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Shoppers' Paradise
Designer brands, major chains and dozens of independent shops and boutiques in the city’s network of Victorian and Edwardian arcades have helped Cardiff build a reputation as one of the UK’s top shopping destinations.
Capitol Shopping Centre
The Capitol is a premier shopping centre at the heart of Cardiff's bustling shopping district, a fashion paradise anchored by H&M and Zavvi. It has top quality high street retailers under one roof including Oasis, Karen Millen, Fat Face,Quiksilver,Coast, MAC, Moda in Pelle and Dune.The centre also offers a variety of excellent food establishments and on site parking facilities. It is open 7 days a week, with late night shopping every Thursday until 7pm. Find out more here.
Mermaid Quay
Mermaid Quay is a chic waterfront location situated in the heart of Cardiff Bay. The centre boasts over 25 restaurants, bars and cafes all in one location. Mermaid Quay also offers a wide selection of shops and services. From stylish boutiques like Clobbered Up to designer eyewear at Blink Optometrists, a complete makeover at Ken Picton Salon, Welsh and international hand made gifts from eva or even a luxury home at Taylors Estate agents, Mermaid Quay offers the perfect retail therapy.
Find out more here.
Queens Arcade
Queens Arcade is situated on Queen Street, right in the heart of Cardiff city centre. The complex has over 35 stores offering fashion, shoes, toys, jewellery and furniture. Or you can simply meet your family or friends and have a coffee or two. Find out more here
St David’s Shopping Centre
At the heart of Cardiff’s lively shopping district, St. David’s Shopping Centre has something for everyone. With over 60 leading stores including Bhs, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, Boots, Pravins, Republic, Watches of Switzerland, Jones Bootmaker and Timberland, it's bursting with the very latest in high street and designer fashion, jewellery, cosmetics, toys and even chocolate! All open seven days a week, with late night Thursdays. St. David’s also offers an exciting calendar of events throughout the year, including plenty of fun for the kids. Find out more about the very latest special offers, events and store updates.
Arcades
Cardiff’s arcades still retain many of their Victorian and Edwardian features and are now home to dozens of unique stores and cafes. All manner of Welsh gifts can be found in these arcades, from handmade Welsh textiles to Welsh love spoons and rugby shirts. Visit Morgan and Castle Arcades for the latest designer fashions in independent stores such as Woodenwood or Chessmen, or rest your feet and enjoy a meal in cafes such as vegetarian café Crumbs, or The Plan, which specialises in organic and FairTrade food and drink.
Queen Street
Cardiff’s main shopping thoroughfare is on the pedestrianised Queen Street, where you’ll find popular stores including Office, Fopp, Qube and Zara.
The Hayes
The Hayes is currently undergoing a face lift and new stores, including a flagship Borders book store. The Hayes is also home to Howell’s department store, where you'll be able to find everything from the latest fashions and electronic gadgets to Welsh wine and whiskey in the large deli-section; and keep an eye out for the TARDIS, as Howell’s is often used as a filming location for the BBC Wales television series ‘Doctor Who’.
Markets
Shoppers can seek out the Victorian indoor market – which offers an assortment of merchandise, from fresh fish to traditional Welsh cheeses, rolls of designer fabrics to mobile phones. Another place to visit for locally grown food is the Riverside Real Food Market which takes place on the Taff Embankment every Sunday from 10am – 2pm. For those interested in antiques visit Jacob's Antiques Market or The Pumping Station.
For a listing of shops and markets click here.
