Birmingham Shopping

In Birmingham, much of the shopping is concentrated in the Bullringmega-complex. This is where you will find the traditional chains such as Karen Millen, Monsoon, Miss Sixty and HMV. The exception is Apple's elegant computer shop, full of iPod accessories. The most interesting part, both the inside and the outside, is the highly self-assured Selfridges department store. If you are used to the London store, you should prepare yourself for a somewhat more focused, but still exciting range of goods. As usual, there is a couple of bars and restaurants, plus a grocery department with delicious and exciting products from countries including the USA and Japan.

A stone's throw from the Bullring is the flea market in Saint Martin's Market, locally referred to as The Rag. You can find both
bargains and sin, especially early in the morning. Vintage clothes, magazines, goods and gadgets. With its 50 years of
history, The Rag is still a must in Birmingham.

If you want to buy jewelry, you should head for the unique Jewelry Quarter. Here you can buy anything made from
noble metals. "The Golden Triangle" between Warstone Lane and Vyse Street, is the right place to find bargains without
ruining yourself. The shops in the area also sell antiques and clocks.

At The Mailbox, previously a mail sorting office on Wharfside Street, there are now fashion shops and galleries. This is where
the city has its Harvey Nichols, and shops such as Hugo Boss, DKNY and Armani. On the subject of converted industrial
premises, there is also The Custard Factory. About 30 shops of varying quality are housed in the premises on Gib Square.
Boisterous but interesting.