Shopping in The Midlands
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A
Custard Factory
So named because the building was constructed by custard magnate Sir Alfred Bird, this centrepiece of Digbeth’s regeneration is full of original, independent shops. At Urban Village and General Stores, rifle through artfully arranged rails of such vintage delights as handmade brogues, leather cases, woollen skirts and paisley cravats. The Bead Shop allows you to pick-and mix baubles to make your own designer piece. Commission your own T-shirt at Street Print (from £8), then check out the chaises longues and anglepoise lamps at Fragile Design’s 20th-century furniture store. Finally, top it all off by tucking in to a mezzaluna (baby naan) in Yumm Deli’s tiny dining space. L…
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St Paul’s Gallery
Has the biggest collection of signed album-cover art in the world, is also located in the Jewellery Quarter. Its whitewashed walls are covered with CD designs, many of which have also been signed by band members. Look out for Pink Floyd’s iconic Animals (featuring Battersea Power Station) and the ruby-red Rocky Horror Picture Show lips. Prices range from a couple of hundred pounds to several thousand – but even if you’re not buying, it’s still free to get in.
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C
Bullring
Split into two vast retail spaces – the East Mall and West Mall – the Bullring has all the international brands and chain cafes you could ask for, plus the architectural wonder that is the Selfridges department store.
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D
Rag Market
If the designer stores get too much, head for Birmingham’s famous, frenetic Rag Market. This huge, hangar-like hall is crammed with everything from handbags and cocktail frocks to leather jackets and jeans. Dressmakers delight in the rolls of satin, chiffon and organza, while many a fancy-dress outfit has been sourced from the wigs, hard hats and boiler suits on sale.
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Jewellery Quarter
The obvious place for unique local shopping in Birmingham. Much of the jewellery manufactured in England comes from this region and there are more than a hundred shops selling traditionally handcrafted gold and silver jewellery, watches and more. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter has leaflets detailing notable retail outlets and artisans.
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E
Indoor Market
A place where you can fill up your fridge without emptying your purse. Stalls include ranks of butchers, including a range of halal ones, and stands piled high with glistening fish and shellfish. Other stalls have mini-mountains of fruit and veg – it’s a bargain hunter’s delight.
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Mailbox
Birmingham's newest 'shopping experience' could hold its own on Madison Ave, with a designer hotel, a fleet of upmarket restaurants, a branch of posh department store Harvey Nichols, and a new extension in a metallic cube that resembles a prop from the Transformers movie.
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G
Waterstone's
This branch of the bookworm’s favourite store occupies a beautiful space – a former Victorian bank. Look out for evening lectures and talks.
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Peveril Shop
Near the bus stop, this place sells food and groceries and does sandwiches to take away, ideal for a day on the hills or a long bus ride.
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Clone Zone
A branch of the world’s largest gay retail chain, this place sells sex toys, clothes, accessories and adult novelties.
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Cow
Cow is shopping heaven for those who take the clothes of yesteryear and turn them into today's fashion.
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Bonds Books
Well-known independent bookstore, about 10 minutes' bus journey from the centre.
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Borders
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Willoughby House
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Waterstone's
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Spring Gardens Shopping Centre
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Byard Lane
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Bullring East Mall
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Scriveners Bookshop
A delightfully chaotic bookshop, sprawling over three floors, where books are filed in piles and the Dewey system has yet to be discovered.
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