Whether you’re looking for superstore must-haves or one-of-a-kind boutique finds, Birmingham is the place to be. An industrial hub in the West Midlands with a beautifully diverse culture, thousands flock here daily to do one thing: shop ‘til they drop.
In this blog, we’ll give you the lowdown on where to shop in the city, helping you plan the ultimate spending spree.
Mell Square
Nestled in the market town of Solihull, Mell Square provides eager spenders with a brilliant shopping landscape without venturing into the heart of Birmingham. Browse renowned high street names such as Fat Face, Moss Bros, LOAF, House of Fraser, and many more. There’s also a fantastic selection of independent stores, including Lesley Ashworth Accessories, Wishes and Kisses, and Sophie Bea. And when you fancy a bite to eat, you’ll find a selection of enticing eateries from cafes to restaurants, providing a comfortable and relaxed space to chill out after your spree. Consider Mell Square an ideal outer-city hub to satisfy all your needs in one place.
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Bullring & Grand Central
If you’re looking for an inner-city retail experience soaked in history, Bullring and Grand Central is the place to be. The Bullring has been a major landmark of the city since the Middle Ages where markets were held, giving local traders an opportunity to sell their goods. Today, there are two wings to explore, giving shoppers everything they could ever ask for from drool-worthy eateries to one-of-a-kind shops and family activities. Grand Central is the Bull Ring’s other half – the two centres are connected by a pedestrian overpass making it Birmingham’s biggest retail venue. Whether you’re searching for tech, fashion, health and beauty, or simply something to eat, Birmingham shopping doesn’t get much better than this.
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Parkgate Shopping Centre
Located to the south-east of Birmingham in Shirley, Solihull, is Parkgate Shopping Centre. Offering shopping, dining, and leisure in one location, this is the ultimate outer-city spot to fulfil all your needs. There are some huge retail names including B&M and Poundland, as well as nationwide foodie favourites like Greggs, Wetherspoons, and Pizza Express. And for those who love getting lost in incredible stories, there’s even a library offering you a chance to deep-dive into an impressive collection of books. Take the entire family with you – there’ll no doubt be something for everyone to enjoy at Parkgate Shopping Centre!
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Mailbox Birmingham
Previously the location of the Royal Mail’s sorting office, The Mailbox is a lifestyle haven for locals and tourists alike, providing the perfect blend of laid-back dining, shopping, and leisure. There are three levels, each offering a completely unique experience for visitors. Level two is where you’ll find the venue’s shops, with top-class brands such as Harvey Nichols taking residency. But you can also find your next bicycle at Ribble, get kitted out in luxury clothing pieces at James Lakeland, or browse incredible artwork at Castle Fine Art. However, the most exciting part about visiting Mailbox Birmingham has to be the canal-side dining. Offering both casual and upscale eateries, it’s the most Instagram-worthy spot to indulge in a post-shopping pick-me-up.
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One Stop Shopping
With over 60 stores in one convenient location just a few miles outside Birmingham, One Stop Shopping Centre has all you could ever need when indulging in a spending spree. Whether shopping for footwear, toys, fragrances, or a special occasion, trust One Stop to fulfil your needs. Inside, you’ll find brands you know and love, such as M&S, Nike, Boots, and Home Bargains. Offering a fantastic shopping experience for every budget, One Stop is well worth a visit if you don’t fancy venturing into the city. You can even relax whilst you’re there with a coffee in hand or a drink at the bar – it’s totally up to you! Whatever you fancy, there are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops to keep you fuelled up for a day of shopping.
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Burlington Arcade
Burlington Arcadeis undoubtedly an independent retailer’s dream location. As soon as you enter, it feels like a step back in time, offering a shopping experience far removed from the busy high streets of Birmingham. The spectacular arcade was built sometime before 1875, and was originally a hotel. It features incredible arches, beautiful tilework, and a sizable glass ceiling. You can shop for shoes, fashion, and even treat yourself to a new hairdo. And it would be rude to visit this iconic location without going down to the basement of the Arcade to Bacchus Bar. Dating back to 1398, this hidden gem offers some of the best food and drinks in the city, whilst also giving you a chance to appreciate its centuries-old interiors.
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Birmingham Rag Market
Looking for one-of-a-kind fabrics? Birmingham Rag Market boasts over 350 stalls selling an incredibly diverse collection of goods and is one of the largest indoor markets in the country. Often dubbed The Rag, many consider it the ultimate hub for sourcing beautiful fabrics and materials, as it offers an extensive collection from stallholders across the city and beyond. But you can also find the freshest fruits and veg, pet essentials, budget-friendly clothing, quality homeware, and so much more. Held four days a week, there’s every opportunity to pick up a bargain!
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City Arcade
Consider your trip to City Arcade in Birmingham a great way to discover a little more about the city’s rich history. Built in 1898, this famous attraction was once two separate buildings, offering retail and leisure activities aplenty. But during WWII, the largest building was sadly destroyed in a German bombing raid. Today, visitors can step inside the remaining building which was given a facelift in 1972, bringing it back to life after the devastation of the war. Shop for craft beer, play endless pinball machines, stock up on your fitness essentials, or visit the beauty salon. If one thing’s for sure, City Arcade is not your typical retail experience in Birmingham.
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