Your ultimate guide to shopping in Birmingham
But first, here’s your ultimate guide to shopping in Birmingham.
The Bullring & Grand Central
Best for: Traditional shopping trip
A day at the Bullring is synonymous with serious shopping hauls, lively food courts and ultimately exhaustion if 160 stores are anything to go by. From built-in department stores such as John Lewis to high street chains like H&M and Zara, to designer names like Arket and Michael Kors, you could spend days on end navigating all the shops.
And then another day just browsing the Bullring’s 32,000m² Selfridges department store, which is one of only four stores that the brand operates in the UK.
Will you find exactly what you were looking for? Yes. Will you also buy way more than you planned to? Yes. But if you want to grab the shopping bull by its horns, then the Bullring is the place to do it. Figuratively. Not literally.
Jewellery Quarter
Best for: Heritage & presents
The gem da la gem of shopping in Birmingham, the Jewellery Quarter is one of the city’s most significant historical areas and remains the centre for jewellery making in the UK.
Located on the edge of the city centre, it is home to over 100 jewellery shops, designers, and craftsmen, who continue the legacy that began over 200 years. In fact, it’s said that up to 40% of Britain’s jewellery business is traded through the Jewellery Quarter. How’s that for ageing like a fine wine? So, if you’re interested in the history of British craftsmanship or are looking to purchase high-quality, bespoke pieces, this is the place for you.
If you’re not, don’t worry. It’s also home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries, and independent shops, making it a wonderful destination for anyone looking for a fun day out. Especially if you’re looking for pubs in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. Did we mention the Malt House is right down the road, where you’ll find all the delicious craft ales and pub food you could ever ask for?
Great Western Arcade
Best for: Independent & niche stores
A historic arcade championing independent businesses? Count us in.
Enter the Great Western Arcade and you'll see why this is one of Birmingham's favourite shopping destinations. Full of Victorian charm, it hosts an incredible selection of niche, independent retailers and describes itself as ‘the perfect place to deviate from the monotony of the high street and uncover the most unique finds’. And it really is.
But it’s also the perfect place for visitors looking to give back when they buy. Take ‘Miss Macaroon’; a macaroon store that invests all of its profits in helping long-term unemployed young people to break barriers leading to employment. And that’s just one of its incredible retailers. It’s full of the best shops in Birmingham.
(Psst: the macaroons taste especially good after a pub lunch. You know where to find us.)
The Mail Box
Best for: Luxury
A former Royal Mail sorting office, the Mail Box delivers first-class luxury when it comes to shopping.
Widely regarded as Birmingham’s ‘premium lifestyle destination’, it offers a unique collection of national and international brands alongside high-end independents and designer pop-up retail. Think BOSS, Hilfiger, Calvin Klein Underwear, and Armani, just to name a few.
It also has a remarkable 45,000sq ft Harvey Nichols concept store in the middle of it, as well as additional high-end services throughout the store, including a highly trained Style Concierge team who are on hand to offer expert advice on seasonal trends and styling tips across fashion and beauty.
So if it’s luxury you’re looking for, this place has mailed it. And if you go a bit card-happy, we always have deals and offers so you don’t have to go hungry.
The Custard Factory
Best for: A little bit of everything
This is exactly what it sounds like and exactly why you should visit. Set in 15 acres of beautifully restored Victorian factories, the iconic Custard Factory is the former HQ of Bird’s Custard and the current HQ of Birmingham’s buzzing creative quarter.
Home to a number of independent shops, including the famous Red Brick Market, this place does not disappoint those looking to treat themselves to something old, something new, something borrowed and something to do.
Aside from shops, it also boasts the likes of Golf Fang, the Mockingbird Cinema, 670 Grams, NQ64, Chance & Counters and Passing Fancies, making it an equally ideal destination for those looking for something fun to do and a perfect destination for visitors looking for both.
The only thing it doesn’t do is live sport, but luckily we do and we have a number of sports pubs nearby to choose from. Happy days.
Best station for shopping in Birmingham
For shopping in Birmingham, New Street Station is the best station to start from. It's centrally located and provides easy access to some of the city's best retail areas, including the Bullring and the Mailbox.As for getting around Birmingham while you’re in town, the modern tram system, the West Midlands Metro, is a convenient and efficient way for you to explore this amazing city with ease. The tram lines connecting key areas around Birmingham, including the city centre and Jewellery Quarter, use a zone-based ticketing system that gives you more flexibility in your travel plans.
And if you’re driving, there are plenty of car parks dotted all around the city.
Rest up at one of our pubs in Birmingham
Looking for somewhere to put your feet up after you’ve shopped ‘til you dropped? Our Birmingham pubs are waiting for you at the end, with the finest British food, even better drinks, and a friendly, welcoming team that’s ready to hear all about what you bought.Wherever you are in Birmingham, it couldn’t be quicker or easier to find a pub near you and book a table online.