The only thing we buy is a Boots meal deal and a cup of coffee.
We dont drink or smoke but my husband brings cigarettes back for his friend but usually buys them on the plane on the return journey.
I remember buying quite a bit from Gatwick shopping village years ago but the prices now are far more expensive than the High Street shops.

I nearly always buy a bottle or two of spirits and maybe cigs for mother but thats about it, but i ALWAYS visit the bar regardless of the time of day my flight is, now thats when the holiday starts.

I actually just take a stoll through the shops to pass the time, but I usually figure that I can get everything there just as well once I reached my destination, especially if I stay within europe, I still have to pay taxes and the prices don't vary that much. Food and drinks however are a thing of necessity!

i do enjoy browsing the shops,usually treat myself to perfume and makeup,now my daughter is a teenager she usually heads straight to the perfume too.only marginally cheaper than the high street,but have done it for years now so its my little treat after months of planning,packing,and arranging the holiday my hubby,well he just parks himself in the nearest bar with a newspaper