If you’re planning a shopping tour in the UK, Birmingham is a great place to visit. The city is home to numerous boutiques and stores offering clothing and footwear for every taste and budget. Interestingly, more and more Birmingham residents now prefer online shopping, but the idea of visiting brick-and-mortar stores is still appealing. Shopping in person not only allows you to find great fashion pieces but also lifts your mood. More on birminghamka.
Going on a shopping trip with friends or a significant other is also a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s a selection of Birmingham’s most popular stores, where both locals and tourists enjoy shopping.
1. Primark
Primark is a well-known clothing and accessories retail chain with stores across England and Europe. Birmingham has one main Primark store, located in the city centre, which enjoys huge popularity.
The main advantage of shopping at Primark is its affordable pricing. The store’s slogan is “Look good, pay less”, and many Birmingham locals visit Primark each season not just to buy one item, but to completely refresh their wardrobe.
Most of the clothing here follows the casual fashion trend, which is the preferred style among locals due to its comfort and individuality. The relaxed-fit garments are versatile and easy to mix and match, making them a key reason for Primark’s popularity in Birmingham.
The store features a variety of brands and labels, including:
- Atmosphere
- Denim Co.
These brands offer fashionable and affordable clothing for women, men, and children.
2. River Island
River Island is a British fashion brand with stores across the UK and internationally. Birmingham is home to one of its flagship stores, which attracts a large number of customers. Locals love River Island for its vast range of clothing, shoes, and accessories, covering various styles for different occasions.
Popular product categories in the Birmingham store include:
- Casual wear – including homewear, sportswear, and everyday essentials made from natural, comfortable fabrics.
- Evening attire – stylish outfits for parties, special occasions, and themed events.
- Capsule collections – featuring limited-edition fashion items and accessories designed by renowned designers.
River Island is a one-stop shop where customers can find everything from budget-friendly basics to high-end evening dresses and exclusive trend pieces.
3. The Oasis Fashion Store
Oasis is a popular British clothing brand, and the Oasis Fashion Store in Birmingham is a local favourite. The shop primarily focuses on women’s fashion, but has recently introduced a small menswear section.
Why Birmingham locals love Oasis Fashion Store:
- It’s a go-to destination for event outfits.
- It offers a wide size range, making it inclusive for all body types.
- It has a dedicated Plus Size collection, with entire fashion lines designed for curvy women.
One of the most popular collections at Oasis is “New Vintage”, which celebrates the retro fashion trend that is widely loved by British and European fashion enthusiasts. Items from this collection are frequently sold out within hours of being displayed in-store.
4. Slater Menswear Birmingham
This Birmingham-based store specializes in menswear and is known for its unique shopping experience. Many men from Birmingham and surrounding areas come here for professional fashion advice. The store offers personalized service, and customers are welcomed with a complimentary coffee or even a stronger drink.
Key services at Slater Menswear Birmingham:
- Suit rentals – Birmingham locals often rent tuxedos and formal attire for special occasions. This service provides a cost-effective way to look sharp and stylish without overspending.
- Wedding suit selection – Grooms looking for the perfect wedding suit can benefit from the store’s expert stylists, ensuring a flawless look for their big day.
- Made-to-measure tailoring – For those seeking a custom-made outfit, Slater Menswear provides tailoring consultations, offering exclusive designs, premium fabrics, and perfect fittings.
5. Hobbs
The Hobbs brand was founded in London but has since expanded to several major UK cities, including Birmingham. British fashion lovers flock to this store, as its clothing reflects the brand’s philosophy:
“Modern yet timeless.”
Each collection combines trendy elements with timeless designs, allowing items to remain stylish for years while also being easy to mix and match.
Hobbs offers a diverse selection of clothing, and if something is not available in-store, customers can order online or opt for custom tailoring.
A standout fashion category at Hobbs is dresses, including:
- Special occasion dresses
- Partywear
- Casual everyday dresses
- Sporty dresses
- Knitted styles
- Sequin dresses
- Fitted and flared designs
- Wedding dresses
Customers can simply describe what they’re looking for, and the store’s expert consultants help them find the perfect match.
Shopping Tips for Birmingham
If you’re planning to shop in Birmingham’s boutiques and stores, here are some useful tips:
- The stores listed above are just a small selection of Birmingham’s shopping options. Consider your budget and style preferences before choosing where to shop. Always check store reputation and customer reviews.
- Most stores operate Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Some boutiques inside shopping malls stay open later, while Sundays have limited hours (usually 10 AM to 4 PM).
- The best time for discounts is during seasonal sales. These happen twice a year—at the end of summer and winter. Many shops also offer major discounts before Christmas.
- If you’re on a budget, avoid high-end boutiques. Birmingham has plenty of affordable stores that offer high-quality clothing and footwear at reasonable prices.