Experience the unexpected Independents this Christmas
While there is undeniably great Christmas shopping and dining to be had at the well-known shopping centres and retail parks in our borough, we want you to experience some of the lesser-known independent retailers the area has to offer this Christmas. To help you discover some hidden gems around the region, we’ve compiled a list of places you might want to visit in your search for the perfect present…
Head to Balsall Common
Balsall Common Country Market is a co-operative of producers who sell locally produced homemade, home grown and hand made goods. Open Saturdays throughout November and 14 and 21 December, it’s somewhere you can find unique gifts such as jewellery and clothing alongside local eggs, fruit and vegetables!
For many, the most important part of Christmas is the meat so if you haven’t found what you’re looking for at the Country Market, be sure to visit Bosworths Butchers while in Balsall Common for your pigs in blankets, beef and turkey!
Chelmsley Wood be good
The Chelmsley Wood Indoor Market (situated inside Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre) offers a diverse range of products and services from local, independent traders. This is a great place to visit if the weather is a bit damp or cold as it is all inside!
Delights in Dorridge
Boho Bakehouse is a luxury bakery and speciality coffee shop where you can find all kinds of sweet treats inspired by the laid-back cafes of Southeast Asia. Pre-order mince pies or sausage rolls, celebration cakes and Yule logs or simply head there for some R&R after a morning spent shopping!
Decadence is a boutique specialising in ladies clothing. A great place for gifts, but even better for treating yourself!
For something a bit different, why not give the gift of a horse club membership? Solihull Riding Club has all kinds of membership options for those budding pony and horse riders.
Christmas Knowle-dge!
Knowle is a Christmas shoppers dream destination! With an array of independent shops and restaurants, you can stay all day (and night).
Local artisan chocolatiers, 1683 Chocolate Place create handmade delicious chocolates using the finest quality Belgium chocolate and fresh ingredients.
For wine lovers on your list, or if you fancy a pit-stop, then don’t miss Loki Knowle. Situated in Staton Road, this shop and bar has an amazing selection of wines to take away or taste on site.
For your furry, or scaled, friends, then a visit to Pet’s World is a must. This highly knowledgeable pet shop and grooming parlour provides food and accessories for dogs, cats, birds, small animals and fish.
There are so many more shops to visit in Knowle, take a look at the Knowle directory for more shopping inspiration!
Reach out to Resorts World
The Vortex gaming gift card is a great gift for those on your list who are into Virtual Reality. Surprise them with an outing to Resorts World where they can enter a whole range of VR Spheres.
Another gamer’s delight is Rocket League. Have you got a Rocket League fan on your Christmas list? Well, you’re in luck! The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) will host its first arena of the year in Solihull at bp pulse LIVE and tickets are now on sale via Live Nation and AXS. Fans will be able to look forward to RLCS Major 1 Birmingham on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March.
For those with a sweet tooth, Miss Macaroon is a must. Can we suggest the lovely Miss Macaroon Christmas Gift Box? A perfect present for everyone – and colourful too!
Shirley worth a visit?
If there’s a cycling enthusiast in your family or taking up running is on their new year resolution list, then Shirley is definitely worth a trip. Red Kite Cycles and Birmingham Runner are both independent retailers and are bursting with gift ideas. There’s also the Electric Bike Shop for those who aren’t quite so energetic!
Solihull-stayers
If you don’t want to venture out of town, then your options are plentiful too. The Core Theatre Craft Market is a must for last minute finds on Saturday 14 December and the Solihull Bid Festive Village is open for business from Friday 29 November – Sunday 22 December..
Touchwood has some great independent shops including Crystal Chain and Cheshires for the jewellery lovers on your list, the bean-to-bar chocolate shop, Cenu Cacao and for Cookie fiends Cookie Cottage. Also no trip to Touchwood would be complete without a stop-off at John Lewis – it is definitely a shopaholic’s favourite!!
Finally, if you’re still seeking inspiration, why not check out the Solihull Bid shopping brochure – it’s jam-packed with great ideas for everyone on your list!
So, what are you waiting for? There are so many places to go shopping, if you haven’t already started buying your gifts, you’ve got no excuse now!
