Sian Victoria © - Bullring & Grand Central at Christmas

Shopping in Birmingham: Centres, Outlet Stores, Retail Parks

Now more than ever, our local high-street, retail parks, shopping centres and outlet destinations need our customs. At this festive time of year, I love to visit a mix of shops in the West Midlands to get that festive feeling seeing the decorations and attractions at each place and to purchase from a variety of independent and well-known retailers.

So, I’ve compiled a list of places I enjoy shopping in the city and nearby town centres. There may be a few destinations you haven’t considered shopping at before. Or if you are new to the region, these recommendations will be perfect for you to discover the places for shopping in Birmingham and the Midlands.

To share the love, especially in current circumstances, I'm trying to support local businesses by shopping at various places instead of purchasing from just one or two destinations. So, this list will inspire you to do the same.

This post is also an excuse to spam you with photos of Birmingham looking Christmassy. I love Birmingham all year round, but even more so at Christmas, as I have plenty of festive memories in the city and local towns.

1. Bullring & Grand Central - Birmingham City Centre

Sian Victoria © - Bullring Birmingham Selfridges Footbridge

Sian Victoria © - Bullring at Christmas, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Bullring Birmingham Bull dressed up for Christmas

Sian Victoria © - Bullring Selfridges Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Bullring Christmas Tree outside St. Martin's Church, Birmingham

Of course, the iconic landmark Bullring & Grand Central is the ultimate shopping destination in the West Midlands, with excellent transport links to get into Birmingham City Centre. The Bullring always looks magical this time of year, so it's my favourite time to visit to get in the festive spirit.

In Grand Central, you’ll find the natural beauty brands Kiehl’s and Neal’s Yard Remedies as well as the luxury tea company Whittard of Chelsea to name a few, as well as plenty of delicious food places.

As for the Bullring, there are retail stores for all budgets and styles. The Selfridges side is home to luxury brands like Cos, Coach and Calvin Klien. Meanwhile, the central Bullring hub has a mix of affordable and mid-range stores with well-known high-street fashion, beauty, and household brands.

A little hack you might find helpful to benefit from the best of both worlds when it comes to online shopping and enjoying retail therapy at physical stores is to browse online offers and then collect in-store. Many Bullring stores conveniently have the click & collect option at the checkout when you shop at their online store.

For example, one of them is the plus-size shop Yours, where you can use Yours Clothing discount vouchers to shop in their online store and get a saving on your order, and then collect it in the Bullring store for just £1.99. This way, you’ve made online savings that you can’t get in-store but still enjoy a day out shopping. Plus, you can try them on there and then return them straight away if they are not suitable to save you from coming back or returning by mail.

Best of all, Bullring & Grand Central is an indoor shopping centre, so you won’t have to brave the cold. You can access most car parks and public transport undercover or within a short walk outside.

2. Gracechurch Shopping Centre - Sutton Coldfield

Sian Victoria © - Gracechuch Shopping Centre at Christmas, Santa's Grotto, Sutton Coldfield

Sian Victoria © - Gracechuch Shopping Centre in Sutton Coldfield

If the hustle and bustle of shopping in a city aren’t for you. Then, not too far away from Birmingham, you can find Gracechurch Shopping Centre in Sutton Coldfield. The town centre has a variety of indoor stores such as a Mark’s & Spencer Food Hall, Lakeland, Boots, Swarovski, House of Fraser, H&M and Sports Direct among many others.

Gracechurch is located on the high street, surrounded by well-known shops like Waterstones and The Entertainer and popular fast-fashion retailers. Nearby, you'll also find Newhall Walk retail park, which features a TK Maxx store.

3. intu Merry Hill - Brierley Hill, Dudley

Sian Victoria © - intu Merry Hill Shopping Centre, Dudley

intu Merry Hill is a large indoor shopping centre in Brierley Hill near Dudley. It has a separate retail park, over 250 stores, 10 thousand car parking spaces and public transport nearby.

As a child, I used to love coming to Merry Hill shopping centre to admire the Disney Christmas decorations and to spend all my pocket money in the Disney store.

