SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

SHOPAHOLICS WILL LOVE LEEDS FOR ITS ECLECTIC MIX OF BOHO-CHIC BOUTIQUES, HIGH-STREET STAPLES AND QUIRKY INDEPENDENTS

It’s no surprise that Leeds is consistently rated as one of the top shopping destinations in the UK. The city centre boasts over 1,000 shops that range from slick designer stores to quirky vintage shops.

Whether you prefer a Victorian arcade awash with history or a humongous shopping centre packed with all your favourite brands, your next shopping spree is never far away. Plus, Leeds is so compact that most shops are within easy walking distance of each other.

Trinity Leeds

In recent years, retail developments have transformed Leeds’ landscape and Trinity Leeds dominates the local shopping scene. Included in this one-stop shopping destination are all the famous high-street brands you could wish for like Marks & Spencer, Mango, Decathlon, Apple, Urban Outfitters, Office and many more. Fashion, beauty, electronics, jewellery, home accessories – you name it, Trinity Leeds has probably got it. Plus, a colossal glass roof that lets the light flood in.

There’s also over 40 restaurants, bars and cafés to help you rest your feet after an almighty shopping spree. Perhaps you’re in the mood for YO! Sushi’s maki rolls or a slap-up katsu curry from Wagamama. However, don’t miss the fantastic Trinity Kitchen on the top floor which is home to a number of international restaurants, plus a rotating lineup of street food vendors too.

Also inside Trinity Leeds is the first northern outlet of Everyman Cinema, the luxe chain where you can kick back in armchairs and sip cocktails to the latest Hollywood releases. It’s the perfect way to round off a day of splurging.

But if you’ve still got a little energy left in you, Briggate, right next to Trinity Leeds shopping centre, is Leeds’ main pedestrianised shopping street. Fashion favourites Zara,

Whistles and Zadig & Voltaire are situated here, and you can find outdoor gear at The North Face.

Victoria Leeds is the city’s premium shopping destination and split into two separate (but equally classy) areas. Victoria Quarter, designed by architect Frank Matcham and built around 1900, is a stunning arcade peppered with high-end outlets. Designer names include Vivienne Westwood, Coach, Paul Smith and Calvin Klein, and you’ll find upmarket high street stores All Saints, Ted Baker and Reiss. And it’s not just fashion. Treat yourself to a scented candle from Neom, or posh chocolates from Charbonnel et Walker.

Beautiful Arcades

The shops are tempting, but the arcade’s interior is equally delightful. Ornate mosaic floors and marble columns sit encased beneath a curved glass roof – a picture-perfect backdrop to your shopping spree.

Victoria Quarter is also home to North England’s first-ever branch of Harvey Nichols. Get set for four floors of unrivalled fashion, beauty and homeware brands, plus a beautiful Brasserie with views over the city’s rooftops.

Victoria Gate, which opened in 2016 and started winning awards straight off the bat, is the other half of this upscale district. The £150 million development has at its heart a flagship John Lewis store – the biggest outside of London. Its cool, sleek interior serves as a modern interpretation of the historic arcade next door. The shopping experience is just as plush, with shops like Anthropologie, Molton Brown, Mint Velvet and The White Company to pick from.

Flashy young shopping centres like Trinity Leeds and Victoria Gate may snatch the headlines, but there’s a selection of classic indoor malls in Leeds too. St John’s Centre on Merrion Street features a good choice of value-oriented shops over two floors. Keep your eyes peeled for regular fundraising events that benefit local charities such as Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

If you haven’t yet shopped ’til you drop and are looking for something completely different, a mere minute’s walk away is the Merrion Centre in the city’s Arena Quarter which is home to an eclectic mix of independent operators and high street favourites.

In addition to essential shopping courtesy of Morrisons, Iceland, Co-op, Home Bargains and Wilko, there’s a variety of unique health and beauty operators, a gym, hotel, nightclub, bowling alley and a whole host of authentic international eateries. Perhaps the jewel in the crown of this shopping centre is Jumbo Records. Established in the 1970s, this old-school record store is a treasured Leeds indie and beloved by music fans.

There’s no need to venture beyond Leeds city centre to fulfil your shopping desires. However, if you do fancy a trip out, then you’ll find plenty of choices. The White Rose Shopping Centre is situated in the Beeston area of Leeds, near Elland Road football stadium. This 120-shop