Fans of shopping are in seventh heaven in Birmingham, with the Bullring and the Mailbox being just two of the many large retail centres vying for a share of your cash. While these sites are certainly worth a visit, it would be a shame to focus on the huge shopping complexes exclusively and miss out on the many delightful and often independent stores that are proud to be located in this amazing city.
Look beyond convenience
Although large American-style malls may offer shelter from the elements, those looking for the real hidden gems will likely need to explore small parades of shop in suburbs and the city centre or venture off the main street into the hidden alleys and small roads that are so easily missed. Here’s the lowdown on just a selection of the stores worth making the effort to stray away from the mainstream shopping centres.
St. Mary’s Hospice Shop
Located in the Bournville area, this is the crème de la crème of charity shops and the branch where the very best designer items donated are offered to the savvy public for a fraction of their original price.
Swordfish Records
In 1979, this store sold music lovers vinyl and cassette tapes. These days, after moving location four times and settling on Dalton Street, they sell both used and new records and CDs.
Gosia Weber Handmade
If you love original designs and homemade items, head for Ms. Weber’s studio in the Jewellery Quarter to feast your eyes on a range of purses, bags and accessories made from material scraps.
JamJar Lights
Bristol Street is the place to find this independent eco-focused lighting shop that offers quirky items such as lamps set in cages.
Nostalgia & Comics
Head to Queensway to browse comics, posters, action figures and more offered for sale at this iconic outlet. There’s a good section of nostalgia-related products and memorabilia, too.
Shopping breaks
These are only a handful of the dozens of unusual shops around, and it’s not just the locals who enjoy them. Serviced apartments in Birmingham like those at http://birminghamservicedapartments.co.uk/luxury-2-bedroom-birmingham-serviced-apartments/ offer visitors a private place to stay with every comfort and luxury of home.
With so much to offer even the most discerning shoppers, a short break visiting this exciting city is a must-do.
