Brighton Shopping Tips by amapola66 Top 5 Page for this destination

Primark, H & M, Henes etc: Cheap and cheerful

Most people don't need an introduction to Primark and H & M's! but if you are new to British stores, these are the staples for cheap and cheerful clothes.

Primark have just opened a hug store in Western Rd (just down from Churchill Sqaure shopping center) - this store is especially good for teenagers who want to spend their pocket money and are still growing! Primark is also handy for those boring yet useful objects such as T towels and matress covers etc and they have fabulously cheap and cheerful undies too, so cheap that when they wear out, just throw them away and buy some more (very handy if you are touring).

H & M's are a little better quality, but you can find some funky bargains and I have always liked their reasonably priced bikinis. The adult store is at the entrance to Churchill Square and the very popular and reasonably priced childrens version, downstairs in the shopping center.There is now also a newer H & M opposite on the main Western Road.

So if you fancy grabbing something to remind you of your stay here, but don't want to spend much money, head to these to stores first.

(Link to Churchill Square shopping center below).

What to buy: Primark : Underwear, socks, household things

Hennes/H & Ms : Ceap and cheerful funky clothing

What to pay: Cheap - especially in the sales!

Address: Western Rd and Churchill Square

Directions: Churchill square is situated in the heart of Brighton just a ten min. walk from Brighton’s mainline rail station & a short stroll from the Lanes/North Laine. Western Rd runs along the top from Churchill square towards Hove & away from the clock tower.

Theme: Women's Clothes

Various: Cheerful tourist tat !

I know we are all slightly snobby about cheap tourist tat ; ) but sometimes it is kind of fun to pick up this kind of thing, especially if you are coming from a completely different culture.

On the seafront in Brighton, there are numerous tourist shops of this description selling everything from Brighton rock (awful, sticky sweet stuff that rots your teeth) to union flag plates, cufflinks, fridge magnets, t-towels, socks and such the like. I bought a Union flag (which used to be called the Union'Jack') plate for my Venezuelan aunt in one of thes store recently and she loved it! These shops are also good if you have small children who love bright shiney things.

My friend 'Aunty Wife' and I, used to have a competition to see who could find the most ugly and tacky souvenir. I think she won, with a disgusting beige egg cup with three flying ducks painted on, bought from our fair city some years ago before we lived here . Then again, I did return from Paris once with an electric pink sponge in the shape of the Eiffel Tower and featuring a thermometer in its center ; )

Anyway, as I say, stroll along the seafront if you fancy having some fun looking for these 'objects of desire', to the left of the Palace Pier (as you are facing the sea) is the best spot in my experience.

Theme: Local Craft

Various: Second hand books

"Antiques & Fleamarket in the heart of the North Laine in the city with up to 70 dealers stocking furniture,silver,pictures, collectibles,books and so much more with something for everyone"

You can find a large selction of second hand books here in Brighton. They are usually in very good condition and a fraction of the new price. So if you want a beach read to leave behind while on your travels without spending £10 or more, try these tips for a bargain.

The place I usually go for some holiday reading, is the antique and flea market in the North Laine. Apart from the fact it is in the funky North Laines, under cover and has piles of other stuff to look at, they have a pretty good quality second hand book stall. A great place for a rummage. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm; Sun 10am-4pm

Another good place in the North Laine, is the Oxfam secondhand bookstore.

(I will grab a photo when I next go)

What to buy: Books and second hand jewelry.
Retro stuff etc

Address: 5-5a Upper Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 4AN

Other Contact: northlainemarket@gmail.com

Phone: 01273 600894

Theme: Books

Cissy Mo: Kitschy Cool Gizmos & Pretty Girlie Things

Me and the Small Person always pop in to Cissy Mo's if we're passing.

This funky little shop stocks everything from lights disguised as fake bunches of tulips to miniature desk cleaners. This place is a haven of kitsch gadgets and fun accessories.

They also do a fabulous range of unusual handbags and purses.

Really, you don't need anything in the shop, but in fact when you visit, you usually come away with something ; )

What to buy: Last item bought:

a fabulously tacky 'Flamenco Dancer Toilet Roll Cover' for a friend - 50p in the sale. The doll part, had ridiculously short arms, but hey, I knew my friend (The Flamenco Dancer) would love it!

Have also bought little plastic cats whcih sit on top of pencils for the Small Person, a funky ice bucket for KB and a purple spotted toothbrush holder.

A funky plastic bin was bought by Aunty Wife and another friend recently bought a very cool shower curtain.

You should get the idea ; )

What to pay: 50 pence and up

Address: 38 Sydney Street, Brighton

Directions: North Lane

Phone: +44 (0)1273 205060 / 607777

Theme: Gifts

Open Market: Cheap Veg, Plants, Organic & Household Things

If you need to buy some of the rather more boring things in life for the home such as batteries, hoover bags, dishcloths and such, I recommend you head down to the open market off London Road and find them much cheaper.

Although quite small, you can also find some reasonably priced fruit and veg, an organic shop, fresh fish, cheeses tools, bicycles, plants and all manner of odd bits and bobs.

The market also now has it's own internet cafe which also specialises in computer repairs etc...

The market has been there for years and has so far, survived competition from the large corporate supermarkets.

What to buy: Boring but essential household objects.
Flowers
Fruit & Veg
Flowers and Plants
Eastern Food
Organic Food
Bicycles
Secondhand tools
Fish
Cheese
Sewing accessories

There are toilet facilities and a cafe

What to pay: Cheap!

