Cruise (Glasgow, UK)

When it comes to luxury shopping, Edinburgh is the Scottish city that lucked out with Harvey Nichols and various higher-end boutiques scattered throughout the downtown area. Glasgow isn't the place you'll automatically associate with designer brands and that has its benefits. Unlike London, where the most desirable items will sell out instantly at full-price and you're lucky to find something even remotely attractive in your size during the sale season, it's the designer stores in other cities that tend to have a great selection of goods that aren't available elsewhere.

A perfect example is Cruise, a multi-brand giant that started out in 1981 as a single store in Edinburgh catering only to cutting-edge menswear. These days, Cruise is headquartered in Glasgow in the same building housing its biggest retail space - the store I'm about the profile. It has also expanded to other major UK cities and has a separate store called 'Cruise Jeans' which offers hipper, younger brands and the best selection of high-end jeanswear.

I will always love Cruise because this is where I got some of the best items in my wardrobe (a perfectly tailored McQueen blazer was my last purchase there) for more than 50% off in my size 7 weeks into the sale season. Unlike department stores, which I find rather oppressive after a while, Cruise has a light airy ambiance and probably the most friendly staff you'll ever encounter in a luxury retail environment. Upon entering the store, I was greeted by at least four different staff members within five minutes. During my visit, I was offered a drink three times (on different floors mind you... otherwise that would have been a little creepy).

The boutique itself is huge and contains five levels of designer clothing, accessories, shoes and bags. The day I went there, Cruise also happened to be having a mid-season promotion with up to 50% off on most Spring 09 collections. How can you not love this place?

The ground floor is where you'll discover the majority of designer bags, shoes and accessories ranging from Prada heels to Balenciaga motorcycle bags. The one brand that is missing here is Gucci, but only because the label has its own floor on the mezzanine one level up. Everything you could be looking for, whether it's the logo canvas collection or current season sunglasses, can be found here. Though I wasn't in the market for anything Gucci, I did still enjoy wandering around this area with its dark red velvet sofas and Persian rugs.

The remaining floors featured designer clothing from brands you won't find anywhere else in the city. Everything is organized by brand, whether its D&G and Cavalli or Malene Birger, Lanvin and Vivienne Westwood. Browsing is very pleasant, as you won't get harassed by staff (though they will ask if you if you need help) and the selection is pretty impressive. Jewelry by the respective brands found on each floor are presented in glass cases along the walls or at the counter and if you didn't find the appropriate shoes or bags, some of the more unique items will be displayed here as well.

Comfy sofas and big changing rooms are available on each floor and if you have any questions or need a consultation, don't hesitate to ask a sales assistant. I spotted one girl sitting on a couch with a staff member, getting advice on day dresses to wear to a wedding (she too was offered a drink of course).

For those who never enjoyed luxury shopping because of bad or impersonal service, this is where you need to be if you're ever in town. One of the few places where you'll still be treated like a princess - you'll definitely find me here again when the Summer sales begin...

Address: 180 Ingram Street, Glasgow G1 1DN
Opening Hrs: Mon-Wed, Fri: 9:30-18:00
Thu: 10:00-19:00, Sun: 11:00-17:30
Cruise Homepage & Online Shop