LONDON — The absence of tax-free shopping cost the West End 310 million pounds in retail sales in the first six months of the year, marking the biggest half-year loss since the policy was removed in 2021, according to new research from the New West End Company, which represents some 600 retail, restaurant, hotel and property owners in central London’s core shopping areas anchored by Bond, Oxford and Regent Streets.

That said, leading brands are still fighting for prime locations across London despite a generally tough business environment.

As first reported by WWD, Phoebe Philo is planting her flag in London’s Mayfair with plans to open her first store on Carlos Place, in a former office building. The store will be across the street from The Row, and a few steps from The Connaught hot

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