Directions: In between the London Road and the Level

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.btinternet.com/~ted.power/market.html

Old Village: Floaty, Feminine, Finery

Old Village in Duke Street, sells 'the best in French and Italian designer fashion'...

I have often peered into there doorway, lured in by their colourful and unusual window displays, but have resisted temptation - Until today that is. (With an imminent trip to Aruba on the cards, I have the excuse)!

Some of their stuff is way too frilly for me, but they have an eye for the most wonderful textures and colours around and today I found a skirt that had 'my name on it' ; )

Looking at their website, it really does not do the shop justice at all. Full of beautifully cut, very feminine clothes of every hue, it is a place to find that something different for a special occasion. Staff are charmingly helpful (even bringing a full length mirror into to the lady in the next cubicle to me, who did not wish to emerge in her tried on outfit in public!)

As I am going to a Cuban restaurant in Aruba next week, I opted for a really long gipsy/western type silk skirt with echos of flamenco, in an array of colour. They had only one of each colour in stock, so have the added bonus of it being unlikely that you'd see the same outfit walking around your local town, on someone else. The shop assistant was very patient with me as I couldn't decide which colour to go for. I loved them all and if mr. bank manager would have allowed, may have indulged in all three! (Well, we can dream can't we?)

This shop isn't cheap mind you, but as I say, I have an excuse ; )

I will photograph my newly bought treat, as soon as...

Recommended for a browse even if you don't buy.

What to buy: Long flowery, floaty skirts and dresses for wafting around in warm climates. Would go well with a large brimmed hat, some Chanel perfume and a picnic hamper ; )

They are one of the only UK stockists of 'Square' watches.

What to pay: A bit more than usual, but you will find unique things.

Address: Duke St, Brighton

Directions: map

Other Contact: email frocks@oldvillage.com

Phone: +44 (0)1273 204747

Theme: Women's Clothes

Website: http://www.oldvillage.com

Tickles: Sexy Gifts and Gadgets for Women

Completely forgetting the dirty-mac attitude favoured in men’s naughty shops, Tickled sells sexy objects for ladies in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere without a shred of embarrassment. Handy for that quirkier Valentines gift or grab a fun prezzie for a girlfriend's birthday.

Such favourites as 'Wingless Vibaraing Eggs' (?!) and 'Pocket Rocket' (snigger ) - a visit to this little shop can be a good tonic in itself. ; )

What to buy: Ermm It's entirely a personal thing ; )

They also have a pretty collection of pretty make-up and travel bags.

What to pay: £3 and up.

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.tickledonline.com/

Adaptatrap Percussion: I Just Wanna Bang on the Drum all Day ...

Ah, Love it - This shop has a wonderful collection of percussion instruments from around the world (my kind of heaven) - Including :

Djembes, bougarabou, congas, bongos, whistles, flutes, tablas, darbura, marimbas, koras, kalimba, didgeridoos, bowls, bells, shakers, samba.

They also do repairs, give advice, and do workshops, etc

What to buy: You can find both new and used instruments here - so don't be 'scared' to pop in ; )
(Although I often have to walk swiftly past, if I'm in a hurry, so I'm not tempted inside).

What to pay: £1.50 upwards.

Address: 26 Trafalgar Street, North Lanes

Directions: Noth Lanes (naturally)!

Phone: 01273 672722

Theme: Music

Bang Music: Cool Record & CD Store

This store has a complete range of CDs and vinyl catering for students, street cool, indie types. New and second hand as well as plenty of imports. One of the best places to get the hard to find import you've been lusting after.

Address: 16 Bond Street, Brighton

Phone: 01273207136

Theme: Music

Infinity Foods: Fresh Organic Food Produce & Natural Health

"Infinity foods has been operating in Brighton since 1971. It is a workers co-opertive and members who work there have a share in the company. A Brighton Institution."

Set up in 1970, It has been a Workers Co op since 1979. Infinity Foods have been pioneers in promoting high quality organic, natural and fair traded goods.

You can find Infinity Foods in the NorthLanes. They stock fresh organic food produce and natural health products.

Their range of unprocessed, unsprayed, unbleached and unfussy items is unparalleled – it makes you ashamed to ask for a carrier bag.

Their onsite organic bakery provides an excellent variety of tasty fresh baked bread. Daily baked products include wheat and yeast free loaves.

What to buy: Over 1500 Organic Lines
• Large Range of Dairy, wheat and gluten free products
• Organic Beers and Wines
• Large range of organic herbs and spices
• Seasonal organic gardening section

They also have a good selection of natural and cruelty free body care products.

There is also a cafe and take away in nearby Gardener St. The cafe is commited to being:
•95% Organic, with 100% organic - Fruit & vegetables, Pulses and Grains
• GMO Free !
• Fresh and Local Products as available
• Suitable for particular Diets (vegan, Wheat Free, Sugar Free..)
• Environmentally Friendly (we use eco friendly household products and recycle)

See you in there !

What to pay: They do well to keep the prices as low as possible.

Address: 25 North Road, Brighton

Directions: Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat
9.30 am - 5.30 pm
Fri 9.30 am - 6.00 pm Sun 11am - 4pm

Phone: 01273 603563

Theme: Food and Drink

Website: http://www.infinityfoods.co.uk