In recent years, I have loved visiting and indulging in far too many cuisines at once at the popular Eat Central. Doing this isn’t always the best idea as I often get lost and aimlessly walk around the centre with an expanding food baby.

To see what I’ve previously bought during shopping trips at the centre, see my fashion at intu Merry Hill post.

4. Resorts World Birmingham - Solihull

Sian Victoria © - Resorts World Birmingham at NEC complex

Located at the NEC arena complex and next to Birmingham International train station, you’ll find Resorts World Birmingham. The place to go for outlet shopping, a Genting Hotel, lots of restaurants, the luxury Santai Spa and an IMAX cinema all under one roof.

For a spot of retail therapy at the resort, there is a mix of brands at discount prices, such as stores for Sketchers, Vans, Religion, Shoeaholics, Next, Nike, Levis, Ben Sherman, Ernest Jones and Kurt Geiger.

If you’re visiting this part of England from abroad and need some help getting around the large complex, don’t forget to use your e-SIM for getting around the UK. It’ll make it way easier to stay online for stuff like Google Maps, flights, bus and train schedules.

5. Birmingham High Street

Sian Victoria © - Birmingham New Street Christmas Tree & German Market

Sian Victoria © - Walkway between Selfridges & Bullring leading to St. Martin's, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Birmingham Cannon Street at Christmas

Birmingham’s high street is home to the world's biggest Primark, with five floors of fashion and homeware, including a Disney-themed cafe, a beauty studio and a barber's shop.

You’ll also find a large Monki, Waterstones, M&S and Boots - perfect for 3 for 2 Christmas gifts for all the family.

The city has plenty of streets to explore lined with shops, including Birmingham New Street for H&M and the Apple store. Corporation Street for New Look, Urban Outfitters and House of Fraser and Cannon Street for White Stuff and Jigsaw.

If the large Marks & Spencer on Birmingham high-street is a place you’d like to go. You may be interested in my M&S Fashion post as they have an extensive collection of clothing, shoe wear and accessories.

6. Mailbox - Birmingham City Centre

Sian Victoria © - Mailbox Birmingham AW Fashion Show 2017

Besides the luxury stores on the Selfridges side of the Bullring, Mailbox is the place to go for designer fashion, beauty and homeware. You’ll find a Harvey Nichols store takes centre stage at this premier destination. I love to visit for their exclusive range of Environ Skincare and the James Bushell hair salon.

There’s also a Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Castle Fine Art, Tommy Hilfiger and Paul Smith store. There are plenty of restaurants and bars overlooking the canal, such as Pennyblacks, BA-HA at Churchill’s and Aluna Bar, a cinema and two hotels.

I recommend indulging in Sunday lunch at Malmaison to take a break from shopping and help you re-fuel. Next to the Mailbox is also The Cube, home to Marco Pierre White, Hotel Indigo, Osteria Rodizio and canalside.

7. The Royal Priors Shopping Centre - Leamington Spa

Sian Victoria © - The Royal Priors Shopping Centre, Leamington Spa

Sian Victoria © - Leamington Spa Highstreet

The Royal Priors in Leamington Spa is an indoor Shopping Centre located in the centre of the town on the main street. Inside, you’ll find well-known brands such as Sports Direct, Superdry, The Perfume Shop, Game and Gap.

Plus, various independent shops, including fashion, homeware and a second-hand vinyl store.

Outside on the high street, you’ll find your usual high-street stores and plenty of indie shops. While in Leamington Spa, I’d recommend strolling around Jephson Gardens. There’s a tropical glasshouse to visit with views of the River Leam.

8. The Fort Shopping Park - Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - The Fort Shopping Centre, Birmingham

Excuse the photo; this is the only one I have taken at The Fort Shopping Park in Birmingham. At this destination, you’ll get to park up and start your retail therapy instantly since there are 2,000 free onsite parking spaces.

At this retail destination located just 4.5 miles from Birmingham city centre, you’ll find a large store with a great collection of 3 for 2 gifts at Boots, a Primark, JD, Next, FootAsylum, Moss Bros, Schuh and Tessuti store.

