Travelling through Gatwick Airport can be more than just a journey. It’s also a great time to shop smartly. Duty free shopping at Gatwick offers deals on spirits, perfumes, beauty, sunglasses, and travel gifts that you won’t usually find on the high street.
Gatwick Airport shops feature a wide range of international brands inside both terminals. From fashion and beauty to electronics, LGW duty-free and Gatwick Airport shops create one of the best shopping experiences in London. But not every traveller knows how to make the most of it. From understanding where to shop, to using Reserve & Collect for the best discounts, there are simple tricks that can help you save and shop without stress.
Let’s take a full tour of Gatwick’s duty-free shopping experience, what’s worth buying, and where to find genuine deals.
Duty Free Shopping at Gatwick Airport
Gatwick offers a wide shopping experience in both terminals (North and South) with identical categories but slightly different store layouts and brand mixes.
You’ll find big names in beauty, spirits, fashion, and accessories, plus convenient extras like Reserve & Collect, Shop Fly Collect, and Arrivals Duty Free stores for inbound travellers. If you plan your time and understand the rules, you can save up to 50% on some categories while keeping your airport visit smooth and enjoyable.
Gatwick North Terminal Duty Free Shopping
The North Terminal is known for its bright, modern layout and wide range of international brands. It’s the better terminal if you enjoy shopping for whisky, spirits, and luxury gifts.
As soon as you pass security, you’ll walk straight into the World Duty Free store, where categories are clearly divided, beauty, skincare, liquor, confectionery, and accessories.
Highlights of Duty Free Shopping at Gatwick North Terminal:
- World of Whiskies: Exclusive to the North Terminal, this section offers rare bottles, collector’s editions, and travel-exclusive whiskies from top brands such as Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Balvenie.
- Fragrances & Beauty: You’ll find Jo Malone, Dior, Chanel, Estée Lauder, and MAC in elegant displays, often with gift sets or travel-exclusive packs.
- Liquor & Spirits: Strong deals, especially on twin-pack promotions and limited seasonal offers.
- Confectionery Corner: Stock up on Toblerone, Lindt, and local British chocolates, perfect gifts before a long flight.
- Fashion & Accessories: Sunglass Hut, Ray-Ban, and designer watch boutiques add to the selection.
Extra Services in North Terminal:
- Reserve & Collect Desk near the main duty-free area lets you pre-book items online and get 10% off in-store.
- Shop Fly Collect service is available if you want to pick up purchases on your return.
- Club Avolta (formerly Red by Dufry) membership gives you extra discounts and loyalty rewards.
Many travellers arriving at the Gatwick North Terminal like to stop for duty-free shopping before leaving the airport. The area is easy to move around, so you can browse and buy without any rush.
After shopping, carrying heavy luggage can be tiring. A Gatwick North Terminal taxi from TappAXI makes it simple. Your driver waits outside arrivals, helps with your bags, and takes you home comfortably, no walking long distances or waiting in taxi queues.
Gatwick South Terminal Duty Free Shopping
The South Terminal Gatwick shops is equally impressive but has a different vibe. It’s designed more for beauty, fashion, and lifestyle shoppers, and is connected to “The Village,” Gatwick’s main shopping zone.
Right after security, you’ll enter the LGW South WDF main duty-free store, which is bright and open-plan. It’s ideal for passengers who like browsing perfumes, skincare, and high-end accessories before boarding.
Highlights of Duty Free Shopping at Gatwick South Terminal:
- Beauty & Fragrance Paradise: Home to luxury counters from Jo Malone, Lancôme, Gucci, and Clarins. The Travel Exclusive shelves offer large-value gift sets not sold in regular stores.
- Spirits & Wine: A strong collection of international liquors with frequent deals, sometimes “buy two and save more” on spirits and champagne.
- Fashion & Sunglasses: Boutiques like Sunglass Hut, WHSmith, Boots, and Victoria’s Secret make this terminal feel like a mini high street.
- Technology & Travel Essentials: InMotion and Dixons Travel sell headphones, chargers, and gadgets, great for last-minute needs.
- Confectionery & Kids Gifts: You’ll find M&M’s World and plenty of sweet options near the gate area.
Extra Services in South Terminal:
- Reserve & Collect counter near the main entrance for online pre-orders.
- Shop Fly Collect for travellers wanting to pick up on their return journey.
- Arrivals Duty Free also located nearby for those landing at the South Terminal.
If you’re landing here and need a Gatwick Airport taxi from south terminal, your driver from TappAXI can meet you right after customs. You get one hour of free waiting time, which is enough to shop a bit before heading home comfortably.
How to Get the Best Deals at Gatwick Duty Free
Knowing where to shop is one thing & saving money while doing it is another. Gatwick’s duty-free stores offer three ways to maximise value.
Reserve & Collect – Save 10%
Reserve items online up to 30 days before travel, then collect and pay in store. You’ll automatically get 10% off the marked price. Reserve & collect works across both North and South Terminals and is ideal for travellers short on time.
Benefits:
- Reserve early for guaranteed stock.
- Access a wider product range.
- Skip in-store queues and last-minute stress.
- Combine with Club Avolta offers for extra savings.
Shop Fly Collect – No Need to Carry Bags
Buy your items on the outbound flight, and pick them up when you return to Gatwick. Perfect if you’re travelling light or have a connecting journey.
You’ll receive a receipt and collection note. When you arrive back, go to the collection desk in Arrivals to retrieve your shopping.
