Why shopping in Leeds is such a treat
If you’ve never been shopping in Leeds then you’re missing out on a real treat, because the city really does have something for everyone.
There’s a great balance between the finest department stores and famous high street brands, boutiques and independent stores, high fashion designers and low-cost shops for those on a tight budget.
Leeds shopping centres and arcades
Leeds really is blessed with some great shopping centres right in the heart of the city, and for the hardcore shopper it makes sense to take a tour of all of them while exploring. There are literally hundreds of great stores to choose from, so let’s take a look at our favourites:
Trinity Leeds – With over 120 shops and restaurants, Trinity is high on the list for a day’s shopping in Leeds. With high street names like Dorothy Perkins, Burton, Next and Superdry, alongside places to eat and drink like Cafe Nero, McDonalds and Nando’s it’s a great place to spend a few hours.
Victoria Quarter – Underneath the country’s largest stained glass roof lies one of the most beautiful shopping centres you could hope to find. As you can imagine, this isn’t a centre for pound shops and Wilkos (not that there’s anything wrong with those!), but instead you’ll find designer fashion and footwear stores and some the most exclusive jewellery stores in Leeds – so give it a try if you’re well-heeled and love the finest things in life.
Victoria Gate – Leeds’ latest addition is another wonderful arcade featuring the North’s flagship John Lewis and a whole host of designer stores. The stunning architecture of the centre is now a well loved landmark that adds to the growing Leeds vista – proof that shopping centres can be functional and
Merrion Centre – Once a little bit tired and unloved, Merrion has found a new lease of life thanks to the opening of the First Direct Arena nearby. We love that the new influx of big name stores hasn’t changed the feel too much, and there are still a good number of little independent stores like Dale Photographic and Jumbo Records, as well as some cut-price stores for the cash-conscious buyer, such as Peacocks and Select.
Independent stores
Leeds is also blessed with a great selection of independent stores, from skate shops and music stores to tattoo parlours and vintage recycled clothes shops. The hub of some of the most impressive indie stores is Leeds Corn Exchange – a beautiful old circular building with multi-levelled shopping arcades featuring some of the coolest shops in Leeds.
As you can see, shopping in Leeds offers something for everyone, and we thoroughly recommend taking a whole day out of your busy schedule to enjoy yourself – and you can even leave your car with us at Trafalgar Street car park, so you don’t have to carry those heavy bags all the way home!