Leeds Shopping Guide

As one of the UK’s most style-conscious cities, Leeds certainly deserves its reputation as ‘The Knightsbridge of the North’. People do say this, honestly. So it’s no wonder that the city’s shopping scene reflects this reputation – with five miles of shopping streets, a pedestrianised city centre, five indoor shopping centres, and plenty of designer boutiques including Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith and Gieves and Hawkes. Harvey Nichols even chose the city to open their first ever store outside of London back in 1996 – an endorsement that surely seals Leeds’ reputation for style.

The Victoria Quarter

At the heart of Leeds’ shopping culture is The Victoria Quarter – a series of dramatic and ornate Victorian arcades housing over 70 leading high street and designer fashion and lifestyle stores. Here you’ll find plenty of ways to squander your student loan – and even if you have no money left to go out with at least you’ll look fantastic staying in.

The Corn Exchange

If you’re looking for an altogether quirkier shopping experience, head to the converted Corn Exchange, where you can spend your… er… corn in the beautiful surroundings of the Grade I listed building. With independent designer clothing boutiques, jewelry and gift shops, and plenty of cafes, it’s an alternative shopper’s paradise.

The Queens Arcade and Granary Wharf

Continuing the independent theme, The Queens Arcade and Granary Wharf are two shopping areas from which you’ll always walk away laden with quirky and interesting goods.

The Light

And of course no guide to shopping in Leeds would be complete without a mention of The Light – the shiny new multi-million pound development on the Headrow, where you’ll find all the biggest names in fashion, as well as plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs in which to show off your new attire.