Shopping in Norwich - One of the UK's Best Retail Destinations
Published date: July 2020

Norwich takes some beating when it comes to shopping. Independent stores stand shoulder to shoulder with well-known high street retailers in a compact setting that is easily explored on foot. With two extensive shopping malls, large department stores, many independent boutiques and one of the largest outdoor markets in the UK, it is no wonder Norwich is considered one of the best places to visit in the country for a spot of retail therapy.
Whilst Norwich has modern malls and all the high street brands you would expect to see, it also has many cobbled streets, quaint alleys and lanes and medieval buildings offering visitors something different to enjoy alongside their shopping. With many of the streets pedestrianised, Norwich is a lovely place to dawdle around leisurely, taking in the many centrally located sights such as the Cathedral, Norman Castle, Dragon Hall, Forum, Guildhall and Assembly House.
Whether you are shopping for the family or home, looking for a unique gift, or just want to browse and see what takes your fancy, you are sure to find everything you need in Norwich. Major high street retailers such as John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Primark and Marks and Spencer are all located around the main shopping areas of Gentleman’s Walk, St Stephen’s Street and Westlegate.
The Royal Arcade, Upper St Giles, Elm Hill, Lower Goat Lane, Pottergate, Timberhill and St Benedict’s Street are home to many unique and interesting independent shops and are certainly worth exploring. Smaller retail parks at Riverside and Cathedral Park are both walking distance from Norwich’s main city centre and Magdalen Street offers collectables and antiques as well as a good variety of independent shops.
The city has its very own independent department store Jarrold known affectionately by some as ‘Harrods’ of Norwich. This popular store has been serving the local area for 250 years and is located in a central position on London Street. Selling an extensive range of goods and services over 5 floors, customers can find food and drink, homeware, fashion, gifts and books to toys, beauty and luggage. Jarrold has more than 50 departments and sells popular brands as well as many items produced by local artisans and producers. By offering many exclusive and individual ranges this makes the store different from its competitors and continues to keep Jarrold a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.
Norwich market is one of the oldest and largest outdoor markets in the country and a trip to Norwich would not be complete without visiting its many unique and fascinating stalls. The colourful striped canopies that shelter the market traders and visitors house a plethora of food and drink stalls as well as many independent businesses selling everything from cards, stationery and jewellery, to clothing, bags, haberdashery and pet supplies.
There are ample places to stop off and refuel in the city of Norwich, from coffee shops, tea rooms and market stalls to pubs, restaurants and hotels.
Here are some of the not to be missed independent shops in Norwich…….
Department Stores:
Jarrold - 1-11 London Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1JF
Gifts and Accessories:
Lisa Angel - 3 Lower Goat Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1EL
Head in the Clouds - 13 Pottergate, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1DS
Jewellers:
Dipples - 2-6 Swan Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1JA
Winsor Bishop - 39-43 London Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1HU
Homeware:
Elm - 5-7 Lower Goat Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1EL
The Granary at Jarrolds - 5 Bedford Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1AL
Footwear:
Imelda’s Shoe Boutique - 1 Guildhall Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1JH
Tea and Coffee Merchants:
Wilkinsons - 5 Lobster Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1DQ
Strangers Coffee Roasters - 10 Dove Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1DE
Bookshops:
The Book Hive - 53 London Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1HL
City Bookshop - 10 Davey Place, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1PQ
Clothing:
Jonathan Trumbull - 5 St. Stephen’s Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3QL
Hatters - 11-13 White Lion Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1QA
Gallyons Country Clothing - 7 Bedford Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1AN
Philip Browne Menswear - 3 Guildhall Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1JH
Ginger - 35 Timber Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3LA
Scarlet - 1a Guildhall Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1JH
DIY Stores:
Thorns - 22 Exchange Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1AT
Antiques and Collectables:
Looses Emporium - 23 Magdalen Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 1LP
All Saints Antiques Centre - 3 All Saints Street, Westlegate, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3LG
Antiques & Interiors - 31-35 Elm Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 1HG
Aladdin’s Cave - 52-56 Magdalen Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 1JE
The Treasure Chest Centre, 84 St Benedict’s Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4AB
Toy Shops:
Langleys Toys - 12-14 Royal Arcade, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1NQ
Tickety-Boo! - 55 London Street, Norwich Lanes, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1HL
The Bear Shop - 18 Elm Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 1HN

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