See my shopping at The Fort Birmingham post to see what Christmas gifts I bought and how many steps I did while walking around this retail destination.

Where to Shop at Independent Stores in Birmingham

In addition to the most common places to shop in Birmingham, here are a few hidden gems and independent places to go shopping in the city:

9. Great Western Arcade

Sian Victoria © - Great Western Arcade, Birmingham

Sian Victoria © - Great Western Arcade Christmas Tree, Birmingham

The Great Western Arcade is the city's hub of independent retail. Entrances to this elegant Victorian Grade II listed arcade are on Temple Row and Colmore Row.

As a lover of historical architecture, the GWA is a must-visit since most of the building's original features remain today except for the glazed semi-circular barrel vault roof that was damaged during the bombings of World War 2.

This destination is not only a unique piece of Birmingham's history. But it is also home to independent hidden gems such as food and drink brands Loki Wine, Chouchoute Chocolaterie, Miss Macaroon and The Whisky Shop. Fashion and accessories brands such as the Jayley Collection and Peter Forson can also be found here.

10. Jewellery Quarter

Sian Victoria © - Jewellery Quarter, St. Paul’s Church, Birmingham

The Jewellery Quarter, best known as a historical industry hub for jewellery retailers, diamond dealers, and jewellery makers, is located on the edge of Birmingham City Centre.

It is the number one destination when it comes to shopping for unique gold and silver accessories and bespoke jewellery designed for a special occasion.

Among 100 retailers in the Jewellery Quarter, most of them are independent and family-run businesses such as Sonny's Jewellers who have an extensive range of diamond and gemstone jewellery and the authentic Italian restaurant in Birmingham, Cucina Rustica who do one of the top-rated afternoon teas in Birmingham.

11. Digbeth

Sian Victoria © - Custard Factory in Digbeth, Birmingham

The ultimate independent shopping destination in the city for vintage fashion, accessories, art, homeware and unique gifts is the Custard Factory in Digbeth situated a short walk from the Bullring and known locally as the Creative Quarter of Birmingham. The Custard Factory is located on the site of what was the Bird's Custard Factory.

My favourite place to shop is Cow Vintage for clothing and accessories and Ridding & Wynn for an electric mix of unique furniture, decorative homeware and wall art.

During your visit, I would recommend stopping for brunch in Birmingham at Kanteen, enjoying a few drinks at the cocktail bar Birdies and end the day playing a round of golf at Ghetto Golf.

12. Edgbaston Village

Sian Victoria © - Edgbaston Village, Birmingham

Edgbaston Village can be found a mile from Birmingham city centre in the heart of the 300-year-old Calthorpe Estates. This premium lifestyle destination is home to quality retail, leisure and Michelin-starred dining.

The urban village is considered the Harley Street of the city since it is home to medical aesthetic and beauty clinics in Birminghame such as the Sky Clinic and EF Medispa.

The retail stores OKA and Neptune are the places to go for high-end home interiors.

13. Piccadilly Arcade

Sian Victoria © - Piccadilly Arcade, Birmingham New Street

Once upon a time, Piccadilly Arcade, located on Birmingham New Street, was an elegant cinema built in the 1910s. In 1925, it was transformed into the unique independent shopping destination it is now.

Here, you will find a variety of retailers, such as Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, and Piccadilly Vaults, which houses a collection of Art Deco and Period jewellery.

Not too far away, next to the Apple Store, is Burlington Arcade, which is also worth visiting. There are always brilliant Christmas events in Birmingham , too, so I recommend shopping in Birmingham around Christmas time to enjoy the market and many other events.

To conclude

So, there you go. These shopping destinations are the places I enjoy visiting for some retail therapy. Of course, there are many more great places to shop in the West Midlands. Therefore, over time, I will add more to the list once I’ve experienced new destinations I think are worth visiting.

Let me know if there’s a high street, retail park, shopping centre or outlet destination you think I should visit.

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13 Best Places for Shopping in Birmingham and West Midlands