Disney Store
Kit yourself out with Disney character accessories for life, from Little Mermaid organisers to 101 Dalmations Babygrows, which come covered in spots and fur.
140-144 Regent Street, W1 020 7287 6558

Fortnum & Mason
A national treasure, packed with gourmet goods and luxuries in virtually period surroundings. Worth visiting, because it is the last word in "la style anglaise" and because Fortnum's still does the best hampers.
181 Piccadilly, W1 020 7734 8040

Foyles
Another London institution: one of Europe's largest collections of books packed into four floors. Navigating Foyles is an adventure in itself, but is guaranteed to turn up a gem or several.
113-119 Charing Cross Road, WC2 020 7437 5660

HMV
Mega music and game store: very strong dance music section, good specialist sections in the basement and remarkably easy to negotiate.
150 Oxford Street, W1
020 7631 3423

NikeTown
Impressive, large-scale store, selling Nikes in all shapes and sizes. Also, the UK's largest retail area devoted to women, artificial turf instead of carpets and plenty of sporting memorabilia.
236 Oxford Circus, W1
020 7612 0800

Top Shop/ Top Man
Absolute trend central, Top Shop has had a revival and is seldom out of the fashion pages. From funky bags to as-seen-on-the-catwalk clothing, all at knock-down prices.
214 Oxford Street, W1
020 7636 7700

Tower Records
The original megastore for music. The sheer volume of stock is a bit daunting, but persevere and you are highly likely to find that obscure CD you've been searching for among the mainline releases.
1 Piccadilly Circus, W1
020 7439 2500

XS Baggage Co
A show-stopping store filled with all manner of elegant travel requisites, from Louis Vuitton travelling trunks to Cartier crocodile cases. Also beautiful boxes and opulent old English sporting goods.
Antiquarius Antique Centre,
131-141 Kings Road, SW3
020 7376 8781
www.xsbaggage.co.uk