Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Leeds

Leeds is the commercial, cultural, and financial hub of West Yorkshire and the fourth-largest urban area in the United Kingdom. It’s one of the famous British cities known for its economic vibrancy and historical moments. Each year, it attracts tons of visitors who want to witness its exciting art galleries, monuments, and museums.

Since Leeds city centre is compact and walkable, many fabulous boutiques, designer stores, trendy shops, and hip markets are just within your reach. Its bustling shopping scene is dominated by large shopping centers, pop-up markets, designer shops, and historical arcades housed in old buildings. Indeed, this lovely university city offers excellent shopping opportunities for all styles and budgets.

You are spoiled for choice when shopping in Leeds. You'll find it here no matter what you’re looking for, whether high-fashion clothing, classy jewelry, or a one-of-a-kind gift. If you have more places to explore after a shopping spree, leave your bags at a luggage storage facility in Leeds. That way, you can discover more of the city without burden.

Best Shopping Centers in Leeds

White Rose Shopping Centre

White Rose Shopping Centre is a great alternative for those looking to get their shopping done in a quieter and less busy environment. It’s a family-friendly shopping mall in South Leeds, with over 120 shops, including your high-street favorites and handcrafted jewelry like Pandora, H.Samuel, H&M, and Zara.

This shopping center is a diverse mix of retail, offices, and fun. If you get hungry and need a quick bite while shopping, it has several restaurants, cafés, and bars where you can recharge and relax. You can also take your kids to the Woodland Play Area at the Village or watch your favorite film at the 11-screen Cineworld with IMAX and ScreenX.

Location: Dewsbury Rd, Leeds LS11 8LU

Trinity Leeds

If you’re looking for the main shopping centre in Leeds, there’s no other place to go than Trinity Leeds. It is the largest shopping and leisure destination in the city, with more than 120 shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes. It also features the Everyman Cinema, offering a unique movie-viewing experience to visitors. It’s different from any other cinema in the UK, with the quality of films, service, and food it delivers in an elegant setting.

You can get your watch repaired at The Watch Lab or refresh your wardrobe with Urban Outfitters and River Island. If you need British luxury jewelry, you’ll also find ROX – Diamonds & Thrills at Trinity Leeds. But before shopping or dining, take the time to marvel at the giant iconic glass roof and award-winning architecture that makes every visit exciting.

Location: Albion Street, Leeds LS1 5AT

Crossgates Shopping Centre

Shopping in Leeds doesn’t have to be complicated with Crossgates Shopping Centre. It has all the facilities you need for convenient shopping, from toilet baby changing facilities to cash machines and over 300 parking spaces. It also offers more than 60 shops, cafes, and services – everything on one level and under one roof.

Whether you need to refresh your style with new quality clothing or are cooking a special meal for your loved ones and need fresh food ingredients, Crossgate has got you covered. You can also buy household items, accessories, and gifts here. Plus, it has food and drink spots for a snack on the go or catching up with a friend.

Location: 8a Station Rd, Cross Gates, Leeds LS15 8ET

The Core Shopping Centre

The Core isn’t the largest shopping center in the city. Still, it’s worth visiting, especially if you need to grab a pair of new footwear at Footasylum or outdoor clothing and equipment at Blacks. It is located near several department stores, restaurants, and malls in Leeds city centre. It is also a short walk from the iconic Leeds Art Gallery, making it a great stop while discovering the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene.

In addition, the Core Shopping Centre is home to a health and fitness facility, a few dining spots, and a number of parent and baby rooms. Visitors are also welcome to the Hot Room, the first-ever hot yoga studio in Yorkshire.

Location: King Charles St, Leeds LS1 6LT

The Springs

The Springs is a new retail and leisure park in the city with all the brands and high street shops you love, restaurants, and entertainment in one place. It’s part of a more expansive 275-acre multi-purpose development consisting of an 800-thousand-square-feet business park with over 60 businesses.

Some of the shops you’ll find at the Springs include H&M, Shoezone, Outfit, Boots, JD Sports, River Island, and many more. There are also shops and cafés, including Caffé Nero and Krispy Kréme. Overall, this shopping complex offers an enjoyable space for eating, drinking, shopping, or simply browsing.

Location: The Springs Thorpe Park View, Leeds LS15 8GH

The Corn Exchange

Leeds Corn Exchange is a must-visit shopping destination in the city, with a selection of independent stores, restaurants, and a food market. It is hosted in a majestic Grade 1 listed Victorian building with more than 150 years of history. For over a century and a half, it has housed animal shows, shops, nightclubs, and corn traders. Today, it remains an iconic part of the city skyline and provides a breathtaking space for people to dine, shop, and soak in the delightful atmosphere.

The historical grandeur of the building and its architecture is like no other. There are only a few big brands, but it’s a fantastic place to explore if you want to support locals. Besides fashion and accessories, you can also buy musical instruments, homeware, and local delicacies. Plus, it hosts regular activities, so watch out for art shows, record fairs, festivals, and markets while visiting Leeds Corn Exchange.

Location: Call Lane, Leeds LS1 7BR

Leeds Shopping Arcades and Streets

Victoria Leeds

Enjoy luxury shopping at Victoria Leeds, the ultimate shopping spot in the North of England. It’s a well-preserved and delicately restored Victorian shopping place and leisure area in the city’s beating heart. It consists of the historic Victoria Quarter and the newest Victoria Gate, which opened in October 2016.

