 2i headphones as I really like them and the 2i have a mic on them.
There’s all sorts of needs people have that others don’t see or appreciate.
I did have to use the Dixons in Newcastle ages ago when I left my headphones in the car so picked up a set of B&O Beoplay 2 … and then a couple of weeks later popped in again for the 2i headphones as I really like them and the 2i have a mic on them.
There’s all sorts of needs people have that others don’t see or appreciate.
number2 said:
Years ago, when exchange rates were more favourable, didn't people use to travel to the US with an empty suitcase to pick up 'bargains'?
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