The Best Shops in Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant shopping destination with bustling high streets packed full of quirky independent stores as well as large indoor shopping centres housing familiar brands and designer department stores. The city is also renowned for its jewellery, with many fine objects produced in the Jewellery Quarter, making it the perfect place to shop for the perfect gift for someone special in your life.

But with so many great shopping destinations available where should you head first? Below, we share some of our favourite shops in Birmingham to help get you started.

Selfridges

First on our list of the best shops in Birmingham is the iconic department store Selfridges. With just four Selfridge stores worldwide, having one in Birmingham is a pretty big deal. Opened in 2003, as well as being a masterpiece of modern architecture, the building is home to some of the most prestigious retail brands, beauty stores and restaurants. What’s more, regular pop-up events are hosted throughout the year bringing something extra special to the store.

Located at The Bullring, Selfridges is a great place to start your shopping adventure, as once you’ve shopped for little luxuries in the iconic department store, you can take a look around the Bullring’s 150 other stores. Parking is easily accessible if you’re planning to arrive by car, or the centre is just a short walk from the Moor Street railway station.

Wine selection on display in a store, with bottles organized on wooden shelves.

Liquor Store

If friendly independent stores are more your thing than big department stores, we recommend visiting the Liquor Store. This popular independent shop stocks some of the best and most exclusive men’s and women’s brands. With 90% of items they stock not available in any other store in the city, it’s the place to visit if you’re looking for something unique. Each brand is handpicked based on its strong ethos, with ethical, wearable and durable pieces a sure find.

Assortment of pearl and silver jewelry on display in a dimly lit, luxurious setting.

Jewellery Quarter

If you’re shopping for something truly special, then the Jewellery Quarter offers some of the best jewellery shops in Birmingham. Described by English Heritage as a ‘national treasure’, the quarter contains one of Europe’s largest concentrations of manufacturing jewellers. These skilled craftspeople combine the best of traditional practices with innovative designs and high-end materials to create beautifully crafted custom pieces. Plus, with many pubs, cafes, bars, restaurants, art galleries and museums in the area, there is plenty to keep you occupied.

A selection of custard tarts with meringue, featuring glossy and smooth textures.

Custard Factory

For even more quirky independent shops in Birmingham, the Custard Factory is the place to go. Once the home of Bird’s Custard Powder, the factory buildings have since been converted to create a bustling creative quarter packed with unique shops and great restaurants. The Custard Factory is also home to a regular popular flea market packed with vintage gems, exotic foodstuffs, and homemade wares, so is the perfect place to visit if you love unique finds.

If you fancy treating yourself to a tipple while you explore the many shops in Birmingham, we recommend Passing Fancies, a community-focused cocktail bar serving up an eclectic array of cocktails. But for something to eat, there’s no beating 670 Grams for luxury fine dining. Just be sure to book in advance as it only seats 16.

The Mailbox in Birmingham at night, with vibrant red lighting and blurred car lights.

Mailbox Birmingham

For a mix of high-end and affordable luxury, the Mailbox is the ideal place to shop until you drop. Home to a 45,000-square-foot Harvey Nichols as well as high street brands like Made.com, there is plenty to suit all budgets and tastes. Plus, there’s more to the Mailbox than meets the eye, as the venue also has an Everyman cinema where less willing shoppers can watch the latest films. While a range of popular chain restaurants like Côte Brasserie, Miller and Carter, and Zizzi ensure there’s something to tempt all tastebuds.

As with many of Birmingham’s best shopping destinations, this iconic building once had a very different purpose, serving as a postal sorting office.

Shoppers walking through an ornate indoor arcade with Greggs and other stores on both sides.

Great Western Arcade

To truly experience the best shops in Birmingham, we recommend stepping away from the high street and exploring the Great Western Arcade. A hub of thriving independent retail, it is home to award-winning fashion boutiques, hair and beauty salons, food and drink experts, and so much more. From an independent tailor to specialist gym equipment shop and even a traditional sweet store, it truly has something for everyone. With so much choice on offer and regular Christmas events hosted throughout December, it’s one of our favourite shopping destinations for buying unique Christmas gifts.

Different types of coffee drinks served in various cups and glasses on a wooden table.

The Coffee Bar Birmingham

If you’ve shopped until you’ve dropped, then a quick caffeine fix is in order. The Coffee Bar Birmingham is Birmingham's number-one independent coffee bewing destination. A true coffee-lovers paradise they are committed to seeking out small independent coffee bean producers for exquisite coffee that cannot be beaten. Plus, their location is conveniently placed for many of the city’s best shops, so once you’ve refeulled it’s only a short walk to your next destination.

Where to Stay?

After a day of browsing the best shops in Birmingham, you’ll want to relax and put your feet up. At Westmead Hotel, a warm welcome always awaits you. Our location on the outskirts of Birmingham offers a quiet sanctuary away from the bustle of the city. With great food, superb drinks, comfortable rooms and a friendly team on hand to help, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to leave the hustle of your day behind and relax in comfortable surroundings.