Shop til we drop?

With so much depressing and gloomy news about the recession, London's rising unemployment figures, the falling value of the pound, the property market woes, the continuing problems with the City and the banks and the Australians beating England at rugby it's hard to find some way to lift your spirits - without spending money. So a couple of things caught my eye this week...

The first was the incredible success of the new Westfield centre in Shepherd's Bush (I haven't yet been but plan to go soon). Where, they reported today, they even had to deploy crowd control measures for some stores - such as for Australian Ugg boots.

The second was walking past Selfridges - set out in all its Christmas festive glittery best. Some amazingly bold and bright window displays too. They made me smile. And I like their fingers up attitude to all the economic woes with their slogan that encourages people to be self-indulgent.

Thirdly, I took a little stroll around the Christmas displays in Fortnum and Mason (just browsing as I was killing time between meetings - honest Mr Bank Manager!). And even the most hard hearted of people couldn't fail to feel a little bit lifted by the winter wonderland feel in there.

And then I read a newspaper report today that says London's West End is Europe's favourite place to shop. We beat Paris, Rome, Madrid, Berlin, Munich, Barcelona, Athens, Milan and Zurich. Makes you proud to be a Londoner!