London’s West End has been awarded the title of best shopping destination in the inaugural European Retail Rankings by Experian.

The district beat off stiff competition from fashionable locations such as Paris, Rome, Madrid and Berlin to take the top spot.

Experian expects the West End to attract 6.17 billion euros (£5.2 billion) of spending in 2008, although it points out that economic troubles could threaten the area’s position at the top of the rankings next year.

The West End also faces local competition in the shape of the new Westfield shopping centre, which was opened in Shepherds Bush on October 30th.

Indeed, the Telegraph reports that the number of consumers visiting Oxford Street, Regent Street, South Molton Street and Bond Street fell by a quarter in the week after Westfield opened its doors compared to the same week the year before.

Red Letter Days offers a number of shopping experiences for those who fancy treating themselves to a spot of retail therapy or doing some shopping for unusual Christmas gifts.