Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Shopping, dining and entertainment |
70 Hurst Street Birmingham B5 4TD United Kingdom +44 121 622 5348 |
This is more than a shopping centre, it's also something of an entertainment complex. A multiplex cinema, various restaurants and an increasing number of bars and pubs are found here. Most shops deal in fashionably retro clothing and there are a couple of expensive hairdressers too. This is a rewarding place to go for a drink if you are on your way to the Hippodrome, or even if you are just out for an evening stroll around the city centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel  |
 Photo: Daniel |
 Photo: Martin Watson |
 Photo: YSL |
|
Stylish shopping |
Warwick Road Birmingham B91 3DU United Kingdom +44 121 705 8111 http://www.beatties.co.uk/ |
As Birmingham city centre has Rackhams, so Solihull has Beatties. This is the affluent borough's main department store, and caters for a well-off clientele with all kinds of luxury brand names. You'll find everything from designer clothing to fine crystal and Wedgwood, as well as fragrances by the top names. The store was extended just a few years ago, so now there's even more floor space for luxury goodies. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Posh frocks and other designer wear |
Cannon Street Birmingham B2 5EP United Kingdom +44 121 633 3969 |
The City Plaza has some of the city's more expensive shops in a relatively small but elegant shopping center with a glass domed roof. Shops such as Monsoon and Jaeger can be found here along with Capolito Roma and Jones the Bootmaker. There are also a few cafe bars that are really busy at weekends. The plaza is just a short walk from Rackhams department store and the beautiful St Philip's Cathedral. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Cultural gifts |
56 Poplar Road, Kings Heath Birmingham B14 7AG United Kingdom +44 121 444 0444 |
Calling itself the smallest department store in the world, this shop has a wide range of unusual gift items for sale. There are loads of pictures and posters, items of philosophy and music, china, crystals, chimes and cushions. For more surprises, buy pretzels or a power bracelet. Mail order is also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
One of the city's largest shopping centres |
20 Fort Parkway Birmingham B24 9FP United Kingdom +44 121 386 4442 |
The Fort is a new and smart looking shopping complex on the eastern outskirts of the city, adjacent to the M6. It is so-called because it's near the site of the old Fort Dunlop factory. Many high street names are represented, including Boots, Next and W. H. Smith. The new entertainment development at StarCity is nearby, offering a more relaxing way to spend your cash after hours trailing round the shops. To get there, exit the motorway at Junction 5 and follow the signs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jo Jones |
 Harrods of the Midlands |
Corporation Street Birmingham B2 5JS United Kingdom +44 870 160 7225 http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/ |
House of Fraser's collection of men's designer labels is impressive: Diesel, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, YSL, Calvin Klein, and Dior; women's designer offerings include Jaeger, Planet, Hobbs and Liz Claiborne. Everything from casual wear to day dresses, smart suits to evening gowns, millinery and lingerie are offered. There is a cosmetics department, confectioners, food hall, furniture department, cafes, beauticians and more. This is a great Birmingham institution and a must-see venue for the serious shopper. See website for online shopping and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Berlin.Ng |
 Photo: Berlin.Ng |
 Photo: deepindercheema |
|
Gems Galore |
Hockley Birmingham B18 United Kingdom +44 121 554 3598 http://www.the-quarter.com/ |
The jewellery industry developed in Birmingham from the mid-19th century. At its peak in the early part of the 20th century it employed 20,000 workers. World War II brought recession and although redevelopment took place in the area, by 1985 there were only 4,000 people employed in the district. Today, the Jewellery Quarter is a bustling area that produces over a third of the UK's jewellery, and you can find tonnes of bargains in its many small shops. It's also home to the award-winning Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and some good restaurants. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phil Edwards |
 Photo: Ginder Sohal |
 Photo: Keith Berry |
 Photo: Andrea Harper |
|
A Great British institution |
42 High Street Birmingham B4 7SL United Kingdom +44 121 643 4511 http://www.marksandspencer.com |
Marks and Spencer (M&S) is practically an institution in Britain. The appeal of the chain lies in its conservative approach combined with quality and value, although recently the chain has had difficulty keeping its core customers happy and clothes sales have slumped. This is a large store, with an excellent food hall and wine shop downstairs, and has tried hard in recent times to update its image. The "autograph" range of designer clothing on the first floor is testament to this. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Huge shopping complex |
Brierley Hill, Dudley Birmingham DY5 1QX United Kingdom +44 1384 484 141 http://www.merryhill.co.uk |
Not strictly in Birmingham, this enormous shopping complex is close enough to the city to make it easily accessible for all, and buses run regularly from the center of town. Hundreds of stores are represented, mainly high street retailers like Next, Monsoon, Dixons, Waterstones, W H Smiths and The Disney Store. There are plenty of eating places too, like the ubiquitous McDonalds and Pizza Hut, and it gets as busy as you'd expect. Good car parking though. Review © 2007, Wcities |
