Due to its central position in England, its easy and simple access by all means of transport including road, rail, air or even canal, a day experiencing Shopping in Birmingham has to be an obvious solution to virtually everyone's shopping requirements.

With over 1,000 stores all situated within a twenty minute walk and others on offer a little farther afield; shoppers are guaranteed to find something of interest. With all the choices on offer the main question is where to start?

For the shopping tourist looking for a day out, Birmingham also offers numerous places of interest to visit, attractions, events, things and stuff to see and do. There are numerous information cabinets also available to guide one in the right direction with even the address and location of the nearest hospitals should such a need arise.

Birmingham City and its centre are home to a large majority of well known shops, a favourite shop, international or star shops, shopping centres, malls and stores. Also for those long distance shoppers, the city offers public houses, bars & inns, hotels or hotel choices, from cheap to expensive and restaurants or a favourite restaurant to suit all pockets.

For those travelling by car there are car parks and parking facilities probably second to none, unfortunately, with charges levelled in most cases.

The shops, stores and outlets offer virtually everything to cover ones shopping needs including dresses, clothing of all descriptions, designer clothing, lounge, wedding dress, bridal attire, men's clothing, fancy dress, guitars, musical instruments, music, CDs, DVDs, computer games & software, sports & fitness, cycling, fishing accessories, jewellery, kitchen accessories, kitchen white goods, televisions & radio equipment, dining furniture, bedroom furniture, bathroom planners & furnishers, bedroom planners & furnishers and kitchen planners & furnishers if required, plus food shops and stores to suit most nationalities. Birmingham City FC also has its own commercial shop selling all kinds of football items and memorabilia.

For the sit at home shoppers amongst us, most stores also offer internet, on line or online shopping sites and e shopping facilities.  

When the shopping is done or whenever a break is called for there are numerous bars and cafes available for a drink and a bite.

With regard to stores and shopping centres, what does Birmingham actually have to offer?

Firstly there is the world renowned Birmingham Bullring Shopping Centre, perhaps one of the best shopping centres in the country. The Bullring is home to some 160 stores and shops including the likes of Selfridges and Debenhams and provides three car parks with room for some 3,000 cars.

The Mailbox Birmingham offers a shopping adventure of a lifetime. This unique development brings together designer, fashion and lifestyle shops, there is also an array of restaurants and cafe bars alongside the fabulous waterside setting of the Gas Street canal basin to choose from.  Within the Mailbox is Waterside Street, which has been described as the city's answer to Bond Street, London, and has an open air 200 metre pedestrian walkway running through its complete length. It features one of the largest collection of designer stores outside London, including well known and also international brands like Hugo Boss, Emporio Armani, DKNY, Ralph Lauren. Also within the Mailbox is the Harvey Nichols department store.

The Pallasades shopping centre can be found above New Street station and is home to some seventy stores of varying descriptions and is probably one of the busiest shopping venues in Europe with the number of shoppers averaging over 420,000 weekly; retailers offer a range of services and/or products from food outlets, health and beauty, fashion and financial services. Major names include, Starbucks,  Argos Ltd, The Carphone Warehouse, Tesco Express, Hmv U K, Claire's, Game, 99p stores, Peacocks, Poundland,  and many others. Why not start at the Pallasades if you are seeking good buys and of course value for your hard earned money.

On Birmingham's High Street is Pavilions which is home to top names like Marks & Spencer Plc, Waterstones and la Senza Ltd for starters. If you fancy a break while you are there try the Food Loft, chill out and look down at the crowds of shoppers who would, without doubt, be more than happy to join you.

The Great Western Arcade is another shopper's paradise with boutique style retailers, genuine professional specialist and well known high street names awaiting the discerning shoppers amongst us.

The Piccadilly Arcade stands just off New Street and is home to a number of independent specialists including Hustle & Flow, Onyx Workshop Jewellers and Piccadilly Jewellers, both of whom deal in jewellery of very high quality. Why not look in Smithsonia and view their original and delightful gift ideas, or for the lovers of flowers try Petals of Piccadilly? For a pampering experience, why not try Finishing Touches for a range of beauty and hair treatments or for attention to your nails Marco Benito's.

Why not pop in to Burlington Hotel in New Street, and have a look in the arcade where you will find Uber, an exclusive women and man fashion retailer or Bad Apple Hair one of numerous cutting-edge stylists in the city, plus the premier designer retailer Flannels. If you fancy food and drink why not try the Bacchus Bar, a top city centre secret for both, especially following a hard day shopping!!

Martineau Place, just a short way from the busy Corporation Street, offers quality shopping opportunities and is also ideal for lunch or a quick bite. Or why not try the large GAP store, or any of the other travel, fashion or sports venues in the vicinity.

Still in the bustling city centre, for a leisurely look at some of the finest labels around, why not try City Plaza a shopping centre a shopping centre that offers a choice of stylish designer ware and boutiques.

Also, a short distance away from the main shopping area is the famous Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, which has to be a place to visit by anyone looking for any type of jewellery imaginable.

For the bargain hunters don't forget to try your luck at Birmingham's indoor, outdoor and rag markets which can be found close to the Bullring Centre. While in the vicinity have a look at the famous St Martin's Church.

If you decide to shop in Birmingham between mid November and just prior to Christmas why not have a look at the Frankfurt Market and the adjacent Craft Fair as you may find that elusive Christmas present.

One important point to remember is that whilst most shops open at 9.00am the length of their actual opening hours may vary and this may be worth advanced checking or, if you are a late shopper, you may be disappointed.