Shoppers could save themselves some money when travelling to Spain this summer
Martin Lewis warns shoppers they could save money by buying clothes abroad(Image: ITV)
Martin Lewis has issued a warning to shoppers travelling to Spain this summer who could be missing out on a bargain. The Money Saving Expert returned to screens for a one-off summer travel special for the ‘The Martin Lewis Money Show Live’ on ITV1.
He spoke about a number of financial tips in preparation for the summer months, especially as shoppers are beginning to fill up their summer wardrobe.
Zara is a popular high street chain that originated in Spain. Martin Lewis has urged shoppers travelling to Spain this summer to “wait until you get there” if you’re planning on buying something from the retailer.
He said: “If you’re one of the millions planning a trip to Spain at some point this summer, stop shopping at Zara right now.”
He added: “It’s also often cheaper, though not as much of a difference, in other countries where you pay in euros too”, such as France and Italy.
Zara was founded in Spain(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool ECHO)
The Money Saving Expert included a price comparison chart, which revealed that on average prices are 22% cheaper in Spain and Greece than if you were buy from a Zara store in the UK. For example, a men’s linen suit blazer costs 119.00 GBP, but buying exactly the same item in Spain costs 99.95 EUR.
Converting at the card rates used by Visa and Mastercard, this shows the pound cost of this jacket is currently £84. In other words, it’s £35 cheaper than the same jacket bought in the UK.
Other examples include a women’s floral cut-out print dress priced at £45.99 compared to €45.95 which is £38.80 in the Spanish and Greek Zara stores.
A women’s long, ruffled dress is priced at £99.99 in the UK, but you can get your hands on it for slightly less in other areas of Europe at €99.95 which is £84.40.
In his Money Saving Expert blog, Martin also explained there’s a chance you can find a flight to Spain for cheaper than a Zara shop. He said: “When I first wrote this blog in 2014, I found a Ryanair flight to Santander in Spain (not the bank) for £42 return (hand luggage only).
“So it was actually cheaper to jump on a plane to Spain and buy the jacket there – though of course add in airport transport and hotel costs and it skews the equation. Even now, though flight prices are higher, there’s a chance that may happen.”
He concluded: “Do pause though to think of the environmental impact of flying, and of overbuying fast fashion. I wouldn’t suggest you do a trip just for this, more that if you’re going anyway and need to buy, take advantage.”