Victoria Leeds is the premier shopping destination for fashionistas looking for vintage clothing shops and high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Vivienne Westwood, Ted Baker, and some of Britain’s most respected design companies and high street brands. Many major stores like John Lewis and Harvey Nichols can also be found here, making it a one-stop place for all your shopping needs.

With the mix of retailers and breathtaking architecture, Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate are obligatory stops for all shopaholics and architecture lovers. By combining these two iconic parts of the shopping complex, Victoria Leeds delivers the most energetic and vibrant shipping scene in Leeds city centre.

The Grand Arcade

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to the city for business, one place you shouldn’t miss when shopping in Leeds is the Grand Arcade. It’s one of the first shopping arcades in the city centre, packed with small independent retailers and cafes.

Even if you’re only here for window shopping, you’ll have an exciting experience witnessing the Grade II-listed Victorian building, making it one of the city’s most unique shopping spaces. It features arched windows, a gorgeous glass roof, wooden floors, and open beams, giving vendors an elegant place to sell their products to locals and visitors.

Don’t miss out on the events and activities happening in the Grand Arcade. It often offers free exhibitions and shows, craft classes, markets, shows, and other fun events for everyone.

Briggate

When you visit and explore Leeds, you’ll likely find yourself in Briggate, a pedestrianized main shopping street in the heart of the city. It is the location of many shopping malls, shopping arcades, housed markets, and shops in Leeds. It also contains numerous historic buildings, including the city’s oldest and those dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

At a glance, Briggate may seem like any other busy street in Leeds. But as you go closer, you’ll find that it is rich in fascinating history and lined with shops, independent stores, pubs, and dining places. One of the shops you’ll find along the street is Harvey Nichols, where you can indulge in world-class products and high-end brands. Many street entertainers, buskers, and performers also come here to entertain you. So be sure to take your time exploring the area and finding the hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Top Leeds Markets

Kirkgate Market

With more than 600 stalls and 250 businesses, Kirkgate Market is a true haven for shoppers from around the world. It is one of Europe’s biggest indoor markets where you can find everything from fresh produce, street food, seafood, and drinks to fashion, hardware, and home décor.

Near Leeds Station, Leeds Kirkgate Market has been at the heart of the retail scene in Leeds since 1857, featuring traders, local artists, and businesses representing diverse nationalities. It draws in more than 10 million visitors each year, providing a great opportunity for local sellers and independent traders to sell their different products.

After shopping, you’ll have more time to marvel at the imposing main Edwardian space, boasting grand stone archways and ornamental wrought iron casings. The pinnacles on the roof and impressive stonework are also magnificent sights to behold. Shopping in Leeds Kirkgate Market is truly a wonderful sensory experience.

Location: Main entrance Vicar Lane, Leeds City Centre LS2 7HY

Leeds Farmer’s Markets

If you’re shopping specifically for food and want to buy the freshest seasonal produce, check out Leeds Farmer’s Markets in Briggate. Here, you’ll find an array of stalls selling locally-farmed fruits and vegetables, homemade food, sweets, and local cheeses. It provides a charming environment for community members to interact, learn, and support local farmers, artisans, and bakers.

Leeds Farmer’s Market is full of character and charm, with numerous vendors showing off their latest products. There are specialty stalls selling jams, bottles of rich honey, eggs, and fully organic potatoes, carrots, onions, and swedes. Besides food items and cooking ingredients, you’ll also find arts and crafts for sale, candles, soaps, homeware, and many more.

Head to Briggate on the first and third Sunday of the month to find Leeds Farmer’s Markets. They are also inside Kirkgate Market every second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Location: Briggate, Leeds LS1 4AF

Albion Place Market

Albion Place is a buzzing street in Leeds City Centre, home to a number of shops and restaurants. Every Saturday from 10 AM to 6:30 PM, it becomes more lively and bustling with an additional twenty to twenty-five stalls close to the Trinity Shopping Centre. The Albion Place market allows shoppers to find original, creative handcrafted items at great prices. It runs every fortnight from late spring to early fall and weekly from September to Christmas.

The Albion Place market is an exciting pop-up market in the heart of the city centre. You’ll find something new and exciting handmade goodies every time you visit. The products are made by local designers, artists, producers, and crafters, including jewelry, art, fashion, home accessories, photography, and homeware.

Location: Albion Place, Leeds, LS1 6JL

Yeadon Market

If you’re in the area on a Friday, visit the beautiful Town Hall Square in Yeadon as it comes to life with local traders selling and shoppers hunting for fresh goods. It is open from 9 AM to 4 PM, welcoming customers looking for fresh veggies, fruits, seafood, and meat products. Apart from food, you can also find home essentials, handcrafted items, and unique gifts at the market.

Location: Town Hall Square, Leeds, LS19 7PP

Enjoy Shopping in Leeds

Leeds is every shopper’s paradise where you’ll spot big names in high fashion and independent shops housed in historic buildings. Even those traveling on a budget can’t help but admire the variety of shops as they wander through the city centre, combining modern luxury with history and arts. Though you only plan to do window shopping, be prepared for a glorious day of retail therapy in this charming British city.