Great Shopping In Bristol

Posted by admin on Abril 20, 2010

Shopping in Bristol has just been getting better and better. The choice is huge and ranges from department stores and high-street shops to local boutiques. If the weather’s against you then you can take your shopping to the indoor shopping malls, and if the rain holds off then there are plenty of streets and outdoor shopping centres to wile away the hours.

So what can you expect from the shops in Bristol? Well anything and everything! I often describe Bristol as a collection of small villages, each area of the city with it’s own identity and selection of shops to match. The range is huge, and every part of Bristol is worth a look. As a Personal Shopper in Bristol (please link to my website www.nikiwhittle.com from here) I thought it only fair to put together a guide on the best places to shop in the city; so here are my top 6 shopping destinations.

Cribbs Causeway Mall:

The mall at Cribbs Causeway is my shopping haven when it’s miserable outside. Protected from the elements and with free parking, it’s always busy. The shops inside cover everything, from menswear, womenswear,and kidswear. There’s a huge M&S at one end of the mall and a John Lewis is at the other, so it’s possible to get almost anything here and with a food court that will satisfy any craving, it’s easy to spend the day there. (The Mall at Cribbs Causeway)

Cabot Circus:

I love Cabot circus, it’s got so much going for it, not only does it have the fashion Mecca that is Harvey Nichols, but the stores within the centre range from edgy brands like Urban Outfitters and American Apparel, to something a little more sophisticated like LK Bennett and The White Company. Men do well in Cabot Circus too, what with an entire floor of House of Fraser devoted to them and a number of the high-street brands catering for them as well as women; Ted Baker, Zara and Reiss all have a great selection. The cafes and restaurants are mixed in amongst the shops, offering food from all over the world. Parking isn’t free but at £1 an hour it’s less than most cities. (Cabot Circus)

Park Street:

Don’t be put off by the steep climb that is Park Street. The shops that line the street range from quirky individual boutiques, vintage shops and skate apparel all interspersed with high-end retailers like Reiss, Cath Kidston and Jigsaw. A perfect reflection of the city’s resident’s eclectically stylish look. Once you reach the top, keep going on towards ‘the triangle’ where you’ll find the likes of All Saints and Karen Millen.

Gloucester Road

Gloucester road has everything, pubs, bars, cafe’s, restaurants, boutiques and vintage shops. It’s a great place to go to spot Bristol’s street style and get inspiration for your own look. It’s a long street so you’ll need plenty of time to rummage.

Clifton Village:

Clifton Village is beautiful, it’s a really leafy part of Bristol that feels like somewhere totally different, walking around you could be forgiven for thinking that you were on holiday somewhere. It’s a great place to go for the day; the shops have a very boutiquey feel about them and many of them stock clothes and accessories by local designers such as Angel Jackson. You’ll spot everything from designer wearing cliftonites, to UGG clad students. Situated in the heart of the village is the arcade, here you’ll find art, crafts, jewellery and a great atmosphere. You can’t visit Bristol and miss out on Clifton and it’s delights.

St Nicholas markets:

St Nics market is a great place to visit if you’re in the mood for a rummage and want something a bit different. There are stalls both inside and outside, ranging from food to haberdashery, and rock-wear to vintage finds. The stalls that line the street outside, sell local crafts and bric-a-brac. It’s a great place to find something unique and with it being so close to the Broadmead shopping centre it would be a crime to miss it. (St Nicholas Market )
Bristol offers a fab shopping experience, so go and explore what the city has to offer, you won’t be disappointed!
Check out Activ Bristol shopping discounts page to make shopping in Bristol even more fun!