Bag sellers in rush for more London outlets

Britain's desire for upmarket handbags has outstripped that of every other nation, and luxury goods brands are clamouring for space in London.

Bottega Veneta, Michael Kors and Longchamp are all in talks to open more stores in the capital to cash in on the country's growing taste for designer handbags.

Demand in the UK has outstripped the US, France and Japan, according to the World Luxury Index.

The research, compiled by Luxury Society & Digital Luxury Group, has found that UK shoppers search for designer handbags online more often than any other country – Britain racks up 422 searches per 1,000 internet users for luxury brands.