Southern – Retail therapy

There are plenty of reasons to visit Brighton. Many come for the traditional seaside experience, others come for the vibrant social scene and nightlife. Then there are Brighton’s shopping credentials.

Although maybe not your first thought, Brighton’s shops span a vast and culturally rich landscape of vintage delights, niche independents and more familiar shop-‘til-you-drop retail centres. If you’re heading down to the coast with retail therapy on the mind, here are a few of our recommendations for your visit.

Vintage affairs

Brighton takes its vintage shops seriously, with a number of thrifty and extravagant retro boutiques offering a variety of old-school cool. Snooper’s Paradise sits atop the list of Brighton shopping on TripAdvisor – an emporium of retro paraphernalia where a single visit can take up hours of your time if you want it to.

Then you have Beyond Retro, a market-style shop full of clothes and accessories to comb through. Just down the road is Dirty Harry, where you’ll find pocket-friendly vintage gear. If you want to tap into the mod scene of years gone by round these parts, Jump The Gun is a heritage boutique offering sharply styled tailoring from what was a pivotal period in Brighton’s recent cultural history.

Hit the markets

While a couple of Brighton’s vintage shops offer up a market-style experience, there are also a few actual markets to hit. Brighton Flea Market is a permanent flea market full of great finds that continue the thrifty vintage theme. Brighton Open Market is a vast market of over 50 stalls, traders and eateries that covers everything from greasy spoon cafes to upmarket fashion.

Both offer a perfect day activity if you’re into your eclectic, independent retail.

Read up

Burrowing book worms will feel right at home at City Books, a true independent bookstore and somewhat of an institution in the Brighton and Hove area. There, you’ll find bestsellers sat alongside local literature, with knowledgeable staff on hand to support your choices.

For fans of print, Magazine Brighton offers up a superb selection of independent, aesthetically pleasing magazines. If you’re looking for some writing gear yourself, Papersmiths is full of beautifully bound notepads and pretty pens that stationery fans will adore.

Treat your tastebuds

Brighton is understandably well known for its fish and chips when it comes to food, but there are plenty of additional foodie haunts you might want to check out during your visit. The Open Market is home to a number of different food shops to complement your overall retail experience, including Rainbow Organic Chocolates for handcrafted sweet treats once you’ve dined at one of the local eateries.

Further chocolatey delights can be found at Audrey’s Chocolates – a longstanding chocolate paradise with its own chocolate factory – and Real Patisserie should not be missed if you have a sweet tooth.

Go all-in-one

Brighton may be full of independent shopping options, but that’s not to say the more typical retail therapy affair isn’t available too. If you’re looking for an all-in-one Brighton shopping experience, head over to Brighton’s premier shopping centre, Churchill Square. There, you’ll find a mix of well-known brands, great places to eat and the beach virtually on the doorstep of the mall.

Getting to Brighton

Now you know the best of Brighton’s shops, it’s time you start planning your journey to experience them all. With trains to Brighton running regularly through the day from many locations, it’s a cost-effective travel option for all the family.

You can book your tickets today – and start building that shopping list right away.