Autograph is a designer menswear store with a stylish, minimalist feel, specializing mainly in Helmut Lang, Stone Island and Paul Smith. It sells elegant, casual clothes for both sexes at affordable prices. The shop is favored by the new breed of well-dressed footballer (for example Lee Sharpe, the former Manchester United player, has been spotted here).
The jewelry industry developed in the city from the mid-19th Century. At its peak in the early part of the 20th Century, it employed nearly 20,000 workers. Today, the Jewellery Quarter is a bustling area that produces over a third of the UK's jewelry, and you can find tons of bargains in its many small shops. It's also home to the award-winning Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and some good restaurants.
Asda is one of Britain's largest supermarket chains, and has now been taken over by American giant WalMart. Its prices are generally reckoned to be keen and the Small Heath branch is open for 24 hours a day (with the exception of Sundays, owing to UK trading laws). Asda doesn't sell groceries alone but has a well-regarded clothes section too. It offers various other items such as kitchenware, pharmaceuticals and electronic goods. The store is open 24 hours from Tuesday to Friday.
This small shop provides a high quality, the alternative range of children's clothing without you having to pay top-designer prices. Daisy Chain caters to newborn babies up to children of primary school age and is a great place for a special outfit or for something a little out of the ordinary. This is also a great shop for some innovative educational toys and gifts, as well as wooden toys, soft toys galore, mobiles, wall hangings and even a battery-operated hobbyhorse.
Meridien Maps carries an exclusive range of old prints. For example, you could buy a delicately hand-colored 19th-century print. Choose from rolling landscapes, detailed still life or a sporting moment frozen in time. You will also find a wide range of fascinating old maps, all of which tell you so much about the changing face of Britain. If you cannot find what you want, then you could use the unique search service that the gallery offers. All of the prints are mounted and you can have them specially wrapped and sent anywhere in the world.
Birmingham's Bullring Shopping Centre is one of the most popular in the city, and even in the entire country! The shopping center surrounds St. Martin's Church, providing for an interesting contrast of old and new architecture. The center, which replaced an older version, opened in 2003 and is now home to over 150 stores and dozens of dining options. Among the stores include Selfridge's department store, one of only four in the world, and a city landmark due to its ultra modern design.
Snow and Rock specializes in outdoor clothing and equipment. It stocks tents and camping equipment, skis and rock climbing gear, jackets, gilets and fleeces. There are also backpacks that have been tested by the company for durability and suitability. Located in the city center, it's easy to get to, is close to other outdoor activity shops and, because of the knowledgeable staff, is a good place for novices to get kitted out.Â
Pens for schoolchildren and presidents, the full range is available at the Pen Shop. Cartier designs, limited editions, an excellent range of Parker pens and designs by Mont Blanc are all part of the collection. There are also stationery items, desk accessories and other gifts; for example small leather items or a filofax. In short, it's an excellent place to get presents, particularly for male relatives. And what's more, the arcade in which it's located is home plenty more useful gift shops and stationers.
From classic men's fashion to a Mont Blanc outlet to Mr. Simms Sweet Shoppe, this shopping arcade has just about everything you need. Packed with an essence of Victorian glory and charm, this mall offers a unique shopping experience as they often guarantee. Once you step in, you can't help but be blown away by the vintage Victorian interiors. This unique connection allows the shopping experience to be a lot more wholesome.
Housed inside the Great Western Arcade in Birmingham, Anderson & Hill is a fine foods delicatessen with an impressive collection of European cheeses, cured meats and other charcuterie-type items. This classic shop with a chalkboard inventory, wine racks and innate quaintness also stocks olive oil, preserves and jams as well as miscellaneous gourmet food items. Personalized gift hampers for special occasions and festivals are also available here. Come afternoon, this store also doubles up as a restaurant that serves excellent cured meat sandwiches, loaded with smoked cheese and salami.
Nestled in the city's heart, the Loki Wine Merchant & Tasting House offers authentic wine tasting experience. Acclaimed with several awards, the tasting house and retail shop is considered to be one of the finest in the city. Large wooden shelves and barrels housing a wide variety of wines will transport one back into UK's distant wine cellars. However, the contemporary setting takes over with vibrant green interiors of the tasting room. While you can shop a variety of wines, the place hosts exclusive wine and cheese tasting events. From red to white, the Loki Wine is a spectacular assortment of the finest wines from all over the world.