EU is really expensive compared to US. I remember a friend was visiting me here on Long Island and I gave her an extra suitcase because she went nuts buying things for her kids. Specialty items such as quilting things that are expensive here are rediculously expensive across the pond. Also, and this may have changed, availability ad certain items was an issue as well. Even in Canada, things seem to be much pricier then here. I visit Canada once a year and I rarely buy anything because the sticker shock brings me back to reality.