Where to go shopping in Oxford

Oxford is known around the world for its prestigious university. This is a city famous for its dreaming spires and the ancient colleges of the University that give the place such character. Add to that the beautiful scenery of the Thames and Cherwell rivers and easy access to the English countryside, and you may not need more reasons to come here.

If you're looking for things to do in Oxford besides taking a boat ride on the river and exploring the rich history of the teaching colleges and the abundant museums here, consider the shopping opportunities. Admittedly, Oxford isn't London. However, its high student population makes it a haven for independent shops selling quirky items, and Oxford's historic covered market makes it a wonderful place to explore in any kind of weather. The city centre has all the shops you would expect to find on an English high street, along with some funky stores you won't find anywhere else. In many ways, it's the eclectic mix of independent retailers that makes Oxford such a unique shopping experience, and just about everywhere you go, you'll find some cool little shop selling everything you never knew you needed.

To make your Oxford shopping experience even easier, consider taking advantage of Bounce storage. We partner with local businesses throughout the city to make sure you always have a place to leave your things, so if you forgot to bring a bag or you want to head out for a night on the town after a day of shopping, we can help. Download our app to find your nearest Oxford storage location, and you can drop off your groceries, sale items, Christmas shopping, or valuable items from the local art shop with us and really maximize your time in the city.

All you need to know when shopping in Oxford

Shopping in Oxford combines the old-world charm of its architecture with modern retail conveniences. Much as the town's ancient history combines with the youthful vibe brought by its high student population, shopping experiences in Oxford combine everything from high-fashion to cheap and cheerful to really special artisan shops that contribute to giving Oxford its own culture and vibe. Specialist stores devoted to things like board games, greeting cards, and art mean that you can find something for you no matter what you're into. Just let Bounce worry about your belongings while you explore some of these fantastic retail outlets.

Shopping architecture

Oxford's shopping areas are a blend of historic streets, vibrant markets, and contemporary shopping centers. In many ways, where you decide to shop in the city will be based on what you're looking to buy, as different areas have different specialties. With that said, Oxford is a smaller city and is quite easy to get around. So if you have time and if you make use of Bounce storage locations, you can easily get around the city and enjoy at least a taste of everything it has to offer.

• Cornmarket Street: A bustling pedestrianized area with major high-street brands and eateries. This is a great place to take the pulse of Oxford and pick up both fast fashion and more exclusive items. Plus, you'll never be short of a café or restaurant, so you can easily make a day of shopping here and exploring the heart of town.
• High Street: Known for its elegant buildings, this area features unique boutiques, antique shops, and university merchandise stores. This is a better place to come if you're looking for fashion by local designers or something a bit more unique. It's also a great area with an interesting vibe and a touch of history, so even if you don't buy anything, you'll probably enjoy spending some time here.
• Westgate Oxford: A state-of-the-art mall offering high-end brands, popular retailers, and rooftop dining options. If you're looking for one-stop shopping, this is one of the best options in the area, as you can find a wide range of popular retailers selling clothes, jewelry, housewares, food, and anything else you might need.
• Covered Market: Established in 1774, this historic market is packed with permanent stalls offering everything from fresh produce to bespoke gifts. If you really want to experience the culture of Oxford, this is the place to do it. You'll be able to try local products and soak up the history of a place that has been the heart of the city for centuries.

Opening hours and seasonality

Shops in Oxford generally operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays and Fridays. Sunday hours are shorter, often 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Keep an eye out for pop-up markets during the summer, or enjoy the Oxford Christmas market during the winter for some seasonal flair.

Pricing and bargaining

Prices are typically fixed in boutiques and shopping centers, but markets like the Covered Market may allow for light bargaining. Be sure to check for sales during January and July to grab bargains. Major retailers often have sales throughout the year, so you may get lucky and be able to snag a bargain. On the other hand, local shops often operate on razor-thin margins, so don't make things harder on them by haggling too much.

Shop like a local

• Carry reusable shopping bags, as Oxford prioritizes eco-conscious practices. Plastic bags are becoming impossible to find in the city, and if you have to buy reusable ones, it will add to the cost of your shopping trip.
• Oxford is a walkable city, making it easy to explore shopping districts on foot. If you get tired of carrying your things around, don't forget that Bounce has several locations throughout the city that can store your things for you to make it easy to get around.
• Bring cash when visiting local markets, as some stalls may not accept cards.

Unique shops to visit in Oxford

Oxford is brimming with one-of-a-kind stores that reflect its rich history and culture. Here are a few must-visit shops:

Blackwell’s Bookshop

A literary landmark, Blackwell’s is one of the largest bookstores in the world, known for its Norrington Room, which houses over 160,000 books. Popular with students, it’s a paradise for bibliophiles and a wonderful place to pick up souvenirs or just a gift for yourself.

Address: 48-51 Broad Street

Scriptum Fine Stationery

This boutique specializes in vintage-inspired stationery, journals, and pens. It’s the perfect place for thoughtful gifts and luxurious writing tools. Leather-bound journals, exquisite fountain pens, and other writing tools are perfect for anyone with a literary side.

Address: 3 Turl Street

Alice’s Shop

This whimsical store is a must-visit for fans of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. It offers themed gifts, books, and memorabilia. Lewis Carroll was an Oxford man, and this shop keeps his legacy alive and attracts fans from around the world to pick up unique items from this famous tale.

Address: 83 St Aldate’s

Shopping experiences in Oxford

Oxford offers much more than fashion. Its markets and specialty shops showcase the city’s diverse offerings:

Oxford Covered Market

This historic market is home to artisanal goods, fresh produce, and bespoke gifts. Explore stalls offering handmade jewelry, flowers, and gourmet food. This is one of the liveliest places to do some shopping in Oxford, and shopping here will also allow you to support local businesses instead of multinational chains.

Address: Market Street

The University of Oxford Shop

The go-to place for official Oxford University merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and books. Let's face it: you know you want an Oxford University branded hoodie to commemorate your visit, and this is where you'll find one.

Address: 47 Cornmarket Street

Antiques on High

For vintage enthusiasts, this shop offers a curated collection of antiques, from furniture to collectibles.

Address: 85 High Street

Traditional shopping options in Oxford

For those who prefer conventional shopping experiences, Oxford has plenty to offer:

Westgate Oxford

A modern shopping complex with over 100 stores, including high-street brands like Zara and John Lewis, along with dining options and a cinema.

Address: Queen Street

Cornmarket Street

This pedestrian-friendly street features a mix of high-street retailers, cafés, and street performers, creating a lively atmosphere.

Clarendon Centre

A centrally located mall with a variety of stores and quick dining options, perfect for a quick shopping spree. You can easily combine this with a stroll down Cornmarket Street as the two are in the exact same area.

Address: Cornmarket Street

Although it's hardly the biggest city in the UK, Oxford punches well above its weight when it comes to history, culture, and even shopping. Its unique status as the home of one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities has given Oxford a history like no other, and its culture of education and scientific inquiry has given it a range of shops reflecting what the city is all about.

Leave your bags behind with Bounce in the city centre or near the Oxford Train Station and get ready for a shopping experience as unique as the city itself.