Club Avolta – Extra Member Rewards
Join Club Avolta (previously Red by Dufry) for additional discounts and loyalty benefits. The app works globally across 5,000+ locations and can be scanned at checkout.
What’s Worth Buying at Gatwick Duty Free
Gatwick duty-free prices are especially attractive on spirits and fragrance sets, often beating high-street values by 30–50%. Always compare before buying to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Here’s what regular travellers find most rewarding:
Spirits and Whisky
The World of Whiskies section in the North Terminal has travel-exclusive bottles and collector’s editions. Prices are often up to 50% lower than on the high street, especially during seasonal promotions.
You can find brands like Glenfiddich, Macallan, Johnnie Walker, and Balvenie. Twin packs also offer better value for travellers gifting or restocking.
Perfume and Beauty
Fragrance lovers can find big names like Jo Malone, Chanel, Dior, and Estée Lauder. Duty free is known for its exclusive value sets, usually bigger sizes for less. Make sure to check the “Travel Exclusives” sections. These offer bundles not available in regular stores.
Sunglasses and Fashion Accessories
If you forgot your sunnies, Gatwick has you covered. Sunglass Hut and Ray-Ban boutiques often offer discounts on seasonal models. You can also find designer watches, jewellery, and travel essentials, perfect for last-minute gifting.
Confectionery and Souvenirs
Duty-free is the best spot for gifts like Toblerone, Lindt, and premium British chocolates. You’ll also find local souvenirs, mini spirits, and skincare packs, handy for friends and family back home.
Understanding UK Duty Free Allowances (2025)
Even though prices are attractive, you need to know what you can legally bring back. If you exceed the limit, you’ll have to pay tax on everything, not just the excess.
Alcohol and Tobacco
If you are 17 or older, you can bring in the following without paying duty or VAT:
- 1 litre of spirits or strong liquor (over 22% ABV)
- 2 litres of fortified or sparkling wine (up to 22% ABV)
- 4 litres of still wine
- 16 litres of beer
For tobacco, you can bring:
- 200 cigarettes, or
- 100 cigarillos, or
- 50 cigars, or
- 250g loose tobacco, or
- 200 sticks for heated tobacco devices
These can be mixed, as long as you don’t exceed the total allowance.
Other Goods
You can also bring other goods worth up to £390 — this includes perfume, gifts, clothing, or electronics.
If you go beyond this value, you’ll have to declare it and pay tax on the entire amount. Always keep receipts in case customs officers ask for proof of purchase.
North vs South Terminal: Which Is Better for Shopping?
Both terminals have a full duty-free selection, but there are small differences worth knowing.
The North Terminal is ideal if you’re after whiskies, spirits, or designer brands. Its layout is more compact, making it easy to navigate quickly. You’ll also find World of Whiskies here.
The South Terminal offers a better variety of beauty and fashion items, plus a few local British brands. “The Village” area has standalone boutiques, tech shops, and plenty of quick-grab stores for snacks and accessories.
No matter your terminal, it’s best to arrive early and plan at least 30–40 minutes for browsing duty-free.
How to Plan Your Duty-Free Stop Efficiently
Timing is everything. If your flight is close or you’re collecting online orders, plan ahead to avoid a last-minute rush.
A smooth shopping plan:
- Reserve your items online through Reserve & Collect up to 30 days before.
- Arrive early at Gatwick with enough time to shop calmly.
- Use Shop Fly Collect if you don’t want to carry bottles or large bags.
- Double-check your allowances before you pay.
- Keep your receipts handy for customs.
- When you land, use your extra time to collect from Arrivals duty-free if needed.
If you’re travelling home after a long flight, consider booking a TappAXI Gatwick airport taxi. You’ll be picked up right at arrivals with your duty-free bags, no long queues or carrying heavy luggage through public transport.
Arrivals Duty Free at Gatwick
Many travellers forget about the arrivals duty free storeswhich is a convenient way to shop when you land, instead of before you fly.
Both North and South Terminals have arrivals shops open from early morning until late evening. These stores carry similar items to departure duty-free, and prices are consistent. It’s perfect if you’re returning home or want to grab gifts after customs.
FAQs
Is Gatwick Duty Free actually cheaper?
Yes, in most cases, especially for spirits, whisky, and fragrance bundles. Items marked as Travel Exclusives usually cost less than in city stores. However, always compare high street or online prices if you want to confirm real savings.
Can I buy Duty Free on arrival at Gatwick?
Yes. Both North and South Terminals have arrivals duty free stores. These are perfect if you forget to shop before your flight or want to buy gifts when you land. Prices are usually identical to the departure area.
What is the difference between Reserve & Collect and Shop Fly Collect?
Reserve & Collect lets you reserve online before flying and pay in store. It offers a 10% discount and holds your items until you travel. Shop Fly Collect lets you buy in person and pick up on your return to the UK — great for avoiding heavy luggage.
Which terminal is better for shopping?
Both terminals offer excellent shopping. The North is stronger for whiskies and designer brands, while the South offers more beauty and fashion variety. Plan your route based on your departure gate and time available.
Duty free shopping at Gatwick Airport is worth it when you know how to play it smart. Use Reserve & Collect to secure discounts, shop within your limits, and compare prices to ensure true value.
Whether you’re travelling out or arriving back, give yourself extra time to enjoy the shopping experience without stress. And if you’re loaded with duty-free bags, book your TappAXI airport transfer for a smooth ride home, fixed price, reliable service, and no hidden charges.
