Where to go shopping in Birmingham

Along with Manchester, Birmingham was once the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. Thanks to its location close to the center of England and at the heart of its network of transportation canals, Birmingham transformed from a relatively obscure town to the UK's second-largest city, and due to all the manufacturing that went on here, it was once known as the Workshop of the World.

These days, Birmingham is firmly postindustrial, and has reinvented itself as a place for business and leisure. A massive redevelopment of the city's historic market area has created Bullring and Grand Central, which is not only Birmingham's largest shopping centre, but the largest city center shopping area in the country.

But there's more to shopping in Birmingham than just its massive mall. From the department stores around Birmingham New Street Station to the quirky shops and delicious street food you'll find on an easy walk through the city center, Birmingham is absolutely packed full of great retail opportunities. During the season, it's also home to one of the biggest Christmas markets in the UK.

You can make the most of your trip to Birmingham by taking advantage of Bounce luggage storage. We can store anything you buy for as long as you need, so you can transition seamlessly from a day of shopping to a night out, and pick up your belongings whenever you're ready. Download our app, and you'll find conveniently located storage throughout Birmingham and beyond.

All you need to know when shopping in Birmingham

Shopping in Birmingham is a vibrant experience, with its mix of traditional markets and cutting-edge retail destinations. Birmingham is a big city, and with that comes an impressive variety of different shopping experiences. Depending on the kind of shopping you want to do, you can pick an area of the city to enjoy more in-depth, or let Bounce look after your bags while you explore them all.

Shopping architecture

Birmingham’s shopping areas are spread across stylish districts, historic streets, and modern malls. Key locations include:

• The Bullring & Grand Central: An iconic shopping destination offering over 200 stores, including top brands and dining options. This is where you'll find High Street favorite brands like The Body Shop, JD Sports, and River Island, but some of Birmingham's most interesting restaurants are also located within this mall complex. Unrivaled as a location for food and drink as well as for shopping, this easily accessible mall is probably the first place you should go in Birmingham if you have any interest in shopping at all.
• The Mailbox: A high-end complex featuring luxury fashion, homeware, and canalside restaurants. If you're looking for something a bit more upscale or want to escape the crowds at Bullring Grand Central, this is good place to do it.
• Digbeth: A creative district with independent shops, vintage markets, and a bohemian vibe. If you prefer your shopping a little bit on the quirky side or you just want to soak up some of Birmingham's counterculture, this is the perfect location. Easily accessible from the city centre, you could happily spend a day exploring the unique shops on offer here.
• Jewellery Quarter: Home to over 100 independent jewelry retailers, workshops, and boutiques. This was the heart of British jewelry manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution, and it still represents Europe's biggest concentration of jewelry manufacturers, producing 40% of the UK's annual jewelry output. But there's more here than just jewelry. You'll also find specialist retailers like chocolatiers, florists, tattoo parlours, and other unique local businesses.

Opening hours and seasonality

Most shops in Birmingham open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays and Fridays. Sundays typically have shorter hours, often 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Shop like a local

• Bring reusable shopping bags, as UK retailers charge for single-use plastic bags, or don't provide them at all. Having to buy a reusable bag every time you go shopping can quickly get expensive.
• Use Birmingham’s excellent public transport system to navigate between shopping districts efficiently. Although the city centre is very walkable, with large areas pedestrianized, Birmingham is a big city, so if you don't want to get overtired, get familiar with the bus system so that you can explore new areas.
• Carry cash for local markets and smaller independent shops. Credit cards are widely accepted in Birmingham, but some small retailers may prefer to deal in cash, and it can certainly help you get a better deal if you intend on haggling at the markets.

Unique shops to visit in Birmingham

Birmingham boasts unique stores that reflect its creative and cultural heritage. If you want to buy something different or simply enjoy the experience of discovering quirky new stores, here are some locations you shouldn't miss.

Liquor Store

This independent boutique in the Great Western Arcade offers a curated selection of men’s fashion, focusing on heritage brands and modern design. The store offers brands like John Smedley, Raised by Wolves, and Red Wing. And true to the name, there's even a speakeasy bar in the basement.

Address: 4 Great Western Arcade

Provide

A creative lifestyle shop specializing in locally designed clothing, art prints, and accessories, showcasing Birmingham’s artistic spirit. If you want unique pieces designed by local creatives, this is a perfect place to start.

Address: Unit 201 Jubilee Trade Centre, 130 Pershore St

Disorder Boutique

Known for its edgy, avant-garde designs, this boutique champions sustainable and ethical fashion with a unique flair. All the items on offer here are locally made, so you can feel good about your fashion choices while you shop for unique items.

Address: Wheatsheaf Rd

Ikon Gallery Shop

Located within the art gallery, this shop offers a range of contemporary gifts, books, and artist-designed items. More than just a regular gift shop, it's a good place to dive deep into the world of contemporary art and pick up something beautiful for your home or a gift for your loved ones back home.

Address: 1 Oozells Square

Shopping in Birmingham beyond clothing

Birmingham’s markets and specialty stores offer a variety of goods, from gourmet treats to handcrafted items. These locations provide more of an experience that allows you to take in the culture of the city while you do a little shopping.

Bull Ring Indoor Market

One of the city’s oldest markets, offering fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties like the iconic Balti spices. This market has been running since the Middle Ages, and although it has given its name to the massive nearby shopping center, it still retains its traditional identity in this extremely busy retail area.

Address: Edgbaston Street

Custard Factory

This is a creative hub in Digbeth, housing independent shops, vintage stores, and unique crafts. It’s a must-visit for art and design enthusiasts. You'll find items here you simply wouldn't find anywhere else, so if you're looking for those indescribable things you never knew you wanted until you see them, this is the place to find them.

Address: Gibb Street

Loki Wine

A multi-award-winning wine merchant offering tastings and an excellent selection of wines from around the world. Located in the beautiful Great Western Arcade, this shop is a great place to stop for both novices and committed wine lovers to discover something new.

Address: 36 Great Western Arcade

Traditional shopping options in Birmingham

For a more conventional shopping experience, Birmingham offers world-class malls and high-street options:

Bullring & Grand Central

Birmingham’s most iconic shopping destination, featuring brands like Selfridges, Zara, and Apple, as well as numerous dining options. If you can't find it here, it probably doesn't exist.

Address: Birmingham City Centre

The Mailbox

An upscale shopping center offering luxury brands like Harvey Nichols, premium homeware stores, and canalside dining.

Address: Wharfside Street

Birmingham High Street

A bustling area with a mix of high-street retailers and department stores, perfect for a leisurely shopping day. You'll find all the usual High Street favorites here, along with some great cafés and restaurants where you can take a break and give your feet a rest.

One of the things that Birmingham undeniably does really well is retail. Home to one of the biggest shopping centers in the country, Birmingham still also offers a wide variety of quirkier shops that allow you to support local businesses and shop for something unique and special. Add in the city's well-known food scene, and you have everything you need for a great day of shopping.

Make things easier on yourself by leaving your bags behind with Bounce. Our local partners can keep suitcases and shopping bags completely safe for a few hours or for a few days while you explore. Spend your time shopping instead of carrying heavy bags, and you'll be able to see more of everything this big city can give you.